November 11, 2024

Today and every day, we honor and salute all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We are especially grateful to the veterans on the Twin Rivers Paper team for their dedication and sacrifice, and we are proud to celebrate their service.

Air Force

Ken Gendreau – Environmental, Health & Safety Maintenance Representative

Ken served in the Air Force for four years. After basic training at Lackland Airforce Base, San Antonio, Tex., he attended aircraft welding school in Rantoul, Ill. Ken served as an F-4 Wild Weasel Aircraft Welder at George Air Force Base in Victorville, Calif.

Paul Michaud – Catalog Mill, Beater Engineer 

Paul served from 1985 to 1992 in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Just Cause, USAF Security Police Academy Lakeland AFB, Tex., Air Base Ground Defense Training, Camp Bullis Tex., Advanced Reconnaissance Training, Offutt AFB Neb., Security Forces Close Precision Engagement Team Member, 42nd Security Police Squadron, Loring AFB Maine, USAF Operations of Special Investigations, Quantico Va., 42nd Bomb Wing Honor Guard Member, Loring AFB Maine, Secondary AFSC, Heavy Equipment Operator, and 42nd CES Loring AFB Maine. Paul was honorably discharged on June 20, 1992.

Jason Querze – Customer Service/Transportation Manager

As Security Police in the USAF, Jason served from 1988 to 1992. He proved security for priority A resources for both missiles and aircraft and also for a Russian dignitary that was visiting U.S. bases. Jason participated on a 20-man team that competed in the military version of the Olympics, which included Strategic Air Command bases from around the country, competing against one another to determine who was the best in obstacle course, firing range, tactical exercise, and a live scenario.

Army

Charles Blanchette – Diagnostic Technician, Maintenance Department

In 1979, Charles completed his Basic and Military Police training at Fort McClellan, Ala., followed by Jump School at Fort Benning, Ga. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Military Police Unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. He had the opportunity to participate in various trainings and events which included amphibious warfare in Virginia, winter warfare in Alaska, Reforger exercise in Germany, joint exercise in Key West Fla., and exhibition jump in Pennsylvania. “It was an Honor to serve my country and am proud of the young men and women to give of themselves to fight for the freedoms that we continue to fight to hold on to. USA!”

Brian Cyr – Maintenance Scheduler

Brian served in the Army from 1986 to 1996. He was an ADA Operations & Intelligence Operator (16H) from 1986 to 1989 for Hawk Missiles. Brian’s proficiencies included encoding and decoding messages and passing messages to subordinate units within four minutes after time of receipt.

James A. Daigle – M.C. Tender # 7

James A. Daigle served in the U.S. Army for four years as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Engineer.

Donald Tenney – Maintenance Manager on PM #3 Mill Street

Donald Tenney served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1993.

Army & Marines

Brent Griffitts – Power & Recovery – Utility Hand B

At the age of 17, Brent enlisted in both the Army and the Marines, dedicating nine years to his military service. Throughout his career, he completed three deployments and attained the rank of sergeant.

Marines

Nick Guglielmo – Product Development Technologist

Nick served in the Marine Corps from 1993 to 1997.

Alton Martin – Director of Talent Management

Al served in the Marines from 1976 to 1980. He participated in the Summer Marine Corps Platoon Leaders’ Class (PLC) Program in 1973 and 1975 in Quantico, Va., and received a commission upon college graduation in 1976. Al served on active duty with the 1st Marine Division as a Communications/Electronics Officer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and later served as Director of the Field Skills Training (FST) Communications and Electronics School at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Gary A. Pelletier – Millwright

Gary served in the Marine Corps from 1980 to 1983 as a Combat Engineer and Corporal.

National Guard

Aaron Lee – Recovery Boiler Operator

Aaron’s tenure with the Arkansas National Guard spanned nine years, during which he actively engaged in diverse training programs and exercises, culminating in his distinguished recognition as Soldier of the Year in 1994.

Michael Ross – Pipe Fitter

Michael served as a member of the Army National Guard from 1985 to 1993. His first MOS (military occupational specialty) was Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, followed by First Cook, and Air Defense Artillery Crew Chief. Michael received an Honorable Discharge from the Army National Guard as an E-5 Sergeant.

James Theriault – 3rd Hand #8 MC

James has served in the National Guard for 21 years, starting in 2002 with the field artillery. He was deployed in Iraq from 2006 to 2007 with 3/172 mountain infantry. From 2008 to the present, he has been serving in the 185th ESC, participating in multiple state site deployments, and providing training to Montenegro soldiers in their country.

Rachel Thibeault – Production Planner

Rachel devoted six years of service to the National Guard, from 2012 to 2018.

Navy

John Bates – Director of NY Operations

John served from 1992 to 2012 as a Navy Nuclear Engineer in the Submarine Force and completed training as a Nuclear Engineering Laboratory Technician and Machinist Mate. He also served on USS Philadelphia SSN-690, USS La Jolla SSN-701, USS Miami SSN-755, USS Pittsburgh SSN-720 and completed seven overseas deployments in support of national security. In addition, John served two tours at Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa as an instructor and completed his career as an Engineering Department Master Chief.

Bill Batte – Information Technology System Administrator

Bill served in the Navy from 1988 to 1992. He was stationed in Staten Island, N.Y., serving as a Gunners Mate Missile Technician on MK-41 Vertical Launching System on the USS Normandy (CG-60), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. As a crew member onboard the USS Normandy when it was commissioned on December 9, 1989, Bill is a “plank owner.” On December 28, 1990, the USS Normandy was the first warship since 1945 to go to war on its maiden cruise. Bill is a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.