MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (May 15, 2019) – Fans of Minnesota United took a break from chanting and cheering on the team at halftime of the match against Seattle to honor retired military veteran Lt. Col. Taylor Cox for his service to our country. The honor was part of the Xcel Energy Eye of the Loon recognition where an employee, who is also a military veteran, can enjoy the game with friends and family. During halftime, the veteran is honored on the Allianz Field video board with photos and details about their service and experience.
Cox was first deployed as a pilot fighting wildfires in Washington in 1994 and responded to numerous natural disasters throughout the country, including fires, floods and tornadoes. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, among other decorations. He retired in 2017 and is now a senior consultant for business continuity at Xcel Energy where he uses his military training to help ensure when issues affect customers and help our workers and communities to ensure they continue to receive electric and gas service.
Military experience translates well to utility industry
The company has a goal of hiring 10 percent of all new employees from active service or veteran ranks and in 2017 more than 11 percent were veterans. The industry faces a significant need for new, qualified employees with the experience and work ethic that veterans are likely to possess.
“We value the skills, commitment and diversity that veterans bring to the workplace,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “Xcel Energy’s partnership with the Minnesota United is an opportunity for us to thank our veterans and recognize them for their service at every home game at the new Allianz Field.”
“My wife Geri was born and raised in Seattle, but our daughters are Minnesota girls, so it was difficult for me to decide who to cheer for at the game,” said Cox. “I greatly appreciate working for a company that so strongly supports veterans. Transition from the military to civilian life can be difficult, but the support and encouragement I’ve received from every level at Xcel Energy has been astonishing.”
Xcel Energy has been designated a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company because of the company’s dedication to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
Veterans receive six months of differential pay and benefits if they are deployed while working for Xcel Energy, and during their deployment they will receive a care package and note from CEO Ben Fowke.
Xcel Energy is sponsoring the Eye of the Loon, a red seat in the stadium symbolizing the signature red eye of the loon, Minnesota’s official state bird and the unofficial nickname of the soccer team.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
