Story ID: 
Veterans are Valued at Duncan Aviation
By: Martha Jercinovich
Caption: Duncan Aviation was recognized as the Veterans of Foreign Wars National and Nebraska Employer of the Year
Word Count: 709
Duncan Aviation is proud to announce that in 2024, the company was recognized as the Veterans of Foreign Wars National and Nebraska Employer of the Year. These honors highlight Duncan Aviation’s commitment to hiring, supporting, and retaining Veterans and reflect dedication to helping Veterans transition into careers while fostering a supportive and welcoming work environment.
In early 2024, Nebraska VFW Commander Chris Beaty reached out to Duncan Aviation about being nominated for the VFW Nebraska Employer of the Year award. Recognizing the company’s commitment to hiring and supporting Veterans, he worked with Miranda Shada, Duncan Aviation RRT Admin Coordinator and a former SkillBridge intern, to compile the necessary information for the nomination.
In the summer, Duncan Aviation received the exciting news that the company had not only won the Nebraska award, but had also been selected as the VFW National Employer of the Year! This recognition at both the state and national levels is a testament to the company’s dedication to those who have served in the military.
Veterans Vital For Success
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to receive these awards,” said PK Duncan, a Project Manager and great-grandson of company founder Donald Duncan. “We cannot thank our Veterans enough for what they did for our country and what they do every day for Duncan Aviation. The skills and experiences they gained from their service are beneficial to them personally and to our company.  We will continue to support the Veterans at Duncan Aviation, personally and professionally, as they have and always will positively affect our success.”
Duncan Aviation is proud to have Veterans number nearly 25% of its workforce across all facilities, contributing their skills and leadership to various roles. Many of the company’s Veteran team members bring technical expertise, discipline, and teamwork that align perfectly with the demands of the aviation industry. From skilled technicians to leadership positions, Veterans continue to make a meaningful impact. Their experiences in aviation, engineering, and logistics often translate into the work Duncan Aviation needs to have completed, allowing them to thrive in a dynamic and high-performance environment.
Supporting Veterans
Duncan Aviation’s commitment to Veterans goes beyond simply hiring them. The company strives to create an environment where Veterans feel supported, valued, and empowered in their careers.
One way Duncan Aviation achieves this is through its Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG), which provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of community for Veterans across all the Duncan Aviation locations. The ERG serves as a support system, helping Veterans navigate benefits, connect with local organizations, and build relationships with fellow Veterans.
“We understand the unique skills and experiences that Veterans bring to the workforce. Their leadership, discipline, and technical expertise align perfectly with our company’s mission and values. By investing in programs like SkillBridge and fostering a strong Veteran community, we make sure that those who have served our country have meaningful opportunities to have success in their post-military careers,” PK Duncan said.
As Parts & Rotables Senior Sales Rep and ERG co-chair Tyler Lauer explained, Duncan Aviation’s commitment extends beyond the workplace. The ERG also organizes social events, BBQs, and networking opportunities to create a space where Veterans can connect outside of work, strengthening the bond that many developed during their time in the military.
“One of the reasons Duncan Aviation was recognized for the Employer of the Year awards is because we truly care about our Veterans. We provide resources, career development, and a supportive environment where they can excel, not just as employees, but as valued members of our team,” says Lauer.
“We are committed to continuing our efforts to recruit, support, and retain Veterans, making sure that they have the tools and opportunities to succeed. Their service and dedication to our country deserves recognition, and we will always strive to create an environment where they can be successful,” PK continued. “Duncan Aviation is grateful for this recognition and remains dedicated to supporting our nation’s heroes--past, present, and future.”
To learn more about Duncan Aviation’s commitment to Veterans, watch this video: https://duncanaviation.aero/videos/a-soaring-future-for-veterans-duncan-aviation