Our latest veteran interviewee is Jonathan Hinkle, printer technician and manager for All Copy Products in Boulder, Colorado. I was so glad to feature someone from the Navy and one with which we had a common experience. It turns out we both served tours in the same state no more than about 15 miles apart. Of course, mine was years earlier.
How long was your service term in the United States Navy?
JH: I volunteered to serve after one year in junior college, which was in 1987. It was for a six-year term in the U.S. Navy in Fast Attack Submarines. The name was the USS Honolulu SSN718. I was stationed at Pearl Harbor for four and a half years. I chose the submarine force because my father served four years out of high school on a diesel submarine. I ended my service in February of 1993.
(Editor’s note: Frank Cannata was stationed at Kaneohe Oahu USMC for two years 1956-58. “Anyone who served in the nuclear submarine fleet is very special in my book,” praises Cannata.)
Submarine bases are usually particularly good duty, and we spent a lot of time at Pearl Harbor, which is one of the best. Any fond memories?
JH: I was there for four and a half years. On one of our missions, we were 63 days at sea, and we landed in Singapore. My captain allowed some of us to take eight days of liberty, and that was great.
What responsibilities did your military occupational specialty (MOS) entail?
JH: I was a sonarman, promoted to sonar supervisor. This is an area that encompasses the use and support of electronics.
Hinkle (right) as a young submariner some four decades ago.
What did you like doing best, and what were you not so happy to do, if anything?
JH: I loved the tight bond of our crew and enjoyed the tours that we did. I was also fortunate to be promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class by the captain of our sub. I have no complaints or regrets about my service in Navy subs.
What were the most important things you learned in the military, and are any of them useful in your employment today?
JH: As a manager, I learned to use my resources to accomplish goals and to find what motivated individuals to perform at their best. Most of all, [to] be a team player and know how to follow rules.
How difficult was it to find employment upon separation, and how did you discover the copier business as a potential employer?
JH: It took about six months to find a job. I chose copiers because of my electronics training in the Navy. My first job was at a small dealer then ended up with a company named Laser Cycle for 18 years. They were acquired by All Copy [in mid-2023].
According to the Department of Defense, approximately 270,000 men and women are separated from active duty every year. DoD also states that only about 11% have jobs when they leave the service. Any tips for fellow veterans about the best way to find a job?
JH: When we were discharged, there were diverse groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They could be very helpful . . . not sure what is available today. What is still available is the GI Bill. Most just think of it as obtaining a college education. Under the bill it recognizes schools where you get educated and trained on a skill such as IT and other important areas.
Any concluding thoughts or advice you would like to give to your fellow vets about employment, or utilizing the military training you received?
JH: What was best about my time in the Navy was the camaraderie we developed on board ship. We maintained contact through social media. My service time taught me how to work together to get the best results.
Is there anything you would like to add, sailor?
JH: I didn’t experience combat, although I was deployed during the Gulf War. We were in many missions in hostile territory, but never in combat. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Navy: great comrades and love for the country. Nobody dare fool with a U.S. nuclear submarine!
Periscope up: Sonarman on the USS Honolulu’s deck!
From my experience in interviewing veterans, they are all well-grounded and have a particularly good understanding of what they need to do to be successful in the civilian world. Hinkle is no exception. The military, of necessity, must teach all service men and women the same fundamental rules, which are referred to as orders. To emphasize what Jonathan said: The most important takeaway is to accept the fact that you are part of a team that must perform in unison to carry out the mission objectives.
Our industry is extremely fortunate because so many companies such as U.S. Bank, First Citizens Bank, Ricoh, and Sharp have excellent programs for recruiting, training, and retaining veterans. Dealers such as Impact Networking are equally adept at bringing vets on board and able to train and integrate them into the workplace. There are many others but those we referred to are the ones we know the best.
The industry is incredibly supportive of veterans, and we are grateful for their understanding that these people are all volunteers. There has not been universal military training for a long time, and we thank God for that.
ACP’s Jonathan Hinkle has been nominated for The Cannata Report’s 2025 Outstanding Veteran Award, the winner of which will be announced at our 40th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala on November 13.
Read Frank Cannata’s “Veterans Way” tribute from October 2025.
