In Honor of Veteran’s Day, Allen3D’s Military Veterans Share Valuable Life and Business Lessons
November 11 is Veteran’s Day, a date that annually commemorates the brave men and women who have given so much in the defense of our country. Allen3D is proud and honored to employ several United States Armed Forces veterans. These strong, capable, resilient professionals are cherished colleagues and serve as prime examples of outstanding employees. This year, we celebrate and honor Allen3D Director of Reality Capture Walter Lappert (Air Force), Operations Manager Daniel Brice (Army), and Scheduling Coordinator Lee T. Sanders (Marine Corps and Army National Guard). These individuals share their insights on how their time in the service has translated not only to civilian life but specifically to their work in 3D capture, digital twin, and other applications to the AEC sector.
Today—and every day—we salute our company’s veterans and our country’s heroes. Thank you for your service!
How do you feel your military experience translated into your civilian career?
Daniel Brice: When I joined the Army, my Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 12Y, Geospatial Engineer. My years of experience in the military provided a strong foundation for transitioning to civilian roles. I began as a Geospatial Analyst with Leidos and later joined Allen3D.
Image Courtesy of: Allen3D’s
Walter Lappert: The Air Force taught me to stay calm when handling things that can blow up—literally! As an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist, I managed weapons on aircraft like the A-10 Warthog, F-16 Falcon, and B-1 Bomber, so I’m pretty skilled at staying calm under pressure. Now, instead of “warheads on foreheads,” I’m all about [fiber-optic] “sensing on fencing” [for security]. This shift has turned my explosive handling skills into a career focused on precision, innovation, and tech-savvy solutions in civilian life. It’s a blast…just, you know, in a safer way.
Image Courtesy of: Allen3D’s
Lee T. Sanders: The discipline I developed in the Marine Corps and Army National Guard translates directly into my civilian career, fostering a dedicated approach to my work. My attention to detail, honed during my service, ensures I meet objectives efficiently and effectively, driving personal and professional growth.
Image Courtesy of: Allen3D’s
What other strengths do you feel veterans bring to the civilian workforce that the general public may not immediately recognize?
Lee: Veterans bring a unique set of strengths to the civilian workforce, including exceptional organization, determination, and astuteness. Our military background teaches us the importance of timeliness and dedication, traits that are highly valued in any professional environment. These qualities often allow veterans to excel in roles requiring leadership, precision, and reliability.
Daniel: Veterans are highly adaptable and mission-focused, grounded in values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Throughout military service, leaders undergo extensive leadership training, which fosters strong mentorship and leadership skills that are invaluable in civilian workplaces.
Walter: Veterans bring grit, adaptability, and discipline that’s hard to match. When you’ve loaded munitions onto an A-10 under combat conditions, a Monday morning meeting is a breeze. We’re trained to think fast, work smart, and stay calm, no matter the chaos. I’d say we’re like Swiss Army knives—always prepared and valuable for just about any situation. This resilience and mission-focused mindset make us assets in roles that require precision and quick adaptation.
How did Allen3D provide you with a new chapter?
Daniel: I truly appreciate the forward-thinking approach and commitment to becoming leaders in our field. Since joining Allen3D, this vision has only continued to expand and inspire. Leadership is a core value in the military, and I feel that the company embodies this focus on leadership as well. The leaders here present themselves as equals, not above anyone, and are always willing to offer guidance and mentorship to their teams.
Walter: At Allen3D, I get to combine my passion for tech with my background in precision and data capture. The team here isn’t afraid to push the envelope with reality capture and 3D scanning, so every day brings a new project that keeps me on my toes. It’s refreshing to work with tools that capture data and make models without the possibility of anything going “boom.” Plus, I get to work alongside incredibly sharp minds who appreciate a good challenge as much as I do.
Lee: Allen3D has afforded me the chance to learn and try new things that I have never done before. It is wonderful to work and collaborate with different people of various backgrounds and cultures. I feel that my time in the military makes it an easy transition to work with a diverse workforce.
What advice can you share with veterans transitioning into the workforce?
Daniel: I recommend starting or continuing your education and choosing a clear career path. Many organizations, like the Camaraderie Foundation, offer mentorship and support specifically for veterans to help guide their career development.
Walter: I’d recommend leaning into the discipline, organization, and adaptability we’ve all learned in service. Those skills translate seamlessly, even in fields you might not expect. In one of my first civilian jobs, I used the organizational structure of the military to streamline operations. My colleagues were surprised at how much more efficient things became with just a few structured processes. So don’t hesitate to bring your unique skills forward—they’re more valuable than you might realize. And remember to keep a sense of humor—it makes the transition smoother and the workday a lot more enjoyable.
Lee: One story from my transition involves adapting my military organizational skills to streamline operations in a civilian role, which led to increased efficiency and recognition from my peers. So, approach each opportunity with the same dedication and attention to detail that the military instills.
Are there techniques or skills from your service that you find particularly useful for handling high-pressure situations?
Walter: Staying calm while handling live munitions and being mortared and shot at in Afghanistan teaches you a lot about keeping a level head. Civilian pressures feel a bit more manageable by comparison. My advice? Break big problems into smaller steps, keep a positive outlook, and prioritize tasks like it’s an emergency—because sometimes it is. When things get hectic, I rely on the fundamentals from my munitions days: Stay steady, focus on the main objective, and don’t let minor distractions take you off course.
Daniel: Losing your composure or panicking doesn’t help anyone. Staying calm and assessing the situation allows you to develop a plan to address the issue effectively. This is where veterans and military members often have an advantage as their experiences have equipped them to adapt to change with resilience and focus.
Lee: Maintaining composure and focusing on clear, actionable steps is crucial. Military training teaches us to remain calm, assess situations quickly, and execute decisions efficiently. Techniques such as prioritizing tasks and relying on teamwork are invaluable in managing stress and achieving success under pressure.
Who is a veteran and/or leader who inspires you and influences your professional values?
Walter: I always think back to my Air Force supervisors and mentors, who showed me that discipline, resilience, and (sometimes) a dash of humor can get you through anything. They balanced high standards with a strong sense of teamwork and humility. They taught me that leadership is about showing up, holding high standards, and being willing to roll up your sleeves alongside your team. Their influence reminds me daily to value integrity, commitment, and just enough grit to keep things interesting.
Lee: I draw inspiration from my uncles who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Their commitment and sacrifices instilled in me a deep respect for service and leadership. Their stories and experiences have profoundly influenced my professional values, emphasizing the importance of integrity, resilience, and dedication in all aspects of life.
Daniel: Joe Hancock, the Director of Operations at Allen & Company. I truly appreciate the time he takes out of his day to check in with me and ensure I have everything I need to succeed.
<p>The post Allen3D Veterans Share Life & Business Lessons for Veterans Day first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p>
