Honoring our Veterans at Edgewell

As a veteran myself, Veterans Day is an important day for me — it’s not just a U.S. holiday to honor those who have served and who currently serve, but it’s a reminder of the values and skills that service instills: leadership, resilience, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose. At Edgewell, we’re proud to have many veterans, globally, on our team who bring those same qualities to our work every day. A few of these teammates have sat down to share what their Veteran experience has been like, how their service has gone on to shape their careers, and the ways our company strives to support and empower our veteran community. I invite you to read their stories below, as we highlight their voices and honor their service.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Enrique Bello: Veterans Day is a moment to appreciate those currently serving and contributing to maintaining our way of life. It’s easy to go about daily routines without considering the effort and sacrifice behind our freedoms. The men and women in the armed forces are a vital part of that, and taking a day to acknowledge them is meaningful to our service members.

What was your experience like, transitioning from the military into civilian life?

Ommar Then: My transition from active duty occurred in conjunction with joining Edgewell. The team that I joined was very supportive and understanding. They went out of their way to make me feel included. I have found this to be a hallmark of my experience with Edgewell.

Richard Michaud: I’ve transitioned from military to civilian life a few times—first from active duty in the Air Force into a new full time civilian career. My military background as a Munitions Systems Specialist helped me secure a QA role at a commercial/military explosives manufacturing facility. It was a significant shift, but overall a positive experience. About nine months later, I joined the Air Force Reserves and continued serving for a total of 33 years. During that time, I gained valuable career experience both in the military and at Edgewell. I deployed twice, for 4 and 12 months respectively, and the support I received from Edgewell—especially upon returning—made all the difference.

Do you think the role you have at Edgewell today, puts to use the skills that you learned while in the military?

Richard Michaud: Absolutely. Military service teaches you to manage complex situations under pressure. As a Director in New Product Development and a people leader, those skills directly translate into managing innovation across diverse regions and navigating multifaceted challenges.

Enrique Bello: Military culture taught me key principles that apply everywhere. The most important, is communication. In the military, effective communication ensures the mission stays on track. My communication style is heavily influenced by that. When it comes to projects at Edgewell, I treat each one like a mission and keep things focused to the key action items.

Is there any familiarity between the skills or values learned in the military, and the Edgewell Purpose Values and Behaviors?

Richard Hansen: The Sailor's Creed embodies the Navy’s core values- Honor, Courage, and Commitment- which closely align with Edgewell’s principles and resonate deeply with my own beliefs.

Enrique Bello: EPC’s values resemble many of the Army values. A line from the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Creed stands out to me. “My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.” This aligns with EPC’s “People First” and “Move Forward" values. As an NCO, I am part of the Army’s backbone, tasked with executing our missions to the highest standards by supporting our soldiers and ensuring they are set up for success through training, equipment and sustenance. Similarly, at EPC we emphasize training and empowering our people to move the mission forward, which is directly related to the skills and values of the Army.

Is there an experience or lesson you learned during your service, that you use today within your current position here at Edgewell?

Ommar Then: My military experience taught me to consider the whole person, to recognize that behavior is impacted by factors outside the workplace. My teammates are more than just colleagues, they are people. This understanding informs how I interact with people.

Richard Hansen: Leading with empathy has always been essential to me- something I focused on early in the Navy while working with individuals from different backgrounds and age groups.

How has your experience as a Veteran influenced your approach to teamwork and/or leadership?

Richard Hansen: With the right people in place, it's amazing what a group of dedicated individuals can accomplish when working toward a shared mission or project.

Richard Michaud: Military teams are incredibly diversified, and that is key to success. When empowered, teams can achieve remarkable outcomes. I see that same potential here at Edgewell—collaboration truly moves mountains.

With regards to being a Veteran, is there a specific way that Edgewell has helped you or supported you?

Richard Hansen: While serving in the Reserves during my first few years at Edgewell, the company was always very understanding of my commitments and consistently flexible.

Ommar Then: My EPC leadership and colleagues, gracefully supported me during 2 activations during the Gulf Conflicts of recent decades.

Richard Michaud: Yes, especially during my deployments. EPC hosted send-off gatherings, kept in touch with my family, and honored the commitment to have a role waiting for me upon return. That level of support isn’t always guaranteed, and I’ve always been deeply grateful for it.

Enrique Bello: As a National Guard member, I’m away for at least two weeks each year for training. I’m fortunate to have a department that fully supports my service and ensures my projects keep moving forward during my absence. Talking to my friends in the Army, I realize this level of support isn’t common, and I’m grateful for my team. They really do live up to the EPC values.

Is there any advice you’d give to other Veterans transitioning out of the military and into a role within a larger business?

Ommar Then: Stay true to your training, education, and do your best.  

Richard Michaud: It’s not as daunting as it may seem. At Edgewell, we have a Veterans Teammate Resource Group, so you’re never alone. Once you’re hired, reach out—there’s a strong support network. Companies like Edgewell value military leadership and are eager to welcome Veterans into their teams.

Is there one thing you’d like people to understand about Veterans or Veterans Day?

Richard Hansen: Veterans share a special bond, regardless of branch. There's a deep mutual respect that I find truly unique and admirable.

Enrique Bello: The military is a vast organization with many moving parts. Not all service members are combat veterans, but every role is meaningful and makes a difference.

Ommar Then: Veterans are people like everyone else with varied backgrounds and experiences. If you are curious about our experiences, reach out for a coffee.

Richard Michaud: Veterans often seek belonging and leadership opportunities, even early in their careers. It’s important for people leaders to recognize their capabilities. Some Veterans carry heavy experiences, so please take the time to get to know them and be a supportive colleague.