Veterans Day 2024

In recognition of Veterans Day, we are honored to highlight some of our U.S. veterans at Arcadium Lithium.  We invite you to read on as they share what being a veteran means to them.  May we show our appreciation and gratitude to all the U.S. veterans who have served and continue to serve our country.

Kevin Philo

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Maintenance Mechanic
• Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps
• Dates of Service: 2000-2020
• What does being a veteran mean to you? Being a veteran means carrying the values and experiences I gained from my time in the Marine Corps into everything I do. It’s about honor, courage, and commitment—principles that were drilled into me over 20 years of serving my country. These values shape who I am, not just as a person but as a professional.
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium? At Arcadium Lithium, being a veteran impacts my work in a big way. The discipline I developed as a Marine helps me stay focused and organized, especially in my role as a Maintenance Mechanic. I’m used to working under pressure, which translates directly into handling maintenance tasks and projects here.  Ultimately, being a veteran gives me a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, which drives me to deliver my best every day at Arcadium. Happy Veterans Day to those that served and currently serving, OORAH!!

Michael Miller

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Performance Team Leader - Metals
• Branch of Service: United States Navy
• Years of Service: 1992 – 1998
• What does being a veteran mean to you? Duty, devotion, sacrifice & purpose (a cause greater than yourself).
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium? Perseverance, steadfastness & the fundamental belief that all people should be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy regardless race, creed, gender, or ethnicity.

Robert Alessandrine

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Director of Enterprise Systems
• Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps
• Years of Service: 1982 - 1986
• What does being a veteran mean to you? As a general statement, I do many things today that I learned in boot camp which was from March 25, 1982 through June 15, 1982. I grew from a young man into an adult in those 13 weeks. I learned the things you see below and incorporated them into my very essence as a person.

Pride: Personal pride in myself and how I carry and present myself (military bearing).

Discipline: Having an approach in both my personal and professional life that is built on discipline.

Focus on the task, whatever it be from a home project to a work activity. Understanding that things will be hard, there will be challenges, and having the focus to work on and continue despite the difficulties or opportunities that present themselves.

Adherence to principle: No negotiating, and no compromise when it comes to principles. Doing the right thing for the right reason, and placing principles before anything else.

• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium?  My chief strengths in the professional world is that I know what team work creates, and I know how to lead through challenging times. These all stem from a teenager being thrust into a very disciplined world, fairly unprepared for it, but someone who kept his mouth shut and did the things that were in front of him.

Steven Martinez

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Project Manager, Global Engineering & Capital Delivery
• Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps
• Years of Service: 2005 – 2013
• What does being a veteran mean to you? Being a Marine and Iraq war veteran means embodying a commitment to service, resilience, and a sense of duty. My time in the Marines instilled in me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that directly impact my work at Arcadium Lithium. In my role, I draw on these values to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, stay calm under pressure, and lead by example in fostering collaboration.
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium?   The Marines have shaped my ability to handle unexpected changes and adapt quickly, which is essential in a dynamic environment like Arcadium. It’s not just about completing tasks but ensuring that each step forward is taken with integrity, respect for my team, and a focus on achieving strategic objectives. These principles guide me daily in helping drive success and creating a positive impact within the organization.

Timmie Elder

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Material Handler
• Branch of Service: United States Army
• Dates of Service: 1985 – 1989

Jason Garrison

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Materials Manager
• Branch of Service: United States Navy
• Dates of Service: 1987 – 1992
• What does being a veteran mean to you? I love the U.S. and I am very proud to have had the chance to serve in the armed forces.  I was given an opportunity to lead a division of amazing people at a young age.  It was an incredible experience and it was my honor to be a part of it. 
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium?  My military experience has shaped my whole career.  It helped me understand the value of common purpose and common goals.  It framed for me the principle that nothing worth having comes cheap or easy. You have to work at it and show up every day to whatever you value.

Jonathan Ley

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Logistics Specialist
• Branch of Service: United States Army
• Dates of Service: 1987 – 1990, 1991
• What does being a veteran mean to you? Service is a way to give back for the gift we call America, to say thank you to all who served before me (including their families).  My service time helps ground me as a person.  Regardless of your title, the things life affords you or circumstances in your life, at our core we are all people who have more in common than we do differences.
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium? My service helps me to solve challenges and to focus on goals while sharing what I can do along the way to help others, we all rise as we grow.

Rodger Norman

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Electrical & Instrumentation Supervisor
• Branch of Service: United States Navy
• Dates of Service: 1995 – 2015
• What does being a veteran mean to you? I am very proud and honored to have served my country.  To support freedom and democracy around the world.  I would like to say Happy Veterans Day to all who have served and are currently serving now.  Thank you to all the families, friends and residents who stand in support of our military veterans!
• How does being a veteran impact your work at Arcadium Lithium? I learned many skills while serving in the United States Navy.  Especially Leadership, Teamwork, Discipline and Commitment.  These key skills have shaped me into the person I am today and have positively impacted my early career at Arcadium Lithium.

Jamie Watts

• Current Arcadium Lithium Role: Global Capital Projects EHS Leader
• Branch of Service: United States Army National Guard
• Dates of Service: 1998 – 2006
• What does being a veteran mean to you and how does it impact your work at Arcadium Lithium? I am very proud to have served my country.  Truth be told, in my current position in Arcadium Lithium, I use skills I developed in the military more than anything I learned in college.  Things like organization, communication and teamwork.  It was the Army that really taught me what it means to be a leader.  I am also more confident and able to adapt to challenges because of my service.  So, in addition to being proud, I am also truly thankful for my military service.