The support that helped one reservist serve with focus

At Schwab, I help test, certify, and deploy software across company devices.

In the Air Force Reserve, I'm a religious affairs airman. I work with a chaplain to support service members through counseling, suicide-prevention work, religious services, and regular check-ins throughout the base.

I had always wanted to join the Air Force. When I learned I could go directly into the Reserve and eventually work with a chapel team, my goal was simple: If I could help one person, the training and time away from my wife would be worth it.

Surprisingly, it doesn't feel difficult. My role at Schwab is typically Monday through Friday, while my Reserve commitment is generally one weekend a month and a few weeks each year. 

I actually enjoy the contrast. After spending the week working on software deployments and testing, I get to spend drill weekends doing something completely different. It gives me a fresh perspective when I return to work each Monday.

My leaders were supportive from the start. They trusted me to create a plan for my responsibilities, and the team brought on contract help and divided some of my critical projects among colleagues. I trained everyone and gave them the context they needed. That allowed me to leave knowing the team could continue operating.

The differential pay gave me financial peace of mind because Schwab covered the gap between my military pay and Schwab compensation.

Schwab colleagues and the Military Veterans Network [an employee resource group open to all employees] also sent several care packages. The food and other items were helpful; my team and I knew that people back home were thinking about us.

It allowed me to focus completely on my military role. I never had to wonder whether my manager would be upset or whether I would be treated differently when I returned. My leaders showed interest in my service and confidence in the team. That put me at ease.

On my first day back, my manager and director surprised me by traveling from Texas to Phoenix. They decorated a room, brought food and spent time checking in with me. They encouraged me to take things day by day and step away whenever I needed a break. I felt welcomed as a person.

Yes. When your employer supports something that's important to you, it builds trust. Knowing my leaders support my military service allows me to focus on the mission when I'm away, and when I come back, it motivates me to give even more to my Schwab team.

Since returning from deployment, I was also awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal. I'm in awe. The recognition made me reflect on everything our team accomplished during that deployment and the support that made it possible.