TURNER CONSTRUCTION’S COMMITMENT TO VETERANS: LEADING THE WAY WITH SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION

BY STEPHEN POTTER | TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

According to the latest Employment Situation of Veterans – 2023 report released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a total of 17.9 million men and women veterans in the U.S. population. According to the report, a full 8 million of those veterans (or ~44%) served during Gulf War-era I (August 1990 to August 2001) and Gulf War-era II (September 2001 – present), which means that many of them experienced one or more combat deployments. As of August 2023, 5.5 million veterans, or 30% had a service-connected disability.

When one looks at the construction industry, Veterans constitute 6.3% of the construction industry. Given their service to the nation and the experiences and skills they bring to the workforce, it is vital that we – at all levels of the industry – endeavor to include them in the workforce, support their needs, and empower them to succeed.

Turner Construction’s Commitment to Veterans: Leading the Way with Support and Recognition

The leadership at Turner Construction Company holds a strong belief in the power of diversity and inclusion as drivers of innovation and success. Among the many Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Turner, the Veterans ERG particularly stands out, exemplifying Turner’s dedication to supporting those who have served the country. This Veterans ERG honors, supports, and connects military members, veterans, and their families, ensuring that their contributions to society and the organization are recognized and valued. Through various initiatives and partnerships, Turner demonstrates a leading commitment to prioritizing veterans and their needs.

What is an ERG?

An Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led group that fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with an organization’s mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. ERGs provide support, enhance career development, and contribute to personal development within the work environment. They often focus on groups such as women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, and veterans, among others. Turner’s Veterans ERG specifically serves as a network dedicated to honoring, supporting, and connecting military members, veterans, and their families within the company. It aims to create an environment where veterans can maintain their identity and leverage their skills and experiences to contribute to Turner’s success.

Supporting & Celebrating Turner’s Veterans

Since its inception in 2016, the Veterans ERG has played a crucial role in building a supportive community for veterans at Turner. In honor of Veterans Day 2022, Turner’s National Veterans’ Network ERG, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion department, created a virtual Veteran Wall. This tribute, featuring photos and information about more than 100 veterans at Turner, was prominently displayed on the homepage of Turner’s intranet. This virtual wall allowed employees across the company to see and honor the veterans within the organization, fostering a sense of pride and recognition for their service and contributions. Employees in the Philadelphia office of Turner have been discussing the launch of a local Veterans ERG chapter to cater to Turner’s local veteran population.

John Bingham, Director of Safety at Turner Construction and a former Army serviceman, recently reflected on the transition from military to civilian life and the importance of the Veterans ERG. “The transition [to civilian life] was challenging at first because I joined the army at a very young age. Losing the army structure was a bit of a challenge; and understanding that you had a lot more freedom to do as you pleased from day to day was another challenge,” he explained. However, Bingham noted that many habits and values from his military service, such as punctuality, discipline, and selfmotivation, have served him well in his civilian career.

Bingham also highlighted the similarities between military and civilian life that aid veterans in transitioning to the construction industry. “There is a very big sense of camaraderie that is similar to the military. There's a sense of pride in your trade, pride in your work, and a collective spirit of getting the job done together,” he said. These similarities help veterans feel a sense of belonging and purpose in their new roles.

However, there are also differences that can pose challenges. “A challenge for veterans might be the need to critically think your way out of situations rather than following a set structure,” Bingham said. This is where the Veterans ERG becomes essential, providing a support system for veterans to navigate these differences. “Having a group of people with the same experiences that you can turn to for support, ask questions, or just vent is incredibly important,” Bingham emphasized.

“Carry the Load” Case Study

One notable example of Turner’s support for veterans is its involvement with the organization “Carry the Load.” This organization provides active ways to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes, particularly around Memorial Day. Turner’s involvement began in 2018 with the Dallas Memorial March and has since expanded into a multi-city commitment, with teams in Dallas, Houston, Omaha, and Idaho joining the cause. Damion Pourciau, Project Executive in Dallas, has been a driving force behind Turner’s participation. Reflecting on Turner’s journey, Damion shared, “Our participation began as a way to give back to the community and honor those who have sacrificed so much. Over the years it has evolved into a significant part of our company culture, promoting team building and a sense of shared purpose.”

Every year, Turner employees actively participate in the Memorial Day March, embodying the spirit of “Carry the Load” by honoring the memories of those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms. Beyond the marches, Turner employees also volunteer on Patriot Day, performing maintenance at the Dallas National Cemetery by cleaning headstones and pulling weeds. This commitment extends beyond physical participation; since 2019, Turner has established Carry the Load as a beneficiary of funds raised at the Dallas Business Unit’s annual golf tournament, resulting in a total donation of over $150,000.

Recognition from Forbes

Turner’s efforts to create a supportive environment for veterans have not gone unnoticed. Forbes recognized Turner Construction Company as one of America’s best employers for veterans. This honor reflects Turner’s dedication to creating a workplace where former and current members of the military can thrive. Veterans were asked to rate their employers on criteria such as salary, career advancement opportunities, onboarding policies, health benefits, and representation of veterans in upper management. Turner’s proactive approach to recruiting service members transitioning out of the military, coupled with supportive policies for National Guard and Reserve members, has earned Turner this prestigious recognition.

Steve Fort, Senior Vice President of Turner Construction Company, highlighted Turner’s commitment, saying, “The environment Turner has created is welcoming to everyone and encourages all to be their authentic selves. Having served in the Navy for seven years prior to my career at Turner, I can say without hesitation that this is clearly demonstrated in its recruiting, onboarding, support of our Veteran Employee Resource Groups, and financial assistance of Veteran-centric organizations outside of the company.”

Conclusion

Turner Construction Company’s Veterans ERG is more than just a network: it is a testament to Turner’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served the country. Through its involvement with organizations like Carry the Load, its various charitable initiatives, and recognition from Forbes, Turner is leading the way in making veterans and their needs a priority. Turner strives to create an environment that not only supports veterans but also benefits from the unique skills and experiences they bring to the organization. As Turner continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support they deserve for their invaluable contributions to society and to Turner.