Good News is Worth Sharing

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Throughout Washington, D.C. and Virginia, everyday heroes can be found on construction sites. They are veterans of the U.S. armed services now answering another call of duty: building federal government construction projects with the same precision, purpose and unwavering commitment to complete the mission.

Heroes like Shane Rogers, a 20-year U.S. Air Force, Operation Desert Storm veteran, move with a soldier’s strength, decisive leadership and quiet humility. Rogers is a member of Balfour Beatty’s Low Observable Component Repair Facility project team at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, which is delivering a 75,000-square-foot facility for relocated F22A aircraft. As a third-generation veteran, Rogers carries on a distinguished legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who fought in World War I and father who served in the Vietnam War.

Rogers never imagined he’d one day be building the infrastructure that supports some of the most advanced aircraft in the world or briefing decorated Air Force generals, but that’s exactly the importance of the work with which Rogers, his teammates and the company’s skilled trade partners have been entrusted.

Veterans in Construction: A Perfect Match

As a veteran, Rogers brings differentiated technical expertise, complex problem-solving and strategic leadership skills to his role as a senior project manager for the company. These qualities make Rogers, and veterans like him, uniquely qualified to deliver federal construction projects, which require enhanced procedures, reporting and oversight to ensure public transparency and accountability. According to Rogers, communication is the cornerstone of the company’s success.

“Whenever unexpected circumstances arise, I’m very upfront with the client that this is our problem as a team. It’s not a Balfour Beatty problem. It’s not a government problem. It’s our problem,” says Rogers. “I start the conversation by reinforcing that we will tackle this together as one team, executing one mission.”

Across the Mid-Atlantic, Balfour Beatty employs veteran owned companies from state, federal and private industries and has currently contracted over $56 million with certified Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) on its current projects.

A significant advantage of hiring veterans is their ability to strategically assess the big picture of a project mission and then break that down into tactical scopes and milestone goals—skills needed to successfully execute the challenges of today’s federal construction projects.

“I understand the mission of the Air Force, and I know what this repair facility contributes to that mission,” says Rogers.

There is perhaps no greater charge for a contactor, or the U.S. military, than ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people in their care. On the Low Observable Component Repair project, Balfour Beatty’s Zero Harm safety program has informed every aspect of site planning and logistics.

Because the base is operational, the company leverages watering in lieu of windscreens to ensure the airfield is free from construction dust, debris and foreign objects. These site safety strategies are updated daily with the full buy-in of Air Force personnel.

Veterans Offer Rich Talent Pool

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 7.4 million, post-Gulf War veterans in the U.S. Most of these veterans are between the ages of 18 and 44, and the Government Accountability Office cites that nearly 200,000 military men and women transition to civilian life each year.

Because of the abundance of lengthy, multi-billion-dollar federal projects in the metro-Washington, D.C. region, skilled labor can be even more difficult to attract and retain—especially in major trades such as concrete, steel and electrical. Federal construction projects also require enhanced security clearance, which can present a hurdle for new or emerging firms.

“Balfour Beatty prioritizes partnerships with veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned firms, because they are a rich source of ready leaders who understand the client’s mission and consistently perform at the high level our federal clients require,” says Layli Pietri, Balfour Beatty minority business development director.

A BRAVE New Future

To support veterans like Rogers, the company maintains an employee affinity group for veterans, reservists, military members and their allies.

BRAVE (Buildings Relentless Alliances for Veteran Employees) reflects the general contractor’s commitment to supporting military veterans and their families in the construction industry. Rogers assumes a leadership role for BRAVE at Balfour Beatty, where he helps foster greater community and connection for local veterans.

Rogers encourages giving back to veterans through small acts of service and gratitude.

“Just go buy a veteran dinner if you see them in their uniform. There's someone in the community here who buys a veteran lunch every single day just to say thanks. We don’t know who they are, and people have been trying to figure it out. It's just the little things like that that make a big difference for veterans,” says Rogers.