Giving back to the communities we serve is a big part of who we are at Quartz. As part of our work-life benefits, Quartz employees receive additional PTO for volunteering opportunities during their working hours.
Jody McClain, manager of our Coding Integrity Unit, shares how using her volunteer hours helping the Badger Honor Flight has made a difference in her life.
What is the Badger Honor Flight, and what do you do for them as a volunteer?
“Badger Honor Flight is the regional affiliate of the Honor Flight Network. Their mission is to take WWII, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans to Washington, DC, to see the memorials built in their honor. This is at no cost to the veteran. I serve on the Board of Directors and am the Director of Flight Operations. My responsibilities include the scheduling, coordinating, and logistics for the entire day in DC, including the charter airplane, buses, United States Park Police, Memorial stops, meal delivery, and itinerary. To date, Badger Honor Flight has transported over 4,600 veterans to D.C. on 54 missions.”
Why is the Badger Honor Flight important to you?
“I have always been a huge supporter of all things military. My dad was a Navy Veteran who served during WWII. I have several other family members who have served or are serving. I started volunteering with Badger Honor Flight in 2010 to honor my dad. He passed in 2008 and never got to see the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. It’s important to me to give back to those who fought for our freedoms.”
What role has Quartz played in supporting your efforts?
“After starting at Quartz, I joined the Military Service Members ERG. (Fun fact: You do not need to be a military member to join the Military Service Members ERG!)
I invited the Military Service Members ERG and Quartz to regularly participate in our send-off ceremonies before a flight. Before the ceremony, volunteers pack 200 breakfast bags and give them to veterans and their guardians as they board the plane. It is a great opportunity to use volunteer hours and interact with the vets before they head off on their Honor Flight. Additionally, Badger Honor Flight recently raised funds to replace our wheelchair fleet. The Quartz Military Service Members ERG donated funds to sponsor a wheelchair.
My volunteer work with Badger Honor Flight has filled my cup in a way I never thought possible. I appreciate Quartz’s support for our veterans and military, Quartz employees for their volunteer hours, and our community for coming together for this cause.”
Learn more about our company culture and our employees’ role in the community: https://lnkd.in/g2Et6qpy