This Veterans Day, we recognize the men and women who have served in the armed forces and celebrate the experiences, values, and perspectives they continue to bring to the world around them. For two of our colleagues, military service helped shape not only their careers but also how they approach teamwork, leadership, and human connection.
Military service is about more than fulfilling a mission. It is about learning to adapt, working alongside people from different backgrounds, and understanding the importance of contributing to something bigger than yourself. These lessons often stay with people long after their time in uniform.
At Caidya, we are proud to have colleagues whose military experiences continue to shape the way they work and interact with others. This Veterans Day, we spoke with Bill Gruetzenbach, Senior Recruiter, Talent Acquisition, and Ken Clark, Senior Director, Global Procurement Services, about their time in service and the lessons they carry with them today.
Bill Gruetzenbach: A Lasting Commitment to Service and Teamwork
Bill served in the United States Air Force for 25 years, from 1987 to 2012, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). His career took him across the United States and overseas, including assignments in the Philippines and the Netherlands. After beginning in law enforcement and contract administration, he spent much of his military career in recruiting services, experience that helped shape his civilian career.
Today, Bill brings that background to his role in Talent Acquisition. We asked him which values from his military service continue to influence his work.
Q: What skills or values did you develop during your military service that you still bring to your role and daily work at Caidya?
A: “I was fortunate to spend a majority of my Air Force career in recruiting services, which helped me transition into a civilian recruiting career. When I began supporting the clinical research industry, I found two familiar values: service and teamwork.
Clinical research is ultimately about helping others by advancing treatments and improving lives. That sense of purpose connects with the commitment to service I, and others, developed in the military.
Teamwork was also critical to our mission success in the Air Force, and the same is true in clinical research. I see that shared commitment at Caidya, where everyone’s contribution helps move our work forward.”
For Bill, the connection is clear: whether in the military or clinical research, meaningful work depends on people coming together around a shared purpose.
Ken Clark: The Power of Understanding Different Perspectives
Ken served in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1999, reaching the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). Following his training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), where he served from 1991 to 1996. During this time, he participated in three operational deployments to the Middle East, including the first Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Sharp Guard. He later served with US Atlantic Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
Now Senior Director, Global Procurement Services, Ken reflects on how those experiences shaped the way he approaches relationships and collaboration.
Q: Looking back on your time serving in the U.S. Navy, what is one experience or lesson that has had the greatest impact on you, both personally and professionally?
A: “During my time on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, I was operationally deployed on three separate occasions, including the first Gulf War. All three of my deployments were spent in the Middle East and operating as part of multinational operations.
I was exposed to so many different cultures during everyday activities, not just working with people from across the United States (the Roosevelt had approximately 6,500 personnel) but also encountering different perspectives from people around the world.
I credit this with shaping how I approach personal interactions every day. Ask questions, listen, try to understand different perspectives, don’t make assumptions, and put yourself in another person’s shoes. These have all been key factors in how I approach relationships throughout my life.”
Ken’s experience is a powerful reminder that understanding others starts with curiosity and a willingness to listen. In an increasingly connected world, the ability to appreciate different perspectives is one of the most valuable qualities we can bring to our professional and personal relationships.
Beyond the Uniform
Bill and Ken took different paths through military service, but their reflections share a common theme: the values developed through service can have a lasting impact.
Whether it is Bill’s commitment to service and teamwork or Ken’s emphasis on empathy and understanding, these lessons remind us that the strongest teams and relationships are built on purpose, trust, and respect for others.
This Veterans Day, we recognize Bill, Ken, and all those who have served. We are grateful for their service and proud of the perspectives, experiences, and values they continue to bring to the people around them.
Thank you for your service, and for the lasting impact you make every day.