SkillBridge Fellows Explore MTSI’s Core Values and Space History at the Smithsonian

Phil Soucy, MTSI’s board chair and co-founder, serves as a docent at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Melody Redding and SkillBridge fellows Megan Standifer, Jon Rupp, and Armondo Paralta met Phil, who gave them a personal tour of the museum. During the tour, Phil discussed the history of several air and space artifacts, while some fellows shared their personal connections to the items.

Lt. Col. Megan Standifer, who is retiring from the US Space Force in September, has extensive experience in space operations. She served as the mission director for the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle and worked on orbital warfare systems. Since 2018, she has contributed to space control requirements at MAJCOM, HQ USSF, and Joint Staff levels. SMSgt Jon Rupp, who is retiring from the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic with the Presidential Airlift Group, supported several VIP aircraft, including the 747 that serves as Air Force One. He also served as the Project Integration Manager for the construction of a new hangar facility for the future Air Force One aircraft, currently in development. Col. Geraldo Armando Peralta, retiring from the US Army in May, has significant experience in logistics. He led the Logistics Functional Capabilities Board at the Joint Staff and, for two years, directed the integration of all logistics strategic capability development across all military branches.

After the tour, the group met for lunch at a local restaurant. Phil discussed the founding of MTSI and the development of its core values. The company’s core values emerged during a strategic planning meeting where key employees reflected on and prioritized the factors that contributed to MTSI’s success. The most important core value, “Employees Come First,” acknowledges that the company’s success directly relates to finding the best people and providing them with the right support.

The SkillBridge fellows also shared their recent work experiences with MTSI, discussing how their values align with the company’s and why they want to work at MTSI. The session was a success, and everyone enjoyed their time together.

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