Adrian Jenkins’ Journey from Military Service to REI Systems
At REI Systems, we are committed to supporting those who have served our nation. That’s why we proudly take part in the “Hiring Our Heroes” (HOH) initiative, a nationwide program created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This initiative helps veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses connect with meaningful employment opportunities in the civilian sector. Since 2011, Hiring Our Heroes has partnered with organizations like ours to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian careers.
Adrian Jenkins, a veteran and current participant in the HOH program at REI Systems, recently shared his experience transitioning from military service to exploring roles in business development. With nearly 28 years in the military, Adrian’s career has spanned a wide range of responsibilities, including leadership roles such as First Sergeant and Sergeant Major. “I oversaw military operations and managed HR personnel for the various organizations,” he reflected, highlighting his role in managing Soldiers and overseeing operations during his time in the United States Army Signal School and on assignments in Southwest Asia.
During his fellowship at REI Systems, Adrian is using the skills he developed in the military to help identify gaps, understand customer needs, and build solutions. “One of the key skills I’ve brought with me is understanding the customer’s intent and working with a team to deliver a product that meets their needs,” he explained. This skill set aligns perfectly with REI’s business development efforts, giving him a deeper understanding of the entire lifecycle of securing and fulfilling contracts.
Adrian has also gained new skills since joining REI, particularly in business development. “Business development is new for me. In the military, we usually worked with existing contracts. Here, I’m learning how we fulfill contracts from the ground up.” He emphasized the importance of networking in the federal contracting space, building relationships with potential partners and collaborators to expand his professional growth.
Looking ahead, Adrian plans to spend more time with his family and further his education, with an interest in pursuing certifications in cybersecurity and project management. Upon earning those certifications, he hopes to rejoin REI Systems, a place where he’s found a supportive, team-oriented environment. “My experience at REI has been great. Everyone here has been willing to help me succeed from day one.”
Patrick Walsh, a growth leader at REI Systems and veteran himself, offered insights into the value of programs like Hiring Our Heroes. “Veterans bring leadership, stress management, and a capacity for handling significant responsibility,” Patrick said. “These qualities are invaluable in the corporate world, and the program benefits both the veteran and the company.”
For REI Systems, participating in Hiring Our Heroes allows us to strengthen our presence in the federal and DoD sectors, while supporting veterans like Adrian as they transition to meaningful civilian careers. This initiative aligns with our core values of innovation, impact, and commitment to people, empowering veterans to leverage their skills in new ways and make a positive difference both at REI and in our communities. Adrian’s journey at REI is a shining example of how veterans can continue to serve—this time, by bringing their skills and dedication to the corporate world.
