This Veteran’s Day, SkillsetGroup is honoring one of our newest veteran employees, former Marine Lance Corporal Miguel Miranda. He was born in Pacoima, grew up in Boyle Heights and served six years from 1982-88; three years active duty and three in the reserves.
Miranda drove and tested heavy equipment as a heavy machinery operator for the Marines. He tested vehicles like the Humvee before it was even approved for use by the military, let alone the public.
“They were great,” Miranda said about his time in Maryland as a test driver. “We put those things through hell.”
Miranda also drove a “Dragon Wagon,” a massive, armored, M-class military semi-truck with articulated steering used to haul tanks and other heavy equipment.
Miranda said he learned a lot about how to conduct himself during his time in the Marines – work he said serves him well in his current position as a business development manager.
“Conduct and discipline is important in any line of work,” Miranda said. “There has to be a level of diplomacy in your conduct.”
Miranda urged his sales colleagues to “stay grounded,” when facing tough times, either professionally or personally.
“You can’t lose your self-confidence; don’t get discouraged,” Miranda said. “Stay the course, ride it out and things will come together sooner or later if you’re putting in the time and effort. And no matter how successful or unsuccessful you are, don’t lose sight of what makes you ‘you,’ as an individual.”
