Tag: veteran friendly company
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Shelly Henderson
For Shelly, a desire to challenge herself and pursue a life of purpose led to a remarkable 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps—and continues today through her work supporting warfighters and allied partners at Precise Systems.
Growing up in a small town in northern Idaho, she knew she wanted to pursue opportunities beyond what was familiar. Motivated by the Marine Corps’ values of selflessness, discipline, teamwork, and mission accomplishment, she made the decision to serve.
That decision would ultimately shape the course of her life.
During her military career, Shelly became the first—and currently the only—woman to qualify and serve as a KC-130F/R&T Flight Engineer in the Marine Corps. The experience taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, accountability, and leadership.
“People are counting on you to do your job right every time because mistakes don’t just affect you—they affect the entire team and the success of the mission,” she said.
Today, she brings that same commitment to excellence to her role as Technical Document Sanitization Lead supporting PMA-231 Foreign Military Sales customers.
In her position, she manages and maintains E-2C and E-2D aircraft technical documentation for partner nations including Japan, France, Taiwan, and Egypt. By reviewing, updating, validating, and tailoring maintenance manuals, she helps ensure aircraft maintainers have the accurate technical data they need to safely operate and sustain mission-critical platforms.
Her work directly contributes to operational readiness across the globe.
“When maintainers have clear, current, and accurate publications, they can keep aircraft safe, available, and effective,” she explained. “That readiness ultimately enables warfighters and coalition partners to execute their missions with confidence.”
As we recognize Women Veterans Day, Shelly reflects on the significance of the occasion.
She hopes future generations of women see limitless opportunities to serve and lead.
Her advice for women considering military service or careers supporting the nation’s defense is to believe in themselves, remain resilient, and focus on excellence.
“You may be the only woman in the room—or on the flight line—but you absolutely belong there. Focus on being prepared, technically competent, and professional. Let your performance speak for you.”
We’re honored to have Shelly on our Precise Team and grateful for her continued dedication to supporting those who serve.
Thank you for your service, leadership, and commitment to the mission.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Sarah La Fuze
For Sarah, serving others has always been part of who she is.
Today, Sarah supports NSWC Crane as a Personnel Security Specialist, helping protect sensitive intelligence programs and the people who power them. Through personnel vetting and continuous monitoring efforts, she serves as a critical line of defense against insider threats while strengthening the security and trust that support our nation’s warfighters.
“My role helps limit insider threats and increases the trust and security of the teams here at Crane,” Sarah explained.
Sarah’s passion for service began with her grandfather, a retired Marine and police officer who inspired her from a young age.
“My Grandpa was my absolute hero and my greatest role model,” she said. “Growing up listening to his stories from Vietnam and Desert Storm, I always knew I wanted to serve my country.”
Her military experience would go on to leave a lasting impact—not only professionally, but personally as well.
“The lesson from my military service that has had the greatest impact on who I am today is the true meaning of family,” Sarah shared.
Through shared challenges and experiences, she learned that family extends far beyond blood relations. The bonds formed through service taught her the importance of trust, loyalty, and showing up for others when it matters most.
Those lessons continue to shape how she approaches her work today, helping safeguard teammates and support mission success.
As we recognize Women Veterans Day, Sarah reflects on the common thread that connects all veterans.
“We all took the exact same oath and signed up to give our lives for people we don’t even know so they can live in a free country,” she said. “I’ve known both men and women who never made it home, and to me, they are all simply my brothers and sisters.”
For women considering military service, Sarah offers honest advice: understand the commitment, embrace the journey, and be open to the life-changing experiences that come with it.
“Joining the military was absolutely the greatest decision I ever made,” she said. “You’ll learn invaluable life lessons and build unbreakable bonds that make the experience worth every second.”
And if Hollywood ever comes calling? Sarah already has her leading actress picked out: Melissa McCarthy.
“I’ve lived a very unconventional and unexpected life,” Sarah laughed. “She’s hilarious, but she can also be genuinely intimidating and never seems afraid to tackle whatever comes her way.”
At Precise, we are grateful for Sarah’s continued service, unwavering dedication, and commitment to protecting those who protect our nation.
Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do.
Precise Earns VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer Award for 2026
Lexington Park, Maryland — May 1, 2026 — Precise Systems has been recognized as a 5 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards — in recognition of the organization’s strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community, VETS Indexes announced earlier this week.
“Precise Systems has demonstrated meaningful and measurable support for veterans and the military-connected community through its commitment to building opportunities for those who served,” said Nicholas Antaki, President of VETS Indexes. “As we launch our new awards platform and enhanced survey experience in 2026, we are making it easier than ever for organizations to showcase their veteran employment initiatives and benchmark their progress. Employers like Precise Systems continue to set the standard and help drive the future of veteran employment forward.”
VETS Indexes recognized participating organizations across the following award levels: 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer, and Recognized Employer. Not every responding organization received an award — only those that demonstrated a strong commitment to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses. Awards were announced at the Employing U.S. Vets Conference held at the New York Athletic Club.
Participating organizations included companies large and small, government agencies and departments, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and universities, all working to strengthen employment opportunities and support systems for the military-connected community.
As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program has set a new standard in veteran employment data. VETS Indexes and its Employer Awards have been featured on CNBC, Fox Business and BNN Bloomberg, as well as military-specific outlets, including Military.com, Military Times and Stars & Stripes.
This in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes in detail, across the following 5 categories:
- Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
- Veteran employee development and retention
- Veteran-inclusive policies and culture
- Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
- Military spouse/family support
About VETS Indexes
VETS Indexes is a leading voice on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, unearthing unique and unprecedented data on veteran employment through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service, and developing custom indexes, linked to financial products, that track the performance of the publicly traded companies that have established themselves as the best employers for veterans.
The VETSX and VTRNIX indexes were created on the premise that the companies that make the best use of the highly talented, yet under-valued, talent pool that veterans represent will ultimately see a benefit to their bottom lines.
As the world’s first resource for U.S.-veteran-themed indexes, our mission is to provide
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
Precise Systems Welcomes Mike Risik as Vice President of Business Development
Lexington Park, MD — March 18, 2026 — Precise Systems is pleased to announce that Michael “Mike” Risik has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development, bringing more than two decades of engineering leadership, program execution, and strategic growth experience supporting the U.S. Navy and national defense missions.
Risik joins Precise with an exceptional background spanning naval nuclear propulsion, advanced weapons systems, and large-scale acquisition programs. He recently retired as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officer community after completing his final tour as Special Projects Director for the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile–Nuclear (SLCM-N) program, where he developed a five-year, $600M risk-reduction strategy supporting the broader $6B+ strategic weapons program.
In addition to his military leadership, Risik has held senior industry roles including Director of Strategic Solutions and Solution Architect at Valkyrie Enterprises, where he led strategic growth initiatives, developed capture strategies for complex technical programs, and fostered strong partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
Throughout his career, Risik has led large multidisciplinary teams and managed complex portfolios exceeding $1.5 billion in programs and projects, including his role as Deputy Commander and Chief Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, where he helped restructure and unify more than 200 personnel into a high-performing engineering and acquisition organization supporting Navy surface ship weapons systems.
“Mike brings a deep understanding of the mission, the customer, and the complex acquisition environments that shape today’s defense programs,” said Matthew Orsino, Chief Growth Officer of Precise Systems. “His technical depth, leadership experience, and strategic perspective will strengthen our ability to expand partnerships, pursue critical opportunities, and deliver innovative solutions that support the warfighter.”
Risik holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a minor in mathematics. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt.
As Vice President of Business Development, Risik will help drive growth across Precise Systems’ portfolio of advanced engineering, digital transformation, and mission-focused solutions that support critical defense and national security priorities.
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Chris Anderson
At Precise Systems, our people are the driving force behind our mission. We’re proud to feature Chris Anderson, a member of our Recruiting team who plays an important role in connecting talented professionals—especially transitioning service members—with opportunities at Precise.
Chris supports recruiting efforts across multiple areas of the company, managing specialized opportunities in our Advanced Engineering and Physical Sciences capabilities while also serving as the primary recruiter for corporate roles. He also helps coordinate the team’s job fair schedule, helping ensure Precise maintains a strong presence at recruiting events.
In addition to Recruiting, Chris serves as Precise Systems’ SkillBridge Program coordinator, supporting service members as they transition from military service to civilian careers. He developed the program’s training plans, modules, job postings, and online resources, helping create a structured and supportive experience for SkillBridge participants.
“Hearing transitioning service members’ success stories about their time as a SkillBridge intern with us gives me great joy,” Chris says.
One of his most rewarding moments came in 2023, when Precise welcomed its first SkillBridge intern.
“The hiring of our first SkillBridge intern was seamless,” Chris explains. “That was a testament to the dedication and hard work our team put in through planning, meetings, sharing ideas, and executing.”
He is passionate about helping employers understand the value veterans bring to the workforce, noting their discipline, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
“Motivated and flexible are their primary attributes,” Chris says. “I think any employer would welcome those.”
To learn more about his role on our Recruiting team and the work he does for our SkillBridge program, read Chris’ full #PeopleOfPrecise spotlight here!
Precise Systems Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor
Lexington Park, MD, December 17, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer recognized Precise Systems as one of the record-breaking 887 recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Precise Systems earned the Gold Medallion after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
“We’re grateful to be recognized with the 2025 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion once again,” says Julie Lipoff, Precise Systems’ Senior Vice President of Recruiting. “With veterans at every level of our organization, hiring our warfighters is a natural extension of our mission and our shared commitment to continued service.”
Recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. Over 2,200 employers have earned a total of 5,371 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards since 2019.
“The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the federal government’s only veteran-hiring award. Recipients must meet high standards and demonstrate significant accomplishments in support of our nation’s veterans,” said Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez. “We appreciate their hard work and commitment to providing our nation’s veterans with meaningful employment.”
About Precise Systems
As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, and Foreign Military Sales. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer’s needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2026 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2026. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.
There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.
Precise Leads 2025 Best for Vets Employers Rankings
LEXINGTON PARK, MD, December 4, 2025 – Military Times has announced its 2025 Best for Vets: Employers rankings, recognizing 245 organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to hiring, retaining, and supporting America’s veterans. Among these distinguished companies is Precise Systems—a mission-driven organization deeply committed to serving veterans, military spouses, and their families.
Precise Systems’ 2025 Best for Vets Employers rankings are as follows:
• #1 in Maryland
• #3 in Defense
• #4 in Medium Enterprise
• #22 in For-Profit Company
• #25 Overall
This year’s rankings reflect continued growth across participating employers, building on momentum seen throughout sectors such as defense, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance. Precise’s placement underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served and creating meaningful pathways for military-connected talent.
“For more than a decade, Best for Vets has set the standard for corporate accountability in veteran employment,” said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “Every employer that makes this list is doing more than checking a box, they are actively building cultures that value service, skill and leadership.”
Each year, Military Times surveys hundreds of companies and organizations nationwide. The methodology evaluates recruitment and onboarding practices, retention and career advancement programs, and support for veterans and military spouses. Responses are verified and scored to ensure a rigorous, unbiased ranking.
The full 2025 ranking is available at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/employers.
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About Precise Systems
As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, and Foreign Military Sales. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer’s needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.
About Military Times The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Jake Rozelle
Meet Jake Rozelle – Vice President, Marine Corps veteran, and Precise Systems’ spotlight for November 2025.
Jake joined our Precise Team in August 2025 and brought with him integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose shaped by a lifetime of service. Those qualities were forged long before he joined the company—long before he stepped into civilian life at all. They began in a family whose legacy of military service runs generations deep.
Jake grew up surrounded by stories from relatives who served in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Army. That history sparked something early on. But the final nudge came from the Marine Corps’ reputation itself. As Jake puts it, the Marines were known as “the most demanding and challenging branch” of service, and he felt compelled to pursue the highest standard. It was a calling he not only accepted but embraced.
During his years in uniform, Jake learned the value of discipline, attention to detail, and the kind of mental and physical toughness that shapes a person for life. Those instincts, sharpened by his service, continue to guide his impact here at Precise.
Jake played an integral role in our recent celebration of the United States Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, creating a remarkable occasion of camaraderie, tradition, and honor. When asked what it means to be part of such a historic legacy, he says, “It means having a connection to the Marines who fought at places like Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, and the Chosin Reservoir. Many have made the statement, “we stand on the backs of giants” and this is true. It isn’t just history; it is a living commitment.”
Jake first met our Precise Team in 2022 at an event that left an immediate impression. Even without knowing the leadership team or their backgrounds, he recognized something familiar—an organizational structure and “esprit de corps” that immediately felt like home. When he later learned just how many veterans are part of our leadership team, the decision was easy.
Far too often, Jake says, former service members struggle with civilian careers that feel misaligned with their values. He didn’t want to be one of them. And at Precise, he found what he was looking for: a mission-driven environment, a shared sense of purpose, and leaders who understood the weight of service because they had lived it, too. He believes alignment between the values of military service and the expectations of civilian roles is crucial for success—and it’s why he continues to advocate for environments like the one he found at Precise.
Throughout his time in uniform, Jake has had the opportunity to be part of many memorable Marine Corps birthday celebrations – one of the most notable reading almost like a movie script!
One year, he had invited a Battalion Gunner to be the guest of honor for this particular celebration, but on the day of the celebration, the guest’s duties bound him to Big Island of Hawaii, when the birthday was planned to occur on the island of Oahu. Jake quickly mobilized a section of CH-53s to transport the guest from the Big Island to Oahu, where he was greeted with a team of Marines who prepared his uniform for the celebration. It was already cocktail hour at the celebration, but due to Jake’s quick thinking and the mutual understanding of urgency, everything went off without a hitch. Jake says, “[The guest’s] speech was one of the best I had ever heard at a birthday ball celebration, powerfully uniting the air wing and ground combat elements.”
Today, Jake brings that same spirit of service and leadership to Precise. We’re proud to have him as part of our Precise Team and carry forward both the Marine Corps legacy and the mission of Precise with dedication and heart.
Precise Systems Leads 2026 Military Friendly® Rankings
Lexington Park, MD – November 13, 2025 – Precise Systems proudly announced today that it has been named the #2 Military Friendly® Spouse Employer and the #3 Military Friendly® Employer for 2026 in the Less than $500M Award Category.
Over 1,500 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designations. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. 376 employers were recognized for their outstanding dedication to creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the Military Community, and Precise continues to lead the rankings.
“Military Friendly® identifies companies that are truly leading the way in veteran employment,” said Kayla Lopez, VP of Partnerships at Military Friendly®. “With over 2,800 Members, we are seeing a significant and growing commitment to integrating and retaining the skills and experiences of veterans into the workforce, proving that supporting our military community goes beyond duty, it’s a catalyst for business excellence and sound strategy.”
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for Recruitment, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees. Visit MilitaryFriendly.com to access the list and learn more about the criteria, rankings methodology, and membership.
About Precise Systems
As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, and Foreign Military Sales. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer’s needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.
About Military Friendly ® Employers:
Military Friendly® is the national standard. A vetted membership program that identifies organizations committed to creating meaningful opportunities for veterans, service members, and military spouses. Over 2,800 organizations are Military Friendly® Members. Military Friendly® is owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Virgil Mendivil
Meet Virgil Mendivil – SkillBridge Program participant, Air Force airman, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for May 2025.
Virgil joined our Precise Team in March, as part of his participation in the DoD SkillBridge Program. This program gives active-duty service members the chance to gain professional experience in the civilian sector during their last 180 days of service. This provides them with the necessary skills, experience, and network they will need once they enter civilian life full-time.
Participating in the SkillBridge program gave Virgil an inside look into how the skills gained from his military service can transition into the civilian sector. He feels confident in his abilities outside of the uniform and is grateful for the structured opportunity the program has provided to explore his future career path.
Before he became part of our organization, Virgil served for 23 years in the United States Air Force. His initial plan was to join the Marine Corps, but his girlfriend at the time (now wife) introduced him to the military’s hidden gem of the Air National Guard. From there, he was hooked and now looks back on his time in the Air Force with great fondness. He says, “I’m preparing to retire with no regrets and a heart full of gratitude for the journey.”
Virgil recalls some of his greatest memories from his service time, including the experience of flying in an F-16. On that incentive ride, he pulled 9.1 G’s before blacking out. That moment alone, and so many others, gave him a deep appreciation for the strength and skill of our warfighters. This experience is one of the many that showed him just how incredible it is to be part of the Air Force.
As he gets ready to trade in his uniform for a polo and slacks, he knows that there are many others just like him who are trying to prepare for the rest of the professional career. To any service member thinking of joining the SkillBridge program, Virgil’s best advice would be to start the process early and choose a program that aligns with your future goals. He has come to experience first-hand what an excellent opportunity this program provides, being able to apply his military experience in a civilian setting, gain new skills, and build a professional network for his life after service.
Virgil knew that Precise was the perfect fit for him when he realized just how valued the work ethic and perspective of veterans is at our organization. From day one, he felt genuinely welcomed and appreciated for his service and unique experience. Every day since, he has seen the inclusive, collaborative family that Precise Systems truly is. Supporting our nation’s veterans is paramount to our culture, and we are grateful that Virgil chose us to be the stepping stone for the rest of his career.
To Virgil and all of our nation’s veterans – “thank you” does not even begin to describe our gratitude for your strength, sacrifice, and service to our country. We are forever in your debt but honored that we get to play a role in recognizing and saluting you.