November 11, 2025
On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms, both at home and abroad.
At S&ME, we are proud to have 60+ veterans among our employee-owners. Their leadership, teamwork, and sense of duty continue to strengthen our organization every day. As we celebrate Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to them and to all who have worn the uniform for their service and the values they uphold.
Team Spotlight
This year, we are spotlighting our Raleigh-based NDT/NDE (Non-Destructive Testing/Evaluation) team, which includes several veterans. The NDT/NDE team plays a critical role in evaluating the integrity of structures and materials using advanced technologies like ultrasonic, magnetic particle, radiographic testing, and more, without damaging the source.
Roger Breeden // Senior Metals Technician
Branch: US Navy
Years of service: 1973-1977
Russ Odgen // Services Manager II, Project Manager
Branch: US Marine Corps
Years of service: 1983-1993
Jerry Shirley // Metals Technician
Branch: US Army
Years of service: 2012-2016
Perry Vezina // NDE/NDT Service Line Leader, Senior Consultant, Project Manager,
Branch: US Marine Corps
Years of service: 1987-1994
Carlos Ybarra // Metals Technician
Branch: US Marine Corps
Years of service: 2012-2016
Service in the military instills qualities that extend far beyond the field or uniform. These qualities such as discipline, adherence, resilience, and adaptability translate into the NDE/NDT field, where precision, consistency, and problem-solving are essential to ensuring the integrity and safety of critical infrastructure.
- The discipline of our team ensures careful attention to testing procedures and safety protocols.
- Their adherence to strict codes and standards supports quality and compliance across every project.
- Resilience helps our teams stay focused and effective in demanding field conditions.
- And adaptability allows our technicians to respond quickly to changing site environments or unexpected results.
These traits, honed through service, strengthen the reliability and precision of our NDE/NDT team’s work every day.
“Our veterans within S&ME’s Raleigh NDE/NDT team truly exemplify these qualities in action,” says Perry Vezina, NDT/NDE Service Line Lead. “Our military experience has instilled a deep commitment to precision, accountability, and teamwork that elevates the standard of every project we support. Whether assessing the integrity of a bridge component or verifying weld quality on critical infrastructure, they approach each task with a mission-oriented mindset and unwavering attention to detail. Their leadership and professionalism strengthen not only our technical capabilities but also the culture of excellence that defines our team.”
Project Highlights
At S&ME, our veterans are integral to delivering quality and reliability across a broad range of projects and industries. From transportation and manufacturing to energy and life sciences, they bring precision and accountability to every inspection and test. Their expertise is reflected in diverse efforts such as the NCDOT Materials & Test On-Call and Life Science Mechanical Integrity Testing Programs, showcasing the depth, versatility, and impact our veteran professionals bring to the field.