Veteran's Day on the Farm

Today, we honor our Veterans. Service to our country is an important ethic at Sun Valley, and many of our employees have served in the armed services.

Our flower flag.

I asked David Aronovici, our head of Human Resources, when he served in the Army,

He answered, "back when we carried an M1 rifles."

With combined time in active duty and the reserves David was in the Army for eight years, and achieved the rank of Captain. I asked him what skills he learned in the Army that translated to Sun Valley. David immediately spoke about the leadership skills he had to acquire quickly as he rose through command.

He also had to learn to be humble and earn respect for the soldiers he commanded. This wasn't an easy task, as many of the soldiers were fresh back from combat missions.

Want to share a tank with this guy?

Andy Sloan, who is in charge of tulip bunching, was in the Army in the 1990's. He was part of a tank crew, stationed throughout the Middle East. He and his team would train soldiers from Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait. I had to ask,

"What was tougher; life inside a tank in the desert, or life in the Sun Valley tulip room?"

Without hesitation, he answered,

"Sun Valley!" while teammates within ear shot laughed.

I asked him what he took away from the Army that helps him at Sun Valley, and in an uncharacteristically quiet tone, he said,

"To never give up"

After a pause he continued,

"and never get overwhelmed, no matter what it looks like."

Anyone that has ever stared down Valentine's Day or Mother's Day in the Sun Valley tulip room, understands that this kind of level headed courage is clearly needed.

As we celebrate and honor our Veterans it must also be noted that since we are a Certified American Grown flower farm, we are lucky to be able to employ Veterans.

These individuals have sacrificed and dedicated theirs live to protecting their fellow American citizens and the American way of life. The American Grown movement has these same goals.

Sun Valley extends a heartfelt Thank You to all the Veterans in our country.