Kansas City Current thank full-time Veterans

On Veteran’s Day, the Kansas City Current is proud to recognize the contributions of its full-time employees who made the ultimate sacrifice by serving in the United States Military. The Current employs four full-time veterans, who impact the organization in a variety of different ways.  

Below are their stories, in their words, including a snapshot of their service and how their time in the military impacts their work with the Current.  

Melissa Hopkins: Manager, Business Operations  
 
SERVICE HISTORY
8 years in the United States Navy as a Personnel Specialist First Class

BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM MILITARY EXPERIENCE
The United States military is one of the largest and most diverse communities in the world – compiling service members from all around the globe who have various backgrounds that present different cultural norms, religions, sexual orientations, languages, and exude different leadership styles that unite for a common mission, with the result being a stronger and more effective team.  

HOW YOUR SERVICE IMPACTS ROLE WITH CURRENT
Working alongside my fellow service members has immensely prepared me for the KC Current because I now have the skill set to adapt and overcome adversity, work on cross-collaborative teams, and be a part of something bigger than oneself. 

Roly Gavina: Manager, Warehouse and Inventory  

SERVICE HISTORY
9 years in the United States Air Force 

BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Bloom where you’re planted teamwork is a vital key to success.   

HOW YOUR SERVICE IMPACTS ROLE WITH CURRENT
My time in the service has allowed me to always be flexible to every situation.  Leading by example, communication/collaboration, and excelling in everything you do. Nothing can be done alone, and everyone plays a crucial role to the success of a team/unit/organization. 

Brad Martin: Chief Engineer  

SERVICE HISTORY
20 years of Naval service 

BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Nobody succeeds alone, every successful person has a team around them to rely on or to be mentored by. The inverse of that is every person within an organization is valuable and plays a part in its success. It’s the next man up philosophy, a hole may be created but the duties remain and must be performed.

HOW YOUR SERVICE IMPACTS ROLE WITH CURRENT
An organization can have all the experience in the world, but unless the team communicates effectively, success will never happen. As for engineering and projects, everything I do impacts others. By understanding how important communicating to other departments is, it allows everyone a chance to add their value to this unique history making experience. It also helps that we have world class talent on our Grounds Crew, and amazing Event and Guest Services teams.

Matt Magana: Director, Ticket Sales and Service

SERVICE HISTORY
Spent 8 years in the Missouri Army National Guard, deploying to the Middle East one time.
 
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Be flexible and willing to adjust on the fly. Repetition and preparing for any and all situations will help set you up for success.
 
HOW YOUR SERVICE IMPACTS ROLE WITH CURRENT
I've learned to never settle and always push myself and my team to do more. We are only as strong as our weakest link, so do everything possible to make sure our team is firing on all cylinders.

The Current is incredibly grateful for Melissa, Roly, Brad and Matt’s service in the United States Military. The club thanks all its veterans — both full and part-time — that play a role in the day-to-day operations of both the Kansas City Current and CPKC Stadium. Thank you all for your sacrifice, bravery and service.