Our inaugural Veterans Way interview for 2026 is with Deepak Sharma. He is the first U.S. veteran recommendation that comes from a CEO, in this case, Oscar Sanchez of Kyocera:
“Thank you for considering us for The Cannata Report’s Outstanding Veteran Award. We are delighted to nominate one of our esteemed employees. His name is Deepak Sharma, and he is the service director in Kyocera Document Solutions’ Southeast Region, in Orlando. He was in the United States Army as a combat engineer and had several tours in Afghanistan.”
Sharma joined Kyocera in August 2025, after 12 years as a branch service manager with Canon Solutions America.
In which U.S. military branch did you volunteer to serve, and how long were you on active duty?
DS: I served in the Army on active duty for three years and 16 weeks, from 2008-2011.
What did you enjoy doing the most during your active-duty service?
DS: I enjoyed traveling, seeing new places, camaraderie, and teamwork; doing something in my life, and being part of something greater. I appreciate my time overseas and the experiences I went through and the skills I acquired. My MOS [military occupational specialty] was 12B- Combat Engineer. We dealt with explosives and conducted route clearance operations.
What were the most important lessons you learned in the military, and are any of them useful in your employment today?
DS: I gained a sense of confidence from the military and the obstacles one needs to overcome. Discipline and work ethic are especially useful, along with communication skills. I learned that I could learn new systems and technologies and excel in any role I was assigned. Some jobs in the military do not translate into the civilian sector, but I use my confidence and the skills I acquired to learn something new that will pave the way for the future.
Combat Engineer Sharma in Afghanistan
How difficult was it to find employment upon separation, and how did you discover the workplace technology business as a potential employee?
DS: I initially went to a technical school utilizing the GI Bill after the military and worked a couple of odd jobs. I eventually landed a job as a copier technician after graduating with my associate’s degree. The technical school I went to, which is now closed, provided a great education for electronics and excelled with its career services program. I had an offer in my hand two weeks before graduating. I took further interest in the copier business as I started moving up the ranks and gained an understanding of the business aspect of the industry.
In our research, we learned that, according to the Department of Defense, approximately 270,000 men and women are separated from active duty every year. DOD also stated that only about 11% have jobs when they leave the service. Can you offer any tips for your fellow vets about the best way to find a job?
DS: Utilize the skills and discipline you gained from the military to continue to improve yourself and pursue further education. Whether it is a trade school or tech school, these options create opportunities. Continue to work hard and invest in yourself and your career. School is not for everyone, but utilize the work ethic and structure you had in the military in the civilian sector. I recall working 24-hour shifts and 0400 wakeups in the military. Use this same energy in the outside world, and you will succeed.
Do you have any concluding thoughts or additional advice for fellow veterans regarding employment or the use of their military training?
DS: The military provided excellent structure, camaraderie, and teamwork, and a basis for success. I’d encourage them not to forget the values they learned and how they can be successful and overcome every obstacle thrown at them. Some of us in the military experience extreme hardship and loss. And, while you will always live with those tough memories or remember your fallen friends, be successful for yourself and those who are no longer here; be successful for those who no longer have the chance to do it for themselves.
