Highlights:
- Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11th
- RingCentral veterans discuss the importance of recognizing military service, and provide insights on transitioning to civilian life and the value of veteran skills in the workplace
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, holds profound significance for millions of Americans who have served in the military. At RingCentral, we’re privileged to have veterans like Alex Taus, Cody Hallam, and Rob Munoz among our ranks. Their experiences offer valuable insights into the importance of recognizing and supporting those who have served our country.
Our Veterans
Meet Alex Taus, Cody Hallam, and Rob Munoz.
- Alex Taus, current President of the U.S. Service Members Employee Resource Group (ERG), served in the U.S. Army from 2007-2012 as an Infantryman (11B) where he worked primarily as a Personal Security Detail member (PSD) and a Radio Telephone Operator. This experience segued his career into the communications field where he currently works as the Hypercare Manager at RingCentral.
- Cody Hallam, a Staff Sergeant (E-6), served for about 7 and a half years (from 2014-2021), in the U.S. Army as a Multichannel Systems Operator (25Q). He supported campaigns Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. Cody is currently with RingCental as Technical Account Manager.
- Rob Munoz, our Senior Director of Global Workplace, Safety, Security and Business Resiliency at RingCentral, was a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and served as an Artilleryman (13B) in the U.S. Army for 10 years.
Military Service and Its Meaning
For many Veterans, serving in the military is more than just a job – it’s a calling that stems from a deep sense of duty and family tradition. Rob Munoz explains, “I felt I was doing the service to my family. My grandfather started off his service during World War 2 followed up by all my uncles in the Vietnam War”. This sentiment echoes the experiences of many who have served, including Cody Hallam and Alex Taus. Cody’s grandfather served and most men in Alex’s family served. Their service, spanning multiple tours and roles, has shaped their perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
The Significance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day serves as a crucial reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served. Alex emphasizes, “Veterans Day is important because it honors all Veterans, despite branch or title, who have put their hand up and sacrificed their lives for our country”. This day not only acknowledges past service but also highlights the ongoing challenges many Veterans face. Cody points out that “Many Veterans return home with hidden wounds—things that aren’t visible—like PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression. So, a simple handshake or a ‘Thank you for your service’ can mean the world.” Rob suggests, true honor goes beyond recognition: “The best way to honor a soldier is to live by the military core values of leadership, loyalty, duty, respect, selflessness, and personal courage.”
Both Alex and Cody emphasize the struggles Veterans often face after their service, including survivor’s guilt and a lost sense of identity or community. These challenges underscore the true significance of Veterans Day—not only as a time to honor past service but also as a reminder of the ongoing support veterans need as they navigate life after the military.
If you are a Veteran in a crisis, please contact the Veteran Crisis Line.
Valuing Veterans in the Workplace
The transition from military to civilian life can be a significant challenge for many Veterans. Cody reflects on his experience: “The transition was tough because of the military mindset. When I got out, I thought, ‘I will just figure it out on my own.'” Veterans often face hurdles like adjusting their communication styles, translating military skills into civilian roles, and finding a new sense of purpose. This highlights the importance of providing ongoing support as Veterans navigate this major life change.
Veterans bring unique skills and perspectives to the civilian workforce. Alex emphasizes, “The military mindset applies to any field—showing up on time, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. These are skills that translate into any career path.” Rob adds, “You have to peel back the layers and really understand an individual, especially a soldier. While they may not communicate the same way, they bring transferable qualities that will help achieve company goals.” The military experience cultivates resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities—traits that are invaluable in the corporate world.
Honoring Veterans at RingCentral
At RingCentral, we are committed to fostering an inclusive company culture for our veterans, and one way we achieve this is through our U.S. Service Members Employee Resource Group (ERG). This ERG offers veterans and service members a space to connect, support one another, and share their experiences. Alex highlights the importance of this group: “Knowing there is a like-minded community of veterans we can socialize and network with, and bringing that camaraderie often found in the military into the civilian world, is huge.” This sense of community helps veterans transition and thrive in their new roles.
Additionally, we are proud to announce that, for the second year in a row, RingCentral has been designated as a Military Friendly Employer, Silver rank for 2025. The Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking Employer in their category. Only a select group of companies achieve this honor.
Thank you Veterans
Alex, Cody, Rob, and all the veterans at RingCentral, thank you for your service. We deeply appreciate everything you’ve done in the military and continue to do as part of the RingCentral family. Your contributions are invaluable, helping shape the diverse and inclusive culture that defines who we are today.
Originally published Nov 11, 2024
