In honor of Independence Day, we are pleased to share these stories of military veterans in the advisory world, told in their own words. The first installment of this year's compilation debuted on Memorial Day.
This group is arranged in alphabetical order and features photos sent by advisors from their time in the service. Maybe you'll recognize a few faces along the way.
Name: Garth Flint
Title/Company: Co-Founder & Partner, Beacon Pointe Advisors
Branch: US Navy
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Ensign / Commander
Service Dates: 1963 – 1968 Regular; 1968 – 1976 Reserves
Work you did: I flew as a Naval Aviator in the F-4 Phantom, carrier based with two cruises to North Vietnam. I had 217 missions, was shot down and rescued on the 194th mission. While in my raft in Ha Long Bay, one of the rescue aircraft, flown by a good friend of mine, made a very low pass over me then did a couple of rolls and went back to orbit with the other rescue aircraft. When we returned to the carrier, my friend asked me how I liked his aerobatics and I said, "they scared me more than being shot down!" Most of our missions were flak suppression (bomb the anti-aircraft sites) and then converted to fighter coverage (prevent engagement by enemy aircraft) for the jet attack bombers we were escorting. The balance of the missions was combat air patrol flown next to the coastline to protect the aircraft carriers from enemy aircraft.
Brief story that stands out from your service time: (in conjunction with the above…) My co-pilot and I were conducting a routine weather reconnaissance flight mission in our F-4 Phantom over Vietnam, and we were shot down in the icy waters in the Tonkin Gulf. We survived our emergency ejection from our jet, and we were rescued! A short story on our harrowing experience was published by Tom Wolfe, in "The Truest Sport: Jousting with Sam & Charlie."
Name: Bud Martin
Title/Company: Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor / Rockefeller Capital Management
Branch: US Navy
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Seaman / Second Class Petty Officer
Service Dates: 1967 – 1971
Work you did: Nuclear Weapons Technician
Brief story that stands out from your service time: I was assigned to the USS Independence, that had just rotated out of Vietnam. She was assigned to the 6th Fleet that had responsibility for the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. During the next three years we had two deployments to the Med for 9 months each, assigned to be first carrier landing for new pilots out of Mayport Fl, patrolled the eastern seaboard, but pretty far out. The job was really to be ready in case something ugly came along. Fortunately, for all of us, my specialty never entered the game. When we returned to home port, Norfolk, in '71, I mustered out to civilian life. The 'Indy' went to dry dock to be refitted. Afterward she went back to Nam for another tour. I've always been lucky, having been on the 'Indy' between Deployments to Vietnam. Today, my good fortune continues, working is a wonderful industry with some of the brightest minds in the business. Now the funny part. The photo is 52 years ago, in Athens, and 80 pounds ago.
Name: Tad Mayhall
Title/Company: Financial Advisor / Edward Jones
Branch: US Air Force and Air National Guard
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Airman Basic / currently Chief Master Sergeant
Service Dates: 1993 – present
Work you did: Munitions Systems, Air Force Paralegal, Air Intelligence Superintendent (current role)
Brief story that stands out from your service time: I joined the Air Force at 17, and eight years later transitioned to the Air National Guard. I was quickly re-activated due to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Now back to serving as a traditional guardsman, my firm, Edward Jones, has always supported my dual careers.
I see some parallels between developing as a leader in the military and as a financial advisor. The mission and goals at the firm are clear and concise, yet the landscape of our industry is ever-changing. My military missions are also clear and concise, but because the adversary and their capabilities are always evolving, we evolve our techniques. At the core of the military, our goal is to protect the United States and its vital interest. The mission and goal to build a business by deeply serving our clients and community are clear, but how we accomplish that is left up to us as individuals. When necessary, we evolve our approach and technique, but never abandon our mission to serve the serious, long-term individual investor.
The best advice I received as I was rising through the ranks to become Chief Master Sergeant, was to "learn from everyone, good or not, and shape your leadership skills to best serve those you lead."
Name: Alison McCarthy
Title/Company: Financial Consultant / McCarthy Planning / LPL
Branch: US Navy
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: E1 / E5
Service Dates: 1984 – 1988
Work you did: Interior Communications/Telephone systems management
Brief story that stands out from your service time: I had a really great mentor early into my Navy experience that I didn't even know I had at the time. I was a 19 girl in an almost all male SIMA (Ship Intermediate Maintenance Activity) base. The older men were happy to have me do some custodial work and leave each day at 11:30am. At the time, I thought that was an awesome deal since I got paid whether I was there or not but, the woman, in her late 20's or early 30's (Eileen 'something') who out ranked me, made me stay and study for my next level exams. At the time I didn't 'get it' but she gave me a huge gift that I have been trying to re-pay to all the other younger women that came after me to make sure that we have a place at the table if we want it and deserve it. She moved me forward and I owe so much to her.
Name: James P. McCauley, Jr.
Title/Company: President / Income & Asset Advisory, Inc. (affiliated B/D American Portfolios)
Branch: US Army
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: 2nd Lieutenant / Captain
Service Dates: 1966 – 1971
Work you did: While in Vietnam, assigned to Special Forces as an S-2 Intelligence Officer responsible for briefing and debriefing recon teams executing cross-border intelligence-gathering missions and participated in Hatchet Force Missions (company-size incursions to block enemy troop and re-supply movement along the Ho Chi Minh Trail). Also, assigned to the MACV-SOG as a Laos Desk Officer working with numerous agencies on the planned collection and analysis of enemy intelligence
Brief story that stands out from your service time: I enlisted in early '66, and I was in Vietnam in early '69. I had gone to all these schools for Infantry OCS, Officers' Intelligence, Special Forces Q Courses, Jump, Airborne and Vietnamese language. I was commissioned in '67, in '68 I was promoted to first lieutenant and in '69, I was promoted to captain. On Okinawa I was assigned to the 1st Special Forces group, 441st Military Intelligence Detachment (MID). I then volunteered to go to Vietnam on a TDY assignment with a 5th Special Forces unit called Studies and Observations Group (SOG). We conducted cross-border operations in Laos and Cambodia from Vietnam. Our mission was to collect intelligence on the Ho Chi Minh trail used by the NVA [North Vietnamese Army] to move people, weapons and ammo. It was quite an experience for a 21-year-old kid from Westchester. I was not in a lot of intense combat. On the second tour of duty I went to Saigon as the Laos desk officer targeting missions for the units I was with during the first year. I had a staff of four or five NCOs. During this time in Vietnam there was a lot less physical danger.
Name: Ken Milano
Title/Company: Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor / Rockefeller Capital Management
Branch: US Navy
Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Midshipman / Lieutenant
Service Dates: 1988 – 1998
Work you did: US Naval Academy; Submarine Officer
Brief story that stands out from your service time: A group of 36 young men started with me in 10th Company at Annapolis on indoctrination day some 29 years ago. We stayed together as a group for 4 years. Those of us who graduated served honorably in the Navy as pilots, SEALs, submariners, and fleet officers. These many years later we serve as a constant support system for one another: sending messages with heartfelt comradery, memorable stories, and encouragement when needed. My fondest memories of the Navy are the exceptional people I met along the way.
Name: Mark Moehlman
Title/Company: Managing Director & Partner, Beacon Pointe Advisors
Name: Eldon Dryden Pence III
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Name: Roderick "Rod" von Lipsey
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