The desire to serve their nation is often what drives someone to enlist in the armed forces. Upon completion of military duty, some continue to utilize their training and skills in a new method of service – service to their community.
Fulfill is proud to have several veterans as part of our team in the fight against hunger. They bring the same dedication and passion they invested in their military careers to our mission of ending food insecurity.
“We are fortunate to have several team members at Fulfill who have served in the military,” says Triada Stampas, president and CEO of Fulfill. “Their dedication, resilience and commitment to teamwork set a powerful example, and they bring invaluable skills and perspectives that strengthen us as a whole. We are stronger as a team when we have a diversity of experience.”
Here’s an introduction to just two of our amazing veteran team members:
Jon Rowe
Fulfill’s Vice President of Operations, Jon Rowe, always knew he wanted to serve his country. He comes from a line of Navy servicemen, including his grandfather who served in World War II.
His urge to enlist became clearer to Jon during his senior year of high school in 2001, which was a time of great uncertainty for our country. After the 9/11 attacks, Jon felt the desire to take action and join the military, but life took him in a different direction, leading him to pursue college first. But Jon’s desire to serve never wavered. Upon graduation in 2008, he fulfilled the calling by enlisting in the United States Navy. Over the course of six years, Jon served two tours in Afghanistan, building skills that would serve him throughout his life.
Ending his military service in 2014, Jon went on to pursue a career in business operations in the e-commerce sector, working at companies such as Amazon, Wayfair and Clutter.com. Today, Jon is Vice President of Operations at Fulfill, where he is responsible for overseeing all of our food bank operations, streamlining distribution processes, building partnerships with donors of food product, leading the expansion of our warehouse and more.
“I’m grateful to be in a position to use my talents and the skills I learned from my military service to do meaningful work here at Fulfill. While I may not physically handle food, the behind-the-scenes operations play a crucial role in feeding our neighbors,” says Jon. “I enjoyed my previous jobs, but working to help feed people fills your cup a little more.”
Jon prides himself on streamlining and improving Fulfill’s operations and processes, so that we can better serve the 100,000 Monmouth and Ocean County neighbors facing food insecurity.
Mike Wynter
Fulfill’s Agency Door Coordinator Mike Wynter served in the United States Marine Corps from 2000-2004. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina in the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and continued his military service in the Army National Guard serving in both Delaware and New Jersey from 2006-2015.
“Joining the Marines out of high school helped me support my mother, and also allowed me to serve the country in the best way I could,” Mike says.
Mike first experienced warehouse work as a member of the National Guard. Now as the Agency Door Coordinator for Fulfill, Mike works with agency partners to ensure orders are correct and community donations are managed.
Mike’s “boots on the ground” role at Fulfill allows him to connect with people and hear their stories.
“Working directly with our neighbors, I feel I gain their trust and they really open up to me,” he says. “I hear about the challenges they face, and how Fulfill helps address and alleviate some of those challenges. I am glad they trust me with their stories.”
In addition to serving the community, Fulfill also proudly provides needed resources and food to local veteran-centric organizations, like Solider On, AMVets and local VFWs – giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Veterans like Jon and Mike are shining examples that the call to serve never fades. Their dedication not only strengthens Fulfill’s operations but also builds bridges to the community members who rely on us. This Veterans Day, and every day, we honor the spirit of service they bring to our mission, helping us stand strong and focused in our fight against hunger.