Meet the Military Veterans Who Make Disney Magic Happen Every Day
The Walt Disney Company is celebrating Veterans Day by saluting all who have served in the United States military.
Since launching the Heroes Work Here program in 2012, Disney has hired thousands of veterans across its many departments.
Photo: Time
Today, they shared the stories of a few military heroes who now make magic happen across Disney Experiences.
Senior Airman Monique Morales
Senior airman Monique Morales from Chino Hills, California, is a machinist at Disneyland Resort.
Photo: Disney
Monique served for six years in the U.S. Air Force as a fuel maintenance journeyman. As her service began to wind down, Monique joined the Disneyland Resort team through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which helps service members gain work experience as they transition to civilian life.
The program allowed Monique to build connections at Disneyland, leading to her current role in Facilities.
Sergeant First Class Mack Wright
After serving in the United States Army for 22 years, Sergeant First Class Mack Wright retired.
Photo: Disney
He now works in utilities at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. For 10 years, Mack has helped maintain the resort’s high standards, ensuring that guests have a safe and magical stay.
Senior Chief Dennis Depre
Senior Chief Dennis Depre joined the Navy straight out of high school. While in the service, he served as an Operational Specialist on two different Naval vessels, working in the Combat Information Center. After transitioning to a recruiting role, he retired from active-duty service in 2022.
Photo: Disney
Now, Dennis serves as a Sr. Recruiter at Disney Cruise Line, supporting shipboard and shoreside recruitment needs.
Technical Sergeant Kalob Hinner
Purple Heart recipient Kalob Hinner enlisted in the Air Force in June 2022. After returning from the service, Kalob transitioned to Disney, where he now works at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Photo: Disney
When asked about his favorite part of his role, he responded:
“Being part of such a unique part of our company’s history, culture, and future. I’ve always admired how we consistently push boundaries and limits to provide a great experience for our guests.”
Sergeant Jon Schellhammer
Sergeant Jon Schellhammer served with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in 2003, supporting operations in northern Iraq. In 2004, he returned to Iraq and was involved in operations in Fallujah.
Photo: Disney
Now, Jon works as a Product Development Manager at Disney Central, which helps plan vacations to Walt Disney World.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Mulvey
Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Mulvey served six years as a machinery technician in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Photo: Disney
Now, she has spent 19 years making magic happen at Walt Disney World, where she serves as an Emergency Manager.
U.S. Army Specialist Derrick Lehua
Specialist Derrick Lehua joined the United States Army out of high school despite having never traveled outside of Hawaii. After a distinguished military career, he transitioned to his current role in IT Tech Support at Disney’s Aulani Resort.
Photo: Disney
In 2022, Derrick was named Aulani Resort’s Cast Member of the Year!
Master Sergeant Rosa Bates
Master Sergeant Rosa Bates served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, where she worked as a military police officer.
These days, Rosa works as a construction planner at Walt Disney World.
Photo: Disney
“I am very proud to be a part of a company that honors veterans and military families both inside and out. I enjoy having the opportunity to contribute to providing magic to those families,” she said.
Corporal Christopher J. Williams
Last but certainly not least, we have Corporal Christopher J Williams, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
According to Disney, “Christopher achieved most ranks meritoriously, starting with private first class directly out of boot camp. He was recognized multiple times as Marine of the Quarter, setting the bar and leading by example as one of the youngest noncommissioned officers in his platoon.”
Photo: Disney
Now, Christopher is an associate product development manager for Marvel Games at Disney Consumer Products!
