Merlin
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As we commemorate Veterans Day, Merlin proudly celebrates the contributions of the veterans on our team. Their unique experiences and insights have not only enriched our workplace but also continually inspire us in our mission to advance aviation technology.
To honor their service and perspective, we spoke with a few veterans at Merlin, asking them about their backgrounds, the values they bring to their roles, and the lessons that have shaped their careers. From the courage to embrace challenges to the camaraderie that drives teamwork, these veterans share what it means to them to transition into the corporate world and how their military experiences have prepared them for success.
Zia Edgell, Senior Human Factors Engineer
Can you share a bit about your background in the military and what inspired you to serve?
I joined the Air Cadets at the age of 13 which started me on the path toward my first career as an Air Traffic Control Officer in the Royal Air Force. Top Gun “may” have helped a little!
What lessons did you learn in the military that have been most valuable in your career at Merlin?
During my time in the military, I was involved in crash management, emergency planning and human factors work as secondary duties, unfortunately witnessing the loss of friends and colleagues. Through these experiences, I learned that more informative training, a better cockpit design, or the purchase and implementation of existing technologies could have helped to prevent such tragedies. This is ultimately what led me to pursue my graduate education in Human Factors in Aviation and why I’m enthusiastic about my work at Merlin.
What advice would you give to veterans transitioning into corporate roles?
To gain entry into the military, we must demonstrate an aptitude for exceptional skills, which are then developed and honed to a high level while you serve. Everyone we are surrounded with then has gained these skills and qualities, which ultimately makes them become a baseline for us. Many veterans fail to remember that these qualities are not ordinary outside of the military, making each of us highly valuable to the corporate world.
Patrick Van Wie, Director of Integration and Hardware
Can you share a bit about your background in the military and what inspired you to serve?
I served in the Air Force from 1992-1996 as an Avionics Photo/Sensors technician maintaining laser targeting, navigation, and airborne recording equipment on A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcons. I attended tech school at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO and spent the rest of the time at Eielson AFB, AK in the 354th Maintenance Squadron.
Throughout my childhood, I was exposed to technology and engineering, both at school and at home, which prompted my interest in the Air Force. The first Gulf War to liberate Kuwait using air power showed me how powerful and capable aircraft can be. My father also served in the Navy Reserves so he was a large inspiration for my interest in the military.
What lessons did you learn in the military that have been most valuable in your career at Merlin?
I worked on the LANTIRN system with the F-16s, and with every new system there are unforeseen challenges to overcome. Two of the biggest lessons I learned are that I needed to take initiative to find and implement creative solutions, and that good camaraderie creates a cohesive team that will go above and beyond for each other and the organization. I bring these experiences to my work at Merlin, which consists of a ‘do-anything’ attitude and dedication to help accomplish the company’s mission.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It’s a good time to reflect on my time in the Air Force but to also connect with distant friends and fellow airmen, honor those who currently serve, and remind my friends and fellow veterans who served in other branches how much better the Air Force is! It’s been many years since my active duty days and even though we may not talk often, we’re friends for life.
Tyler Cooper, Director of IT Security
Can you share a bit about your background in the military and what inspired you to serve?
Both of my parents were in the Air Force, so I enlisted into the Georgia Air National Guard in 2017 doing Combat Communications. After a deployment to Djibouti I was commissioned in 2020. One of my favorite military trips was to Finland to support a NATO exercise. I still serve today as a Captain in the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron.
What lessons did you learn in the military that have been most valuable in your career at Merlin?
Early on when I was enlisted there were endless tasks and objectives to accomplish. I quickly wanted to explore the bigger picture and understand how taskings and missions were generated, how our gear was built and deployed out, etc. Commissioning gave me the opportunity to not only learn about the bigger picture, but also be a part of it. Understanding the strategic impact of my decisions is what’s most valuable in my career.
What advice would you give to veterans transitioning into corporate roles?
The earlier you start the less stressful it will be. Build up your connections on LinkedIn and in the specific area you want to be. Your military skills absolutely apply to the corporate world so take extra time to properly translate them onto your resume.
Chris Gentile, General Manager of Tactical Autonomy
Can you share a bit about your background in the military and what inspired you to serve?
I was fascinated with aviation from an early age, and set my sights on attending the Air Force Academy. The combination of flight, mission, and service offered opportunities that I couldn’t realize anywhere else. I was lucky enough to fly over 26 different aircraft during my career as a fighter and test pilot, including deployed operations in the F-15E and leading several rounds of upgrades on the F-22A.
What values from your military experience do you bring to work each day?
Military aviation brings a strong debrief culture – we take a disciplined approach to understanding what happened, what went well, and what can be done better. This concept – respectful feedback and continual improvement – is at the core of how we perform here at Merlin.
What advice would you give to veterans transitioning into corporate roles?
The experience, skills, and mission focus that defined your time in the military are far more applicable in industry than I ever realized. The ability to rapidly build a team and critically assess situations and solutions is something we take for granted in the service but applies to nearly every situation you’ll find yourself in!
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
While the arc of human history isn’t always smooth, I do believe that it bends toward justice and equality. America has a unique position and ability to be the best champion for the advancement of the human condition, and our veterans are the critical factor underpinning stability and prosperity around the world. I’m proud of my time and grateful for the incredible teammates I got to work with.