Military hero serves country, community

Student Transportation Inc., North America’s third-largest provider of school bus transportation services, has recognized an employee in its Porterville, California, location for his past military service. As an initiative that commenced in May during Military Appreciation Month, STI asked its locations to identify employees within the company, or their family members, who have served in the military or are currently active duty.

The Porterville location recognized Lee Phillips, recognizing him for his dedication and commitment to the military and the country.

“Lee is truly a remarkable person,” said Debbie Thalman, General Manager of the Porterville location. “His enthusiasm and dedication is so appreciated including his ‘live, laugh, love’ outlook on life. Lee’s pride and honor, which he displays when discussing his military service, is honestly reflected in his job daily.”

Phillips, a lead technician in the maintenance department at the Porterville terminal, recently took advantage of STI’s ‘Advancement Through Commitment’ program and obtained his ASE Master School Bus Technician certification.

Prior to working with STI, Phillips’ military service includes time as a Sergeant in the Army, serving from 2003 to 2008. He was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii and deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, the hometown of Saddam Hussein. Phillips received the Army Accommodation Award for outstanding leadership.

“My experience in the military has taught me the value of teamwork, having a positive attitude and the importance of maintaining safe and reliable equipment which is in alignment with the culture here at STI,” Phillips said.

Thalman praised the company’s programs.

“It is great working for a company that makes the effort to do so much for its employees, and to recognize so many different things in their lives,” Debbie Thalman said. “It’s refreshing to feel like we are part of a family while working at STI.”