Veterans Training Conference and Awards

1. October 2024


Our veterans services team met at the Capitol in September for their annual training conference. The team participated in a tour of the Capitol building and learned valuable insights into the new federal policies being implemented for veterans, military members and spouses.

As part of the conference, we recognized staff who have provided superior service to Utah's veterans, military members and spouses. Brad Wright, a connections team member from our Provo office, received this year's highest honor, the Stars and Stripes award in addition to an Eagle award. Additional Eagle award recipients included Jamal Anati, Worley Pace, Mily Santos and Maren Stevens.


Stars & Stripes and Eagle award recipient: Brad Wright, Connections Team - Provo Office


Eagle award recipient: Jamal Anati, Connections Team - Metro Office


Eagle award recipient: Worley Pace, Workforce Development Specialist - Provo Office


Eagle award recipient: Mily Santos, Connections Team - South County Office


Eagle award recipient: Maren Stevens, Workforce Services Supervisor - Metro Office

Military Appreciation Month

24. May 2024

As Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, we express our gratitude to all Veterans, military members and spouses for their service to our country. We honor their sacrifices and appreciate their dedication to protecting our freedom. We want to recognize our employees who are also Veterans. They bring great perspective, dedication and experience to our team. Find out more about some of our Veteran employees below.

Erik Oswald

Erik Oswald, an Army veteran, works in our St. George office and shared: “My military service taught me self confidence, discipline, resilience, the power of teamwork, how to manage stress and that I can do hard things. Never miss an opportunity to say I love you or make that phone call. Seeing the hardship and life in other countries has made me truly appreciate things and the love I have for this country.” Thank you for your service, Erik!




Samuel Hendricksen

We’d like to thank Samuel Hendricksen for his service in the United States Air Force. He has been an integral member of the Department of Workforce Services for 20 years. In Samuel’s words: “The military helped me learn more about how to serve, be compassionate toward my fellow man and be grateful for what I have. I have also learned that family has come to mean more than any possession I could buy in this world. Life can be fragile and end at any time. So, I have used this to help me help others in my career at Workforce Services, to give resources and services to others to help them achieve self-sufficiency to support themselves and their families.”




Michael Mowes

Michael Mowes currently works in our Housing and Community Development Division. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army for over 29 years. Michael said, “As I reflect on my time in the military, I remember how natural it seemed. Maybe not as much in the beginning, but I truly enjoyed my service in the Army. It wasn’t always easy. Not for me, and especially not for my family. There were long hours when we were in garrison training. There were long periods away from my family when deployed. We moved often, once only nine months after having previously moved. There are a few “I wish I could’ve been there when…” and I’m sure my children missed me being at birthdays, ball games and school events, but I’m sure proud of how my children turned out – two sons went on to serve in the military, one son works as a social worker helping military members deal with PTSD and day-to-day stresses and my daughter works as a medical assistant. I’m grateful for my service in the military and how it was an example to my children to make service a part of their lives. I’ve tried to continue to serve even after the military, one of the reasons I chose to continue working with the Department of Workforce Services. I feel more complete when I feel like I’m helping others.” Thank you for your service Michael!




Mily Santos

We have been lucky to have Mily Santos as a member of our team for 21 years. She served with the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. Mily states: “My military service opened a door of knowledge and opportunities. I was fortunate to serve during peacetime in the U.S. Army Reserves in Puerto Rico at two hospital units. First I was a medic…and later was given the opportunity to complete pharmacy tech training…Serving others in need has always been part of my life and being part of a hospital unit was perfect. During my service our unit had the opportunity to serve our island during natural disasters, which was an amazing experience, and at a local hospital administering services for low income families. This service blessed me with the  knowledge that I can do many things, to help myself and others, become self-sufficient and an example to others.” Thank you for your service Mily!


Jason Stanger

We are pleased to recognize Jason Stanger, a member of our Workforce Development Division, for his 18 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. On his experience, Jason reflects: “My career in the military increased my understanding of responsibility and work ethic. Helping recruits find a job in the military that they would like and be successful at has helped prepare me for my employment at Workforce Services on the Clearfield Connections Team.” Thank you for your service Jason!




Rafael Ponce

Rafael Ponce, a member of our Workforce Development Division, served 45 years of combined active duty, air reserve and civil service for the United States Air Force. On what he learned from his service, Rafael states, “The Air Force has enhanced my life by providing me with a rewarding career in aviation. I was able to travel and meet people all over the world. The Air Force provided a trade skill and an education including both a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in counseling. The combination of education, travel and experience has broadened my perspective on life. My understanding of other cultures, histories, beliefs and values has helped me raise my family and better serve the customers of Workforce Services.” Thank you Rafael for your service!