EPA and NWRA honor veterans in waste and recycling industry

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler recently joined National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) President Darrell Smith to honor waste and recycling industry employees for their service in the military. More than 20 veterans representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and National Guard received a challenge coin designed for the special event.

“These brave men and women have served in our armed forces at home and abroad and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. I am pleased to honor their service and glad that Administrator Wheeler could join us,” Smith says in a news release.

The list of honorees recognized at the event is as follows:

• Daniel Negron is a veteran of the Air Force with over 20 years of service. He retired with the rank of master sergeant. Daniel is currently the general manager of Recology Sunset Scavenger.

• Steven Bentley is a veteran of the Marine Corps and the Army. He served in the Marines from 1989 to 1993 where earned the rank of E3 and served in the Army from 1993 to 1996 where earned the rank E4. Steven is currently a residential collection driver for Waste Management.

• James Obazee is a veteran of the Army. He served from 2007-2012 and earned the rank of E4. He is currently a residential collection driver for Waste Management.

• Steve Ciarlo is a veteran of the Air Force. He served from 2000-2007 and earned the rank of staff sergeant. He is currently a waste collection driver for Waste Management.

• Eric Crawley is a veteran of the Army. He served from 1982 to 1986 and earned the rank of Sergeant. He is currently a roll-off driver for Waste Management.

• Matthew Harp is a veteran of the Navy. He served from 2008-2011. He is currently a roll-off driver for Waste Management.

• Zac Stuart is a veteran of the Army. He served from 2003-2012 and earned the rank of E-6. He is currently a residential driver for Waste Management.

• Doug Usher is a veteran of the Wisconsin National Guard. He served from 1989-1992 and earned the rank of Private First Class. He is currently a FEL-recycling collection driver.

• John Burdette is a veteran of the Army National Guard. He served from 1993-2010 and earned the rank of sergeant. He is currently a residential collection driver for Waste Management.

• Donald Hetzel is a veteran of the Army. He served from 1983-1987 and earned the rank of sergeant. He is currently a driver for Waste Management.

• James Miller is a veteran of the Navy. He served from 1987-1991 and he earned the rank of petty officer, third class. He is currently a dispatcher for Waste Management.

• John McLaren is a veteran of the Marine Corps. He served from 1974-1980 and earned the rank of corporal. He is currently a roll off driver for Waste Management.

• Jose Rodriguez is a veteran of the Army and Navy. He served from 1989-1992 where he earned the rank E4. He is currently a partner at Red Bags.

• Pedro Garcia is a veteran of the Marine Corps. He served from 2000-2013 where he earned the rank of gunnery sergeant. Pedro is currently the general manager of post collection in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Republic Services.

• Tim Tiemann is a veteran of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves. He served from 1984-1992 and earned the rank of Sergeant. He is currently an operations manager for Republic Services.

• Barry VanLaarhoven is a veteran of the Army National Guard. He served from 1988-1999 where he earned the rank of staff sergeant. He is currently the vice president and Boston office lead for Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc.

• Michael Cropley is a veteran of the Navy. He served from 2001 to 2007. He works for TCF Recycling Facilities where he is currently a division manager.

• James Blackeagle is a veteran of the Navy. He served in 1982 and is a roll-off driver with Advanced Disposal.

• Tyler Bauer is a veteran of the Marine Corps. He served from 2004-2009 where earned the rank of sergeant. He is a production manager for McNeilus.

• Ken Jackson is a veteran of the Navy. He served from 1973-1977 where he earned the rank of petty officer, second class. Ken is the director of plant operations for Curtis Bay Medical Waste Services.

• LaWanda Jones is a veteran of the Army where she earned the rank E4. LaWanda is the director of operations for the NWRA.