--- title: What Veterans Do Better Than Anyone description: A Veteran-Owned Business, Memorial Day has special significance for us. Army vet. & PG CEO Bobby Herrera shares about honoring our fallen for their sacrifices. image: https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/2017%20Blog/Memorial%20Day/image1%20(1).jpeg --- [![PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PG%20Registered%20Logos/PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png?width=1966&height=1530&name=PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png "PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01")](https://www.populusgroup.com/en) - [Employers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions) - [Careers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) - [Contractors](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contractor-resources) - [Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) - [About](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/about) - [Impact](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/impact) - [Work With Us](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contact) [The PG Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) Search Search this site on Google Search Google Subscribe ### Subscribe to Email Updates Select Category - [Industry (52)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/industry) - [Diversity (44)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/diversity) - [Climber Stories (31)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/climber-stories) - [Community (28)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/community) - [Foreign National Talent Management (26)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/foreign-national-talent-management) - [Compliance (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) - [Leadership (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/leadership) - [Staffing and Recruiting (24)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/staffing-and-recruiting) - [Contingent Workforce Trends (21)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends) - [Careers (16)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/careers) - [Military Veterans (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) - [Legislation (13)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation) - [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC) (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc) - [Personal Development (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/personal-development) - [Professional Development (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/professional-development) - [Company Culture (9)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/company-culture) - [PG Celebrates (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pg-celebrates) - [Managed Service Provider (MSP) (7)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/managed-service-provider-msp) - [Mental Health (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/mental-health) - [Pay It Forward (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pay-it-forward) - [Payroll Services (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/payroll-services) - [Sustainability (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/sustainability) - [AI (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) - [Contractor Experience (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contractor-experience) Select Author - [Populus Group (70)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) - [Bobby Herrera (34)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) - [Whitney Barton (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) - [Samantha Heilman (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/samantha-heilman) - [Brandon Wischmeyer (14)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) - [Cynthia Waddell (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cynthia-waddell) - [Ejay Oravecz (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) - [Austin McCool (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) - [Jen Pasquier (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-pasquier) - [Jackie McCool (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jackie-mccool) - [Brandon Byrd (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-byrd) - [Tom Mehl (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tom-mehl) - [Briana Walker and Kristine Baker (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/briana-walker-and-kristine) - [Sebastian Puravet (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sebastian-puravet) - [Jaylynn Hogeboom (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jaylynn-hogeboom) - [Kathryn Crimmins (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kathryn-crimmins) - [Danielle Hein (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/danielle-hein) - [Taniesha Thomas & Tiasha Holcomb (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tanisha-thomas-tiasha-holcomb) - [Raul Ramos (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/raul-ramos) - [Donna Morris (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/donna-morris) - [DE&I Council (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/diversity-inclusion-council) - [Rosemarie Fontela (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela) - [Brooke Stovall (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brooke-stovall) - [Eric Schmitz (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/eric-schmitz) - [Jessica Bitell (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jessica-bitell) - [Kyle Heilman (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kyle-heilman) - [Mario L. 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[Megan Anderson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-anderson) - [Michelle Fedorkiw (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-fedorkiw) - [Kimberly Mills (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kimberly-mills) - [Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/denis-kenny) - [Tim Wang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-wang) # What Veterans Do Better Than Anyone [![Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Bobby%20Headshot.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/322350/PG_blog_images/pgblog-icon-linkedin.jpg)](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/bobby-herrera/1/182/578) [by Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) In late 2009 I received a call from my great-nephew. He said; “**Uncle Bobby, I think I’m going to join the Army.** ![Veteran Nalito Beltran](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Blog/Memorial%20Day/image1%20(1).jpeg?width=320&name=image1%20(1).jpeg "Veteran Nalito Beltran")I’ve always wanted to do it. Since you did it I want to talk to you about it.” We had a lengthy conversation about his choice and I recall feeling proud that my example had guided him to do the same for his own journey.  I had a special connection with Nalito. I babysat him on occasion in college. A favorite memory is busting him running his finger through our cake at our wedding. **Joining the Army was his way of doing what we all want in life – to take control of his own story.** He enlisted in December of 2009. The following July, he arrived at his duty station in Fort Sam Houston, TX. We talked occasionally and he would share exciting things he was learning. He was a Radio Operator and he was getting the opportunity to work on some really cool Beyond The Horizon projects in Guatemala and Panama. BTH is a humanitarian and civic mission deploying U.S. military engineers and medical professionals to provide humanitarian services. **When we connected I could feel his pride as he shared his stories with me.** He was a giver and these missions made him feel like he was part of something bigger than himself. He knew I could relate to his excitement because of my own experience in the Army. I would tell him I was proud of him and encourage him to enjoy the unique opportunity he had. He was a long ways from his hometown of El Paso, TX and even further from the kid he was when he enlisted in 2009. Nalito was on his 3rd BTH deployment building a school for children in need in Los Limones, Guatemala when he died suddenly in a training exercise on April 22nd, 2014. I vividly remember how sad I felt when I was told. I hurt even more for the hole this left in his Mom’s heart and the pain his 2 brothers felt. The sadness peaked when we attended his burial ceremony and felt the collective heartache of his military family. Words can’t describe the experience. Nalito’s story ended too soon. And like many other Veterans who have paid the ultimate price on our behalf, we’ll never know the collective good he would have done. **What we can do to honor Veterans** **like Nalito on Memorial Day?** Ask ourselves a very important question; Are we giving more than we’re taking? Nalito’s story ended while giving. Veterans give every day on our behalf. For those we honor on this day – they gave the ultimate gift, their story. Veterans give better than anyone. We should honor their courage by giving more than we take. Imagine the possibilities. **All Hail the Volunteer.** ![Veteran Hernaldo Beltran](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Blog/Memorial%20Day/HernaldoBeltran1-759108-edited.jpg?width=421&name=HernaldoBeltran1-759108-edited.jpg "Veteran Hernaldo Beltran")   *If you enjoyed this post, your may also like:* [Stories from My Time with the President](https://blog.populusgroup.com/my-time-with-the-president) [![Subscribe to the Summit Blog for weekly updates](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/450029/36539666-591e-4ce7-988c-cecf72b13452.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/450029/36539666-591e-4ce7-988c-cecf72b13452) ## Leave a comment [![Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Bobby%20Headshot.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) Written by [Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed. I’m responsible for the overall direction of Populus Group. My job is simple; fiercely protect and enhance our company culture and make sure my team has everything they need to build trust with the great Climbers at PG and the customers that trust us to guide them. I’m grateful for the countless opportunities I've had to make mistakes and grow from them. I believe my responsibility is to pay that gift forward. Above all, Team One is my priority and my kids absolutely own me. I'm a proud Army Veteran, I love the mountains, and I’m blessed to live in Portland, OR. ### Related posts ###### [Military Veterans](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) [Why NVBDC and Veterans Matter to Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/why-nvbdc-matters-to-populus-group-honoring-service-elevating-veteran-owned-businesses-and-strengthening-community) [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png) Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) ###### [Military Veterans](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) [How Employers Can Be the Partner of Choice to Veterans](https://blog.populusgroup.com/how-employers-can-be-the-partner-of-choice-to-veterans) [![Ejay Oravecz](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Ejay%20Oravecz.png) Ejay Oravecz](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) ###### [Military Veterans](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) [Community at its Core: 3 Ways Veteran-Owned Businesses Make an Impact](https://blog.populusgroup.com/impact-of-veteran-owned-businesses) [![Ejay Oravecz](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Ejay%20Oravecz.png) Ejay Oravecz](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) **Corporate Headquarters** Populus Group, Troy Headquarters 3001 West Big Beaver Road Suite 608 Troy, MI 48084 [248-712-7900](tel:248-712-7900) [opportunities@populusgroup.com](mailto:opportunities@populusgroup.com) **Employment Verification Requests\*** [248-928-0530](tel:248-928-0530) [voe@populusgroup.com](mailto:voe@populusgroup.com) [Employer Services](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions)[Begin Your Job Search](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) ©2023 Populus Group [Privacy Policy](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/privacy-policy)[Terms & Conditions](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/terms-conditions)[Site Map](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/sitemap) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-fb%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.facebook.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-twitter%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://twitter.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-instagram%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.instagram.com/populusgroup/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-li%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/70117/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-glassdoor%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Populus-Group-EI_IE259242.11,24.htm) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-youtube%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=39)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-O9v1hz-Q4OW0Ze0b9O_sg) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-gplus%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://plus.google.com/u/0/102588349136181669410) ![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-top%20png.png?h=33&la=en&w=33)