For veterans transitioning back to civilian life, the journey can often feel like navigating a new landscape. Recognizing this, The Hershey Company stands as a beacon of support, notably through its Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) and initiatives like the heartwarming Hershey Military Care Package Program. This commitment extends beyond the borders of the United States, embracing all military associations globally and fostering a sense of unity among those who have served.
The Veterans BRG at Hershey acts as a crucial community, bridging the gap between military and civilian life. It offers camaraderie and understanding, vital elements for veterans adjusting to new professional environments, even those moving from military-adjacent roles to a Fortune 500 company. Megan Kenjora and Matthew Bryson, both veterans who found their place at Hershey after their military service, co-lead this impactful BRG. Under their guidance, the group has grown to approximately 350 members across Hershey, with increasing engagement from manufacturing employees, demonstrating the widespread appeal and relevance of its mission.
Building Camaraderie and Community
For Matthew Bryson, currently an associate project manager in U.S. supply chain operations, discovering the Veterans BRG was pivotal. After leaving the structured environment of the military, he sought a culture that valued the unique perspectives and disciplined approach veterans bring to an organization. “The fact that we have a Veterans group — and that they allow us to impact our community through our actions and programming — shows how much this organization cares about us,” Bryson states. This sentiment underscores the profound impact of the BRG in making veterans feel seen and valued within Hershey. “It’s not just about making snacks and candy, it’s also about the people that work here,” he emphasizes, highlighting the company’s people-centric ethos.
The Veterans BRG’s inclusivity is a cornerstone of its strength. It welcomes not only employees who have served in any military globally but also their families, friends, and anyone who wishes to support the military community. This inclusive approach extends to educating colleagues and their families about military life, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy within the broader Hershey community. Furthermore, the BRG actively collaborates with Hershey’s human resources department, leveraging their firsthand expertise to shape policies that genuinely support military personnel and their families. This proactive involvement has been instrumental in creating competitive benefits packages for reservists facing deployment, showcasing Hershey’s tangible commitment to its veteran employees.
Continuing a Legacy of Service at Hershey
Megan Kenjora, now the senior manager of the food safety culture team, was drawn to military service by a desire to make a difference. This same ethos of “doing well by doing good” resonates deeply with her experience at Hershey. Transitioning from government contracting to a corporate setting, Kenjora initially worried about losing the sense of purpose that defined her military career. “I was concerned about the transition from a life that was highly purpose-driven in the military to a corporate environment. I really grappled with that,” Kenjora admits. However, she found Hershey to be an ideal environment where she could continue to contribute meaningfully through the Veterans BRG and the company’s broader mission, including its support for the Milton Hershey School.
“The Hershey Company was a perfect fit because I can have a wider impact through the Veterans BRG and the Milton Hershey School,” Kenjora explains, highlighting the dual avenues for service Hershey provides. Bryson echoes this sentiment, adding, “It’s inspiring to know that you are part of a company that’s not just about what you’re getting out the door or the money. But we’re looking outside of ourselves — how we partner with our neighbors like Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center and who we impact through our supply chain.” This collective dedication to community and service reinforces Hershey’s values and its appeal to veterans seeking purpose beyond profit.
The Sweet Impact of Hershey Military Care Packages
Through the Veterans BRG, Kenjora and Bryson connect with a diverse group, spanning active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans from various conflicts. A particularly poignant initiative that embodies Hershey’s support is the Hershey military care package program, exemplified by their impactful Veteran’s Day 2018 activity. On this day, the BRG created custom-wrapped Hershey bars, inviting employees to pen personalized messages of gratitude to veterans. These thoughtful bars were then hand-delivered to the local Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital by BRG members. This act of direct engagement fostered genuine connections between Hershey employees and veterans, bridging divides and sharing moments of camaraderie. One especially moving encounter involved a World War II veteran, highlighting the intergenerational impact of these gestures of appreciation.
This initiative resonated deeply with Kenjora, evoking memories of her own time in a war zone. “Both Matt and I were in the war zone for a number of years and it was always so special to get a package with Hershey’s in it,” she recalls. In challenging environments, these care packages were more than just treats; they were symbols of home and hope. “You would hoard the chocolate away and put them in a freezer for a treat later when things were not going well,” Kenjora shares, emphasizing the emotional significance of Hershey’s chocolate for those serving in demanding conditions. This personal anecdote underscores the authentic connection between the Hershey brand and military personnel, a bond built on genuine support and shared moments of comfort. The Hershey military care package program is not just a marketing campaign; it is an authentic expression of the company’s deep-rooted commitment to honoring and supporting those who serve.
