This month we honor veterans with a partnership with the United Service Organizations and highlighting dealers and employee veterans.

Meet a few LiftMaster Dealer and Employee Military Veterans.

Tom DeSilvia, LiftMaster Employee
United States Air Force Reserves
1987 – 2015
Lieutenant Colonel

To me, Veterans Day reminds me of honor and respect, and the price we pay to keep our country free. Those who serve in the military have great respect for our country and are willing to endanger their lives to protect our country’s values.  Whenever I see our flag, I pause, look for a moment and remember those with whom I have served.  When I hear the first notes of the National Anthem, I stand, put my hand over my heart and reflect upon being part of the best nation in the world.  

Sometimes people thank me for my service, which always makes me feel good and raise my head higher. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity, honor and privilege of wearing the uniform.  For those of us who have served, we share a special camaraderie of knowing we were part of something bigger and more important than ourselves.  We know what we have accomplished, are thankful to those who have supported us, and take great pride in our country. 

Juan M. Lopez, LiftMaster Employee
United States Marine Corps
6.5 Years of service
Sergeant

It means a lot to me to be a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has a rich tradition of excellence and camaraderie. My experience instilled in me a sense that not only can I accomplish anything I set my mind to but that I should give it a 110% effort. This came from the rigorous challenge of USMC boot camp and my experience in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. 

However, most important to me is the camaraderie. I forged the strongest friendships in the Marine Corps and I am still very close to the men and women I served with. We are lifelong friends and in fact their families are our family. Our kids all know each other and we have not let the years or distance separate us. This is the greatest gift I received from my military service.

Brian Jossee, LiftMaster Employee
United States Navy
1986-90
Lieutenant

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as a Navy Officer. I feel I learned a lot about leadership, discipline, and responsibility during my time in service, which has served me well in my civilian career.

Probably my most vivid memory of the Navy was the time we were patrolling the Persian Gulf and thought we saw a mine floating by, only it turned out to be a dead cow. Our Captain decided we needed to sink it, in order to prevent another ship from having the same panic, so one of our Gunner’s Mates had to fire on the cow with a .50 caliber machine gun mounted amidships. Being a little rusty, it took him a few bursts to finally hit it, and when he did it literally blew up. The gases created from internal decay had created the buoyancy, and when the body was hit they decompressed explosively. So as it turns out, the experience of neutralizing an alleged mine was probably pretty similar to that of neutralizing an actual mine.

Thanks for the opportunity to be recognized, and I hope we can also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Jerry Lamb, Pro Doorman
United States Navy
Vietnam

My husband, Jerry Lamb served in the Navy during Vietnam on the USS Boston Cag1.  He served 2 years and at that time due to military cuts his time was done with the Navy. He supports all military organizations the best he/we can. He is a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, a past commander of our American Legion and also a past ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. 

To all veterans thank you.


Todd Gilstrap, Cedar Park Overhead Doors
United States Army
1987-91

SPC Ciara Fisher, D&D Garage Doors
United States Army
2008-16

Why did I serve? It’s been something I’ve wanted to do all throughout high school. I joined JROTC in high school, and I was set on wanting to serve my country. As soon as I became a junior in high school, I went to my recruiting station and asked, “Where do I sign?” Shortly after that, I signed my contract. A month after I graduated high school I left for basic training. I was stationed in Fort Polk, LA.

The best years of my life was serving. I learned so much and met so many people. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

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