Accel Entertainment Illinois Gaming Blog

Valuing our Veterans: Employee Spotlights

Written by Katie Rada | Nov 11, 2018 2:58:00 PM

Veterans come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and through their service they have made an enormous contribution to our country. Originally called “Armistice Day,” Veteran’s Day is a holiday to honor veterans of all wars. At Accel Entertainment, we are fortunate to have a considerable portion of our workforce that are Veterans. We continue to honor our Veterans, and in recognition of Veteran’s Day, we are privileged to spotlight three team members who have previously served our country.

Accel Entertainment is proud to be the largest employer of American Veterans in the Video Gaming Industry. The military instills many traits and skills into those who serve. Teamwork, service to others, technical expertise, a diligent work ethic, and resolve amidst adversity, are just a few of these characteristics. Every day we witness these characteristics in our team members who have served, and it is reflected through Accel’s driving principals of being caring, accountable, respectful, and driven. Today, and every day, we thank Veterans across the U.S. for their sacrifice and service.

Jeff Mavrogeorge, United States Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Length of Service: 4 Years
Job/Assignment: Combat Engineer and Security Forces

During my time in the Marines I learned many things, but I think that one of the most important ones was I learned the importance of teamwork. It is so important to work together as a team to accomplish the mission, we had to trust each other. This plays a huge factor in my life even now in my full-time career in law enforcement, as well as in my career with Accel.

I grew up in a military family, so I have always respected the military and its veterans. To me, being a veteran means honor, courage, and sacrifice.

Tammy Maher, United States Army
Length of Service: 3 Years
Job/Assignment: Military Police

I joined the Army in 1982 after I graduated from High School. I was a Military Police Officer for my three-year enlistment. I received my training at Ft. McClellan Alabama.  I was then assigned to the Military Police training Academy at Ft. McClellan for a year.  I then went to Grafenwoehr Germany for the remainder of my service as an MP. 

The Military was a great learning experience and I was able to travel through Europe while I was stationed in Germany. 

It was an honor to serve and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Juan Peralez, United States Marine Corps

Rank: E-4/CPL
Length of service: 4 Years Active
Location of service: Cherry Point, North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan CAB 3rd Marine Division  
Job/ Assignment: 0411-Maintenance Management Specialist

Medals:

  • Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon     
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal

During my service something that greatly influenced me was the Marine Corp Ethic and Marine Corp Motto for each Unit I served-- Unit 274 Iron Man and 272 Iron Fist. The Motto is Aeternus Adjuvo which translates to eternal support and Sui Generis which translates to the unique one. These have stuck with me for life.

In my opinion, a veteran is someone who has served our country during times of war. A veteran is someone who was or is currently in the military. They live a disciplined life so that we don’t have to. They go off to war to ensure our freedom and protect our way of life.