Our USPTO Military Association (UMA) hosted a Veterans Day program at the Alexandria campus on November 7th to honor America’s veterans for their willingness to serve and make sacrifices for the nation. Joined by the Patenteers, the USPTO chorus, as well as a jazz ensemble from a local school, our colleagues offered their thanks for those who have served in our armed forces.

UMA Executive Sponsor and agency Chief Administrative Officer Fred Steckler opened by sharing a brief history of the UMA and veteran hiring at the USPTO. The veteran workforce at the agency now numbers over 1,000. He emphasized the UMA’s impact cannot be understated.

“It’s not enough to simply hire veterans; you have to create a community for them,” he said.

Added USPTO Deputy Director Derrick Brent: “The UMA is a shining organization in the agency. [Veterans] have shaped our society both in and out of uniform.”

Veteran contributions were also emphasized by the program guest speaker, retired Army Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, who offered a keynote address about organizational trust.

“The trust that veterans bring to organizations is so critical […] we must not only encourage it, but require it,” he said. “That’s what veterans bring to the table…a legacy of loyalty and service.”