Beyond the Battlefield with MMRG | McKesson (original) (raw)
Read time: 5.5 minutes
Members of the armed forces adhere to a set of core values, which are centered around integrity, respect, excellence and service beyond self. These same values guide McKesson employees in their mission to improve healthcare for all. This shared commitment makes veterans invaluable at McKesson, where their skills as team leaders, planners and quick thinkers are highly valued as they transition into civilian roles.
McKesson actively recruits veterans, offering them opportunities to lead mission-driven work throughout their careers. Our McKesson Military Resource Group (MMRG) supports these efforts by recognizing and welcoming veterans and their families to McKesson. The ERG focuses on internal talent development, professional growth, networking and recruiting external talent to bring in the values that veterans experience during their time in the service.
“In the military, we are constantly being trained,” says Paul McKeon, MMRG’s national chair. “But when you make the transition into a civilian job, it’s up to you to find those opportunities for professional development to advance in your career. MMRG helps bridge that gap by providing members with a variety of professional development opportunities and resources to develop the skills needed for career advancement, which is a unique differentiator from other companies.”
Paul McKeon, U.S. Navy, 28 years of service
“I appreciate the focus MMRG places on helping our veterans continue their success,” says Scott Kemme, MMRG’s executive sponsor. “Their unique perspectives show in how they approach their mission to advance their careers and our recruitment efforts. It’s rewarding to see the impact our members have on McKesson and beyond.”
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to emphasize the importance of supporting and celebrating our military communities. Beyond this month of recognition, MMRG advances its mission year-round with the help of its dedicated members.
Amy Magee, U.S. Air Force, 10 years of service
From the Military to McKesson
Amy Magee was on active duty in the Air Force for almost 10 years before transitioning into the corporate world. Her first civilian job offered an active group for veterans, which aided in getting her up to speed on business and financial acumen, and the network she built is what brought her to McKesson almost two years ago. She joined MMRG, which she says has provided her with additional access to professional development opportunities that the ERG hosts.
“I think there's a certain grit that folks with a military background have,” Amy says. “There is something unique about the skills and perspective that veterans bring to the table at McKesson, and MMRG helps foster that with professional development opportunities that are geared toward us.”
In addition to her work at McKesson, Amy appreciates how McKesson supports her status as a reservist in the Air Force. For two days a month, she drills at a base about 45 minutes from her house, and she also spends two weeks every summer with the Air Force to keep up with her training.
“It’s so inspiring to attend the Veterans Symposium event,” she adds. “It’s interesting to hear everyone’s stories about where they were stationed, what they worked on and what branch they were in. Attending the symposium has inspired me to get more involved and help veterans transition into the corporate world just as I received that help when I began my journey.”
Daniel Shing, U.S. Army, 22 years of service
Daniel Shing served 22 years in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, and when he left as a Sergeant First Class, he immediately applied at McKesson. Coincidentally, Daniel interviewed with four managers and one VP, all of whom were veterans.
“When I went to McKesson’s website, I saw that they placed an emphasis on recruiting veterans,” he says. “I had never interviewed before - and I probably had the worst interview there ever was - but they saw my leadership abilities. When I got to McKesson, there were so many veterans around me, and I was welcomed with open arms.”
It was exactly the type of environment Daniel hoped for when he left the Army. Joining MMRG provided him with an expanded network of veterans outside of his day-to-day work, and he learned just how important that can be.
“The bond that I have created with other veterans is what has made my time here so great,” he says.
Since joining MMRG, Daniel has served as co-chair of the MMRG southeast region and national board.
“I’ve been fortunate to have several great military leaders who took me under their wing and helped me build my career,” he says. “I hope to do the same for others and help them build their network with the amazing veterans that we have. We all are here for a purpose: to serve the other veterans and to support McKesson.”
Kyle Dresbach, U.S. Air Force, 3 years of service
Kyle Dresbach completed pharmacy school and immediately joined the Air Force after graduation. After serving as a pharmacist for three years, he separated from the Air Force, earned his MBA in Columbus, Ohio, and eventually ended up at CoverMyMeds. Upon arrival, he recognized that there was something special about the culture and he decided to get involved with MMRG to help grow its presence and advance recruitment efforts.
“I think Mckesson is a great fit for veterans because when you're in the military, you have opportunities to take on different roles and responsibilities,” he explains. “McKesson is similar in that way, and we touch many areas of healthcare. You can explore areas that you are interested in, and you can also dive deeper and take on more responsibility throughout.”
Kyle took on the role of MMRG’s engagement chair last July and now he serves as vice chair on the national board. He knows what it’s like to transition from the military into the corporate world, and he hopes to be a resource for those who are looking to do the same.
“There is a ton of opportunity to advance our recruitment efforts around veterans and bring them into the company,” he says. “Our values closely align, which is why so many veterans have found that McKesson is a great fit for them as they advance their career journeys.”