More than 200 SERVPRO employees arrived for a recent corporate meeting in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Before the Jan. 30 meeting began, there was a pause for a brief ceremony as representatives from the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center came to recognize the company and its CEO, Sue Steen.

Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU, and Daniels Center Director Hilary Miller presented a framed plaque to Steen for her company's efforts in hiring veterans and their family members.

The Daniels Center and its Veterans Transitioning Home Office present framed certificates of appreciation to companies who have hired MTSU student veterans, family members and others for demonstrating continuous support to this population.

One such SERVPRO employee is Jessie DeVuyst, a research specialist and a family member of one of Miller's former MTSU students.

Just after marrying, DeVuyst "moved to Tennessee without a job or any professional connections," she said in describing how Shane Smith, a staff member in the center's Veterans Transitioning Home Office, took the time to meet with her and discuss her career goals and options.

"He polished my resume and kept me motivated, applying for job after job," DeVuyst said. "The help I received in making the necessary connections to be offered my current position was invaluable and made all the difference in pushing me to where I am today."

Huber, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, praised SERVPRO's commitment to its employees' wellness and professional development programs.

"SERVPRO's commitment to enriching the lives of their employees is evident," he said. He added that MTSU remains committed to serving all veterans and encouraged SERVPRO employees to reach out to him if they need assistance.

The MTSU contingent toured SERVPRO's facility while on-site.

Headquartered in Gallatin, SERVPRO is a franchisor of fire and water cleanup and restoration franchises in the U.S. and Canada. The franchise system provides localized services as well as large-scale disaster recovery.

The Veterans Transitioning Home Office assists students and others with all aspects of the career decision-making and job search processes. Smith is veterans' employee search agent.