The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing tradition of respect and appreciation for those who serve. With initiatives like Heroes Work Here, Disney supports military service members, veterans and their families in meaningful ways across the company, including employees like Will!

The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing history of supporting service members of the U.S. military, which began with Walt and Roy Disney.  From their service in the armed forces to today’s Flag Retreat ceremonies, flyover events at Magic Kingdom and volunteer opportunities, Disney is proud to show respect and appreciation for those who serve.

Disney’s focus on creativity, storytelling and creating meaningful experiences is truly unique. Being able to take what I learned during my service and apply those principles in a different way in my role at The Walt Disney Company has been a rewarding experience,” says U.S. Army veteran, Carissa.

Before she began her Disney journey, Rosa served 24 years in the United States Air Force. Joining the company as part of Disney’s Heroes Work Here veteran initiative, she ultimately found her calling in Facility Asset Management where the leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence she built through military service translated naturally.

Meet Anita, the Director of International Syndication at ESPN. She has built a 25-year long career in Bristol, Connecticut, and credits much of her drive and skills from her time in the United States Air Force.

As we bring Veterans and Military Families Month to a close, we’d like to thank all our Disney employees and cast members who have served their country. There is a vast community of veterans and their families who have joined The Walt Disney Company with an inspiring story.

Did you know about The Walt Disney Company’s rich history supporting veterans and their families? Through the Heroes Work Here initiative, Disney hires veterans and military families in various roles across the company.

In Disney’s standards for theme park excellence, safety is ranked as the first of Five Keys. In fact, it’s so important that we have entire teams dedicated to safety at our parks and resorts.

At Disney, we honor the service and resilience of veterans. We hope to offer career opportunities for those looking to transition into civilian life. One of those opportunities is the Disney Military Fellowship Program.

For some, working for Disney is a life-long dream come true, but for Navy veteran and Disney Cruise Line HR manager Will, it was a fortuitous discovery at a time of transition, healing, and change in his life. In his role, he's found that supporting crew at sea has aided others just as much as it's helped him find magic in his own life.

Recently, we sat down with ESPN’s Vice President of Talent Development & Negotiations and US Army veteran Rosetta Ellis-Pilie as she shared her experience transitioning into her current role at ESPN, what it was like helping launch Disney’s Heroes Work Here program, and skills she’s brought along the way.