Veterans have been part of the UPS story for more than a century, bringing their strong discipline to our operations and strengthening the service we deliver. Today, more than 17,000 service members are putting their experience to work across our company.
“Generations of veterans have helped shape UPS through their leadership, service and dedication,” said Norm Brothers, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. “Those same values are what brought me to UPS more than two decades ago after serving as a U.S. Army captain.”
For many veterans, the skills gained through their service create opportunities for growth and leadership at UPS. Meet five veterans who have turned their military experience into successful careers.
Finding new ways to give back
After serving two combat deployments with the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, Stephanie Cleary joined UPS loading packages part-time and worked her way up to Automotive Fleet Supervisor. Beyond her day-to-day role, she gives back through her nonprofit and UPS Business Resource Groups, including the Veterans BRG and Women’s Leadership Development BRG.
“Serving others didn't stop when I left the military,” said Stephanie. “At UPS, I've found new ways to support my community and encourage others to do the same – whether that means supporting veterans, adopting families during the holidays or organizing volunteer events.”
Making room for education and growth
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Andrea Gendreau started her UPS career loading and unloading packages part-time. Working nights gave her the flexibility to continue her education. She kept building from there and today is Southeast Territory Security Director.
“Following my military service, I transitioned to UPS and found the experience to be seamless,” said Andrea. “I wanted to pursue my education full time during the day while working at UPS at night, and it proved to be a great opportunity.”
Working toward a shared mission
After serving nine years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Cheryl Grice brought a strong sense of teamwork to UPS, where she started as a Hub Audit Clerk. Nearly four decades later, now as a Communications Supervisor, those same values continue to guide her.
“The military taught me that success is never about one person; it's about doing your part and making sure no one is left behind,” said Cheryl. “For 39 years at UPS, that belief has guided how I work with others and how I contribute to something bigger than myself.”
Putting technical experience to work
Industrial Engineering Manager Derrick Luzolo spent 11 years and three deployments with the U.S. Navy working with communications technology. He learned to understand complex systems and troubleshoot problems, skills he now applies to improving processes at UPS.
“What resonated most was the shared sense of purpose,” said Derrick. “Everyone at UPS is working toward the same goal: providing the best service for our customers as safely and efficiently as possible.”
Turning experience into a new kind of leadership
Ryan Zenoni's UPS journey began loading packages. After two combat deployments with the U.S. Marine Corps, he returned to UPS and eventually advanced to Division Manager, Northern Plains. Now, he encourages other veterans to recognize how much of what they already know carries into a civilian career.
“The environment may be different, but the fundamentals of taking care of people, solving problems and executing a plan remain the same,” said Ryan.
To veterans and service members around the world: thank you for your service and for all you continue to contribute.
Did you know? Veterans have a long history at UPS:
- One of our founders, George Casey, served in the U.S. Navy during World War I before returning to help build the company.
- Since 1995, three veterans, Nick Snider, Lloyd Knight and Bill Vaughan, have received the Jim Casey Community Service Award – our highest honor for volunteerism.
- UPS established our first Veterans BRG 15 years ago and has since grown to 16 chapters.
- Newsweek named UPS one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans for 2025 and 2026 for our work to support military members’ transition to civilian life.
Want to join team UPS? You can receive a job offer in less than 7 minutes. Learn about career opportunities at UPS Jobs.