Chuck Whittington
SVP Integration, Lake Forest, IL
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I served in the US Army. Originally branched as an artillery officer, I served in both artillery and infantry units throughout my career, as well as serving in the institutional/training disciplines. I commanded units at the company, battalion, brigade, and served as the commanding officer of the 29th Infantry Division. Post command, I served as the Deputy Commanding General of First US Army, then the Deputy Director, and Acting Director of the Army National Guard in the Pentagon.
How long did you serve?
Start to finish, exactly 32 years.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
Managing complexity was huge. The ability to forge relationships; Learning the art and the science of planning; Managing through adversity; Overall, the ability to establish a vision, then lead a team to achieve that outcome. A great set of skills that can be of value to our company.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
The PTVE culture posits that we all have opportunities to serve….that does not stop once you take off the uniform. Service to the team, service to the community, service to each other is/should be part of our DNA.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
I serve on the board for Catch-A-Lift Fund; A PTVE supported organization that provides whole fitness to veterans who have, or are still suffering through both physical and mental injury. Through personal coaching, mentors, gym memberships, and for some, home fitness equipment, CAL helps those warriors use fitness as a means to broaden their re-integration into the community…..and saves lives.
Shawna Counsil
LAN Analyst, Kalamazoo, MI
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I participated in the Delayed Entry Program my junior year of high school. While in the DEP, I participated in team building events and studied for the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test). After I graduated high school, I enlisted in the Air Force. My AFSC was 3A051 (Information Manager). I was stationed in New Jersey at McGuire AFB, where I met my (now) husband.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
Where do I start… basically everything has been transferable! From file management and organizational skills to information/technology systems management. I always had a strong “like” for technology prior to joining the military, but afterwards, it became intriguing and gratifying to me and not just “work”. It sounds strange saying that… most people get frustrated with technology (especially when it’s not working like it should), whereas for me, it’s fun to work with existing (and learn new) equipment and software.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
I feel that companies such as Pactiv Evergreen recognize the quality of training and discipline I received in the military and has a general idea of the type of employee I am today.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
Overall support of veterans and their mental wellbeing. Not every soldier returns to civilian life the same as they were before serving. That experience can sometimes be a struggle that not everyone can relate to and understand, unless you live with it every day. We as people need to be more aware of that and work together on ways to help those who protected us on the front lines.
Daniel Coney
Roll Stock Coordinator, Plant City, FL
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I served in the US Army for 10 years as an Infantryman and Armorer. As a combat infantryman I served during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm.
How long did you serve?
10 years.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
During my tenure in the military I learned to be a leader and a person that is very detail oriented.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
I am able to display my leadership skills here at Pactiv Evergreen.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
During my off-time I like to get involved with youth programs in my community.
David Coles
Production Shift Leader, Hazle Township, PA
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
Army, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Currently I am the Medical Platoon Sergeant for the 1-109th Infantry Regiment. I am responsible for the training, safety, welfare and development of 30 Soldiers. I also instruct and ensure that, I myself, and my Soldiers are prepared to provide lifesaving medical care at any time its needed. I spent the majority of my career as a Combat Medic but actually began my service as a Chemical Operations Specialist.
How long did you serve?
I am currently still serving and have been for over 20 years. I enlisted in May of 2001.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
The skills I believe are transferrable are leadership attributes, responsibility, dedication, and teamwork/comradery.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
The opportunity to succeed. The value of a good job with fair compensation. The dedication PTVE displays towards their employees.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
The American Legion, and The Oscar Mike Foundation are two organizations I personally have been a part of. Oscar Mike’s primary focus is assisting veterans with disabilities to stay on the move and stay active. The American Legion’s vision is simply “Veterans Strengthening America.” Both of these groups strive to improve the welfare of America's veterans, their families, the military, and their communities. I personally feel if you can improve the things around you, if even only a small amount, that positivity can spread and enhance the wellbeing of things well beyond your personal reach.
Roger Hendricks
Production Supervisor, Frankfort, IL
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I was in active duty in the US Army for 21 years. I retired as a Sergeant First Class and my last position was the Maintenance Control Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
Having experience in logistics, maintenance, and operations I have an understanding of other people's positions and their responsibilities. Having this understanding can bring a team closer together.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
Your hard work and diligence is appreciated greatly and has plenty of room for growth in the corporate world.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
A friend of mine that I deployed with is also one of the few quadruple amputee survivors out of Afghanistan. He and his wife started a retreat in Maine for service members that have gone through similar traumatic events. The Travis Mills Foundation has helped countless veterans and their families overcome physical and emotional obstacles and strengthen their families.
Jason Dao
Senior Project Engineer, Temple, TX
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I joined the United States Navy in July 1996 and retired in 2020. I was a Surface Warfare Officer, with various roles in engineering, operations and strategic planning.
How long did you serve?
I have 24.5 years of service.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
Leadership experience in various roles, can-do attitude, adaptability, effective communicator, team building.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
Pactiv Evergreen is veterans friendly, and we have a robust JMO Leadership training program. The 8-weeks program is resourceful – I gained a better holistic understanding of PTVE across all functional groups, but also effective at establishing relations with not only an executive/mentor, but most importantly peers.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
I support veterans and their families and I also support children in an orphanage in Vietnam, which is my home country.
Mike Murphy
National Account Manager, Memphis, TN
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
On Active Duty, I was a Naval Aviator – piloting the Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. In the Reserves, I served as a Naval Intelligence Officer supporting various agencies, commands, and operations. I was twice selected for command during my time in the Reserves. I retired in 2014 as a Captain - after 30 years of commissioned service.
How long did you serve?
I have 30 years of service (7 Active / 23 Reserve)
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
Leadership - developing and caring for those I work with. Problem Solving - using resources to solve problems and create opportunities for our company and solutions for our customers.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
We have a team that works hard and is motivated to succeed - we welcome those that have served our nation.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
Early Childhood Development (0-3) – I am convinced that efforts to enrich young lives yield significant returns to society.
David Newman
Receiving Coordinator, Plant City, FL
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
I was in the US Army as a R4 Specialist working on helicopter missile systems.
How long did you serve?
I did 3 years of service.
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
I was able to bring leadership to my role here due to working with a lot of high-ranking officers in the service.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
If you like working in a family type atmosphere with safety being a number one priority Pactiv Evergreen is a nice place to work.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
I like working with our church and other organizations that help feed the hungry locally and internationally because a lot of people live in poverty or don’t have the financial resources for a standard living.
Matthew Bridge
Sales Operations Manager, Denver, CO
What branch of the military were you in, and what was your position/role?
Captain, United States Marine Corps, Battery Commander
How long did you serve?
5 years Active Duty
What skills did you find transferable to your role at PTVE?
I have found that Cross Functional Peer to Peer Leadership is the skill that I have used the most. Being able to approach a problem and collaborate with other sections of Pactiv Evergreen to find the best solution for all involved is an outcome that everyone appreciates.
What would you tell people who served in the military, as to what makes Pactiv Evergreen a great place to work?
When I left Active Duty I struggled with the lack of camaraderie that exists in the civilian world. I was lucky enough to end up on a Team here at Pactiv Evergreen that filled that void for me. They are like family now.
Is there a cause dear to your heart that you would like to share a little about?
Vietnam Veterans of America is an organization that will come to your house and pick up old household items (shoes, clothes, toys) and then sell it to fund their charitable work. It is not available in every state but it is worth donating to if it is available. They will provide you with documentation to write off what you give as charity and you get a tax benefit. You are killing three birds with one stone by donating old items: 1. Giving to a Cause that helps Veterans. 2. Cleaning up the house. 3. Getting a Tax write off.