Lest we forget: Honoring the courage and sacrifice of our veterans on Nov. 11

In the U.S. and Canada, Enbridge is working to build communities for veterans

On Nov. 11, Americans will observe Veterans Day and Canadians will honor Remembrance Day. In both countries, we will pause in a silent moment of remembrance for those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace to uphold the freedoms and values we share.

We likely all have a personal connection to someone who has served—whether a family member, friend or colleague. At Enbridge, Houston-based Allen Capps, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Energy Services, has used his own experience as a veteran to work alongside many others in shaping and supporting the Veterans Talent Resource Network employee resource group (ERG).

Before starting his career, Capps served more than four years on active duty as a reconnaissance and surveillance soldier and a paratrooper in the U.S. Army.

“One thing that I learned in the military is that everybody plays a part in making a team work. It doesn't matter what your role is—everybody has to play their part to be successful. And it's that team-focused thought process and approach that I think veterans really bring to bear,” says Capps.

Capps played a part in developing opportunities for veterans during his time at Spectra Energy as well, earning the company recognition from the Air Force for its support of veterans.

“It's important that we recognize veterans and what they've done for our two countries both in terms of their service in the military and the skills and experiences they gain from that service,” notes Capps.

“We look to veterans as a part of our diversification strategies because it’s all about bringing different experiences to the table. The tools and skills that veterans bring to the workforce really add to diversification and help us make better decisions.”

Enbridge’s Dwayne Conrod, a Human Resources Director based in Toronto, is involved in expanding the Veterans Talent Network ERG on the Canadian side.

“There's more recognition of the work that is being done in the U.S., but in Canada, we’re trying to increase employee awareness of the work and the fact that we are looking to engage with veterans and understand how they can become involved in our organization,” Conrod explains.

Enbridge’s recruitment teams in Canada and the U.S. are educated on how to best attract and recruit veteran talent and make Enbridge an attractive organization for veterans.