At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Brandon Caldwell, a Logistics Analyst at Elite Comfort Solutions – Verona in Verona, MS! We asked Brandon about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I joined the military in 2003 at the age of 17, during my junior year of high school. Since then, I’ve earned four Military Occupational Specialties (MOS): Cavalry Scout, Helicopter Crew Chief, Aviation Operations, and Logistics. Over the course of my career, I’ve completed three deployments to the Middle East.
My first combat deployment was in 2009, where I served as a Scout Team Leader in Iraq. The second deployment placed me in an SME or advisory role across Iraq, Dubai/UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. My third deployment was particularly challenging, as the nature of enemy combatants and tactics had evolved significantly since 2009. This deployment included multiple locations, most notably Tower 22 in the border region of Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. I served as a Scout Platoon Sergeant, leading a platoon of Recon Scouts. I returned home from that deployment in April 2024. It was one of the most demanding experiences of my career – unforgettable in every sense.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
When I was 17, I met a Trooper – who happened to be a Scout – just back from the initial invasion of Iraq. At the time, I was a typical 17-year-old, aimless and without a clear direction. But after hearing his stories and seeing his photos, something shifted. I knew I wanted to be part of that fight – to make a difference, both within myself and for this nation.
Throughout my career, I’ve gained a wealth of life experience. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things we often take for granted, the importance of showing up for others, and the power of resilience. I’ve developed leadership skills, honed my ability to solve problems under pressure, and gained a deeper understanding of life’s fragility and the delicate balance it hangs on at any given moment.
Why did you join Valor?
Transitioning to civilian life after so many years in uniform, I knew I’d always have a place where I felt understood among fellow veterans. In this community, you never meet a stranger. There’s always a buddy by your side and a strong sense of belonging.
My hope is to connect with new and current veterans, to be a source of support and guidance as they navigate life on this side of service. No one should have to go it alone – there’s so much out there that one person might never discover without the help of others. Through a community built on valor and shared experience, I strive to be a steady presence – a guiding beacon for my fellow veterans and servicemembers.