Meet Our Veterans!
Links Technology is lucky to be owned, lead & have employees who are veterans. This Veterans Day we wanted to highlight them!
Meet Our Veterans!
On behalf of all of us at Links, we want to thank all veterans for their service to our country. Without their dedication, courage and bravery, America would not be the land of the free. Links Technology is extremely lucky to be owned and lead by veterans. We interviewed Brian Burke, Jim Burke and Andy Haggard to learn more about their stories.
Brian Burke - President & CEO
When did you enlist or were drafted?
I enlisted right after I graduated from high school. College didn’t appeal to me at the time.
What branch?
US Navy
What do you remember about the day you enlisted?
I was excited because I knew I was beginning a new chapter in my life.
How did you imagine military life before you joined? How did your perceptions change after serving?
I had no idea what to expect…but didn’t care. I loved every day I served. Greatest experience of my life.
What was your biggest accomplishment?
I was chosen to attend the Army language school in Monterey California, where I learned to speak and read Chinese Mandarin. After a full year of study, I finished 3rd in my class of 100, and was assigned to Taipei, Taiwan. I worked as an interpreter for 18 months and was promoted to Team leader. 6 months later, I was assigned to a base in Fukuowka, Japan where I led that team of interpreters for a year. I was in the Far East for 3 years….never returning to the United States. I loved being an interpreter, and volunteered to re-enlist for an additional 4 years in September of 1964 provided the Navy agreed to send me back to the Language school. They agreed, but insisted I learn Vietnamese, while I wanted to learn Russian. One thing I quickly learned in the military is that they don’t negotiate! Vietnamese made no sense to me, so I accepted my honorable discharge.
What are some of the things you remember about adapting to military life?
I often tell people that the biggest difference between college life and the military is simple: In college, you learn to party all night and blow off class the next day. In the military, you learn to party all night and show up EARLY the next morning!
How did you stay in touch with family and friends back home?
No cell phones or PC’s in 1960 to 1964! We wrote letters.
What are some things you remember most about your deployment?
I was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier Kitty Hawk for 6 weeks in the South China Sea. We conducted stealth eavesdropping on the Chinese Air Force.
Was there anything you especially missed about civilian life?
Not a thing!
Is there someone you served with that you remember fondly? Can you tell me about him/her?
Two of my best friends, Charlie Schatzel and Tommy Lee joined me in forming a musical group like the Kingston Trio. We all sang, and I played the guitar. We got to be pretty good, and ultimately were invited to perform on a Taipei TV station. We made the cover of the TV Guide, and I still have it.
What are some fun things you and your friends did together while you were deployed?
Our music and playing basketball and softball. We also spent a lot of time dating Chinese girls! It helped our speaking and listening skills.
Was there anything or anyone that helped you during the transition from military to civilian life?
I met the woman (Donna ) in Connecticut, who would ultimately become my wife two weeks after I was discharged. We spent a couple months going out every night and weekend. Although I moved to Chicago to attend college, we stayed in touch by writing love letters and were married in September of 1965.
Do you have advice for others transitioning out of the military?
Do the best job you can in the Military and bring those skills and work habits to your new job.
How do you think your time in the military affected you?
Best thing I’ve ever done. I developed discipline and leadership skills I’ve used my whole life. I was leading a group of 30 interpreters when I was 20 years old! When I got my first sales supervisor job in civilian life, it came easy to me.
What did you learn about yourself?
I had the personality of a true entrepreneur.
What phrase or word will never be the same now that you served?
Sorry….all dirty!
When you were first discharged, what are some things about civilians that were difficult for you to deal with?
I was shocked by “hippies”…who never served yet acted like such big shots. I also hated long hair. It was 1964.
Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?
It’s an honorable and valuable experience. In my opinion, young people (yes, girls too) should be required to serve two years before college.
What are some habits you developed in the service that you like? What are some that you dislike?
Eating breakfast……like. Eating late……don’t like!
Jim Burke - COO
When did you enlist?
1987
What branch?
US Marines
What do you remember about the day you enlisted?
I had to get a letter of recommendation from 3 teachers at my high school. All were extremely happy to do and thought of no better place for me then the US Marine Corps.
How did you imagine military life before you joined? How did your perceptions change after serving?
The Marine Corps was everything I hoped for and more. My only regret was not staying in.
What was your biggest accomplishment?
Getting recommended in to Marine Security Guard School (at the time by a Lt. Colonel) and Ultimately passing! Top ½ of 1% of the Corps.
What are some of the things you remember about adapting to military life?
For me it was very easy. I thrived on the structure. Do your job, do it well, rinse and repeat.
How did you stay in touch with family and friends back home?
Wrote letters and occasional phone calls.
What are some things you remember most about your deployment?
Being in several countries that loved the US Military was amazing. In some ways they appreciated us more than our own people.
Was there anything you especially missed about civilian life?
NONE
Is there someone you served with that you remember fondly? Can you tell me about him/her?
I am still in touch with a friend that I served with in Bogota, Columbia at the US Embassy. We had so many laughs together, as well as so many “shit hit the fan moments”. A true brother that would have given his life for me as I would have for him.
What are some fun things you and your friends did together while you were deployed?
If I told you I would have to kill you.
Was there anything or anyone that helped you during the transition from military to civilian life?
Mostly my father.
Do you have advice for others transitioning out of the military?
Stay in! LOL…seriously, try to have as much support lined up as you can prior to getting out. Teachers, Friends, Family. ASK FOR HELP.
How do you think your time in the military affected you?
I think that the biggest long term affect that I still see today is having empathy or feeling bad for people. That is mostly a Marine thing I think.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do or get through.
When you were first discharged, what are some things about civilians that were difficult for you to deal with?
Very undisciplined and sloppy.
Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?
Its hard and the sacrifice is real. It takes a lot of time to transition back. I would ask Civilians to give them a chance.
What are some habits you developed in the service that you like? What are some that you dislike?
The number one habit I developed in the military was discipline and punctuality, which obviously is very beneficial to have. I dislike that I still don’t show much empathy or concern for others.
Andy Haggard - Infrastructure Team Lead
What branch?
United States Navy
What years were you on active duty?
2008 to 2012
What are the major takeaways from your experience?
Work hard, play hard.
Major Accomplishments:
I earned two Navy Achievement Medals, one for fixing a vital communications array and the other for keeping a vital communications net up during combat operations.