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Honoring America’s Heroes
At Watco, we’re proud to have veterans representing all service branches as valued members of our team. Currently, more than 8% of our team members are military veterans, which is higher than the 5% average of the total U.S. civilian workforce. In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we recognize and thank each of them for their unwavering service, dedication, and sacrifice for our country. Your commitment inspires us all, and we are grateful for the leadership and integrity you bring to our organization every day.
This year, we’re proud to spotlight two veterans who are members of the Watco family: Judson Coleman and Kenny Morgan.
After serving 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Judson Coleman brought his commitment to safety and leadership to Watco. Beginning his service in 2000, he had assignments across the country, ending as a commanding officer (CO) of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Texas City, Texas.
As a CO, Coleman led teams that enforced maritime safety, security, and environmental protection regulations. This work focused on protecting the maritime public, ensuring that they were following the regulations that were set to keep them safe. He said, “That mindset transitions directly to what our Safety team is focused on daily in order to keep our team members operating safely.”
When a Watco team member learned Coleman was nearing retirement, they encouraged him to apply for an open safety position. He joined the Watco team in 2023 as a safety director, where his attention to detail and questioning safety practices made the transition seamless.
He credits that familiarity with the shared values between the Coast Guard and Watco. The Coast Guard’s core values comprised of honor, respect, and devotion to duty closely match Watco’s Foundation Principles of valuing customers, valuing people, and safely improving every day.
Coleman said, “The culture felt familiar and comfortable from the start. Everyone works as a team and is ready to help make the company better together.”
When Kenny Morgan joined the U.S. Marines in 2004, he didn’t realize how much the experience would shape the rest of his life. He started as an infantry rifleman and soon became a squad leader, sharpening his leadership and responsibility. He said, “Infantry is where I learned most of my leadership skills. You learn to lead by example, and that’s something that’s stuck with me ever since.”
His eight years of service included a move to work in a military prison as a duty brig supervisor. There he was responsible for an entire platoon where he managed schedules, oversaw supplies, and ensured the welfare of both his team and the prisoners. The long shifts and responsibilities taught him discipline and compassion, traits that would carry into civilian life after he retired from the Marines in 2012.
Transitioning to civilian work wasn’t easy. He first took a job at a wire and cable company in Texas before deciding to move back to California to be closer to family. His son’s love for trains sparked his curiosity about the rail industry, and after applying to several companies, he found his way to Watco. “I didn’t know much about Watco at first,” he admitted, “but once I joined, I loved it instantly.”
The sense of teamwork and camaraderie he found at Watco reminded him of his time in the Marines. Morgan said, “Looking back, I don’t know that I could have done anything else. I needed that camaraderie that Watco offered because it reminded me of what I had in the Marines.” He’s since focused on bringing those same values to his team every day.
His journey from a Marine to Watco leader stands as a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of belonging. “I love this company and appreciate all that they do for us vets,” he said. “They’ve really given us a shot at normalcy.”
Challenger Coin
Watco recognizes the special dedication that it takes to be a member of the military, and we appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made to serve our country.
In conjunction with the observance of Veterans Day, we send out Challenger Coins to honor our team members’ service to our country and their commitment to Watco.
If you’ve joined the team since last Veterans Day, you should receive one of these coins if you identified yourself as a veteran on your new hire paperwork or during the onboarding process. If you’re a veteran who did not receive or did not indicate your veteran status, but would like to receive the coin, please contact your People Services manager.
