Veterans ERG (VERG)

The purpose of the VERG is to enhance the work environment at Berkeley Lab for veteran employees and job seekers. Our goal is to promote an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, identify and address emerging issues or challenges such as veteran recruitment and retention, increase the visibility and value of veterans’ skills in the workplace among management and staff, provide guidance for institutional processes and programs, enhance policies of non-discrimination, and recognize achievements impacting our community. The group is open to all employees, including veterans and civilians. VERG is currently working on a self-identification campaign for veterans at the Lab.

Activities

  • Enhance external outreach and recruitment efforts for veterans

  • Attend HR/VERG Recruitment Summit

  • Create publicly available Veteran-centered webpage

  • Arrange general interest military speaker for Veteran’s Day

  • Promote Veteran’s Self Identification via Employee Self Service

Past News & Events

2020 Accomplishments

  • Attended the Student Veterans of America Conference in January 2020

  • Participated in National Labs ERG leadership summit at LLNL.

  • Designed new "Challenge Coins" to promote self-ID efforts and build VERG branding efforts.

  • Co-hosted second annual Veteran Outreach & Hiring Symposium.

  • Worked with creative services to design a new logo

  • Elected new co-chair: Michael Batie.

  • Partnered with Strategic Communications on Elements article to mark Memorial Day

Member Highlights

Ann Stroud

In her 21 years in the United States Army, Ann Stroud learned about time management, discipline, and most of all, teamwork. Read how she brings teamwork to scientific procurement, working with researchers to find the right suppliers while protecting the interests of the Lab. Learn more about Ann's experience.

Marc Beaudreau

Just as our lives are being reshaped today by the pandemic, an event of similar magnitude changed Marc Beaudreau’s perception of duty and sacrifice and brought him to the Marine Corps. Learn how Marc uses his training to support Biosciences on the field finance team. Read the full interview>>

Michael Batie

Michael Batie joined the U.S. Navy to take advantage of its technical education, particularly its nuclear propulsion program. He served for six years. After leaving the military the solid technical education he received in the Navy encouraged him to pursue an education in engineering. He is also the new VERG co-chair.
Learn more about Michael's experience.

Stephany Tone

Like many in her generation, the events of September 11, 2001, were a catalyst that put Stephany Tone on a career path that led her to Berkley Lab. Stephany is new to the Lab, joining this year during the pandemic. She spent five and a half years in the Navy serving in the Military Police.
Learn more about Stephany's experience.

Blair Edwards

Blair Edwards didn’t come from a military family, but he and his wife, who also served, have started a military dynasty. He entered the U.S. Army from high school after he took the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB) as part of his high school graduation requirements. The results showed him new options which included travel and five years in Hawaii.
Learn more about Blair's experience.

Co-Chairs

Sub-committees

  • Veteran's Outreach - Alexandra Degg - ADegg@lbl.gov

  • Networking

  • Retention

Executive Sponsor

Minh Huebner, Chief Financial Officer

Minh Huebner has been with the Lab since 2004 and is currently the Lab’s Chief Financial Officer. She recently added another responsibility; that of the sponsor of the Lab’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. Minh did not serve in the military, but she is grateful to those who did since they changed her life. Read the full interview>>

Contact Information

Become an ERG Member