Arkema among companies helping veterans find purpose after their service

Arkema is one of many companies across the country trying to help veterans find their purpose.

While serving on active duty, our men and women in uniform adhere to strict procedures and policies that give them the greatest opportunity to succeed in their mission. Often, it is difficult to find that structure and purpose when they rejoin the private sector. Many companies, though, value individuals who can work within that kind of structure, because that usually means their operation is safer and more efficient.

Arkema is one of those companies. With operations in Calvert City, they are a company that seeks out veterans because of those qualities and the leadership ability that often comes with them.

Josh Anderson, a Graves County native and Arkema employee, served in the National Guard and was deployed to active duty in Iraq as part of a Military Police Unit that went in conjunction with an infantry unit from eastern Kentucky. He said things he learned as part of his service have served him in civilian life. Anderson told West Kentucky Star that he feels like some companies overlook veterans. He said that finding a purpose is one of the hardest parts, but also most important in that transition.

Anderson said, “If you don’t have a purpose, that’s when the whole, I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the 22 a day committing suicide. That’s a big ordeal in my personal life, you know, with the struggles I’ve done, but Arkema, they gave me a purpose.”

Anderson added that the company has a resource outlet for those veterans who work for Arkema.

“It’s just a, just a buncha group of veterans that we share ideas, share stories, wish each other “Happy Veterans Day.” They helped me kickstart our chapter here at the Calvert City plant.”

He said there are about 10 in the group, and they get together for fellowship and to share and discuss ideas that might help the company, as well. A plaque honoring the veterans who work in the Calvert City facility has been placed in their Administration Building with all their names, and they recognize those individuals on Veterans Day. Anderson said he hopes to add to that number as the plant operations grow.  

To all those veterans who have given so much, we say thank you. A tip of the cap, as well, to companies like Arkema that help them find that next mission.