At Braun Intertec, we are proud to recognize veterans throughout our organization, including Jayden Ihrke, Nathaniel Fuentes, and Nader Kablawi. Their military experiences are different, but their stories share common themes: service, adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves. They are among eleven team members who started their civilian careers with us through SkillBridge in 2026, a program that lets service members gain civilian work experience during their final months of service. Here are three of their stories. 

Jayden Ihrke: Learning the Art of Adaptability 

For Jayden Ihrke, the inspiration to serve began with family. 

Growing up, he heard stories from his grandfather, who served in the Army, and his great-uncle, who flew helicopters in Vietnam. Those stories stayed with him. 

“I heard some of their stories and thought I wanted some stories of my very own,” Jayden said. 

Jayden went on to serve four years in the United States Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator and range coach. 

His time in the Marine Corps taught him a skill he still relies on today: adaptability. Jayden calls it “the art of improvisation.” 

“It's only natural that equipment breaks and plans change, so you just have to be quick on your feet and have a backup plan,” he said. 

When Jayden began considering life after active duty, another Marine in his platoon introduced him to SkillBridge. He wanted to begin working soon after leaving active duty and saw the program as a way to make that transition. 

His experience with earthwork and excavation drew him to Braun Intertec and connected his military background to construction. Today, Jayden works as a CMT technician in our Rochester, Minnesota office. 

“So far it's been great,” Jayden said. “I get to see so many sides of construction!” 

For Jayden, Veterans Day comes back to recognizing the people who made the commitment to serve. 

“It's to celebrate those who put others first, who invested large amounts of time, energy, and themselves in protecting our nation,” he said. 

Nathaniel Fuentes: Building on a Foundation of Service 

Nathaniel Fuentes served in the U.S. Navy's Naval Construction Force, the Seabees, from 2006 to 2026. He chose to serve because he wanted to travel, earn money for college, and avoid placing the burden of tuition on his family. Military service was already part of his family's story, with his father serving in the Army National Guard. 

Over the course of his Navy career, Nathaniel developed experience in construction, surveying, materials testing, and drafting. Just as importantly, he credits military service with strengthening values that continue to influence his professional and personal life. 

“I think the discipline, service to and for others, and integrity and honor really helped shape who I became now and how I interact and operate on both my professional and personal side,” he said. 

A cliff erosion project became a turning point in Nathaniel's career. Through surveying and quality control (QC) work on the project, he discovered how much he enjoyed QC and began considering CMT as a career path. 

As his military career came to an end, he wanted a civilian career where he could build on his existing knowledge rather than leave it behind. 

SkillBridge gave him hands-on experience in the civilian CMT field and showed him how his military skills could translate. It also helped him build knowledge in areas he had not previously encountered, including Special Inspections. 

For Nathaniel, one of the most valuable parts was the opportunity for “real-world hands-on experience,” along with a training plan adjusted to the experience he already brought to the program. 

Today, he continues to apply his construction, surveying, and materials testing background as a CMT field technician. 

Nader Kablawi: Finding a New Mission Through Teamwork 

Nader Kablawi served in the U.S. Navy from 2021 to 2026. He joined because he wanted to contribute to something larger than himself while pursuing his interest in navigating ships and traveling to new places. 

“I wanted to serve as a part of something bigger than myself,” Nader said. 

His experiences in the Navy reinforced the importance of dedication, camaraderie, and focus on a shared mission. He also learned how to look for the positive in difficult situations and plan effectively under stress. 

When it came time to consider civilian employment, however, Nader faced uncertainty about what that transition would look like. After years of military life, a professional civilian career represented something new. 

SkillBridge became an important resource in that transition. For Nader, one of the program's biggest advantages was the chance to experience a potential career before making a longer-term commitment. He also valued connections to professional mentors and interview resources. 

With a background in geological engineering and an interest in applying technical knowledge to practical problems, Nader saw an opportunity to keep developing those skills at Braun Intertec. 

Since he joined our team, teamwork has remained an important part of his experience. 

“It has been great being able to work in a close-knit team again that all respects each other's opinions and insights,” he said. 

For Nader, Veterans Day is a time to recognize the sacrifices that come with service and to remind veterans of the community around them. 

“To me, it is a day to recognize those who were willing to make sacrifices,” he said, while also emphasizing that veterans should remember “they are not alone.” 

How SkillBridge Works at Braun Intertec 

SkillBridge is a military program that lets service members gain civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. They continue to receive military pay and benefits during the program. 

Return To Home Port® connects employers with military-connected talent and helps transitioning service members find SkillBridge opportunities. Through our partnership, service members can apply for SkillBridge roles with us, including construction materials testing (CMT) field technician, staff engineer, and project engineer positions in offices across seven states. 

What transitioning service members gain with us: 

• Entry-level field technician roles with no experience required and on-the-job training 

• Hands-on field experience before making a long-term commitment 
• A training plan adjusted to the experience you already bring 
• Access to mentors and interview resources 
• A close-knit team that values your input 

Honoring Service, Supporting What Comes Next 

No two transitions from military service look exactly the same. Jayden, Nathaniel, and Nader each brought different experiences, skills, and goals to their next chapter, as has every SkillBridge participant who has joined us. That is part of what makes programs like SkillBridge meaningful. 

These programs are only part of the story. The greatest impact comes from the people themselves and what they bring with them. Jayden's adaptability, Nathaniel's technical foundation, and Nader's commitment to teamwork show that there is no single path from military service into civilian employment. 

This Veterans Day, we are proud to recognize Jayden, Nathaniel, Nader, our newest SkillBridge hires, and veterans throughout Braun Intertec and our communities. 

To all who have served, thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the commitment you have made to others. 

Know a service member preparing for what comes next? Share this story or view open SkillBridge roles.