We are pleased this year to have veterans employed by manufacturers such as Konica Minolta, Kyocera, and Toshiba nominated for The Cannata Report’s 2026 Outstanding Veteran Award. Our industry has clearly benefited from their employment. Allow me to present the third nominee: Antonio Romeuzuleta of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
“Antonio exemplifies the true spirit of the Outstanding Veteran Award—marked by excellence, leadership, and service,” said Michael Mathé, chief operating officer of Konica Minolta in the United States. “Following his five years in the U.S. Navy [2005-09], he carried forward the discipline, integrity, and mission-first mindset that defined his military career into his civilian journey. Over the past decade at Konica Minolta, he has emerged as an incredibly strong leader.
“What stands out most is Antonio’s dedication to service beyond his role.” Mathé continued. “As co-chair of BRAVE, our veteran-focused employee resource group, he has cultivated a community that uplifts, advocates, and empowers all those who have served. He is exceptionally deserving of this honor, and we are proud to celebrate both his service to this nation and his impact on our global organization.”
Which of all our military branches did you volunteer to serve in, and how long were you on active duty?
AR: I served in the U.S. Navy on Active Duty for five years, departing for boot camp three weeks after my high school graduation.
What did you enjoy doing the most on active-duty service, and what was your Military Occupational Specialty?
AR: The most enjoyable parts of my time were the travel, the camaraderie, and the rush! I was stationed on the West Coast and got to travel to several places in Asia, the Middle East, and in the United States as well. Getting to work on critical systems across various platforms (F/A18s, Harriers, and even Cobra helicopters) and being mission- critical was extremely exciting. And nothing can compare to the sense of family you get shoulder-to shoulder with your fellow service members in good times and bad.
My rate was AME (Aviation Structural Mechanic – Safety Equipment). I maintained life-support systems, including oxygen, pressure, and climate in fighter jets. This also included the more exciting seat and canopy system, as well as the harnesses that keep the pilots strapped in their seats in case of ejection. I was also a Plane Captain, which meant I was responsible for daily maintenance, pre-flight checks, and final inspection of aircraft to ensure they were mission-ready prior to takeoff. It’s one of the guys in “Top Gun” [the movie] on the aircraft carrier, giving the thumbs-up before the aircraft launches on the catapult.
What were the most important things you learned in the military, and are any of them useful in your employment today?
AR: The most important thing I took away from the military is the sense of discipline they instilled in me. Self-discipline is key in employment as well as personal life. There is no greater tool to accomplish your goals. Another important thing instilled in me was a sense of duty. This is especially important in employment, as you need to be committed to doing things right, whether it’s easy or difficult, regardless of how you feel about it. You just need to get it done.
How difficult was it to find employment upon separation, and how did you discover the copier business as a potential employee?
AR: Upon separation, I went straight to college, so finding employment was not as critical as I had the Post 9/11 GI Bill to fall back on. Once I was ready to enter the market, the most challenging part of the process was translating my military experience into real-world applications. For example, there are not a whole lot of fighter jets to work on.
Clockwise starting from top left:
1. The Cruise Book photo from Romeuzuleta’s 2008 Westpac deployment, which included a humanitarian mission to the Philippines following Typhoon Fengshen as well as combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
2. School division picture taken in Pensacola, Florida.
3. The entire VFA-22 “Fighting Redcocks” squadron during the 2008 deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) standing in front of its show bird and aircraft 101.
4. Romeuzuleta receiving an end-of-tour award from VX-9 (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9), his squadron prior to joining VFA-22.
5. Members of the “AME Shop,” during the 2008 deployment, in front of their “show bird” (aircraft 100). Each squadron generally has a single jet painted with the squadron colors and insignia.
6. Airman Romeuzuleta was a plane captain, which is a highly trained sailor responsible for the ground maintenance, servicing, and final safety inspections of an aircraft. He communicated, via hand signals, with the pilot during launch and recovery. “Generally, once senior enough, a plane captain has his rate, name, and hometown painted on a fighter jet,” he explained.
AR: The other struggle was going from a tightknit group, where you knew everyone had each other’s back and trust, to the civilian world where that is not always the case. Once I graduated college, I discovered Konica Minolta through a fraternity brother who had interned there in the past. He let me know about the business and what he did, and what really stuck out was how he described the team he worked on. I ended up applying for a position in the same department.
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 your fellow vets about the best way to find a job?
AR: Lean on your network and do not get discouraged. Too often we are inclined to do things ourselves and fail to ask for assistance, thinking it is a burden to others. I genuinely love helping people whenever I can. As you mentioned, almost 300,000 service members separate each year. Odds are, you know someone who has transitioned to civilian life. Ask them what they did; see if they can recommend you for a position in their company or through their network if they know someone hiring. There are Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and portals like USA Jobs as well. There is zero shame in asking for help and advice. There is something out there for you. You just need to keep trying.
Any concluding thoughts or advice you would like to give to your fellow vets about employment, utilizing the military training you received or anything like that?
AR: First and foremost, do not give up. You are not alone. It is easy to become discouraged but keep trying and something will come. The military has given you tools that civilians take years to develop: discipline, attention to detail, leadership, and teamwork to name just a few. The environment and tasks may be different, but everything you learn applies and gives you an advantage; use it!
Some final thoughts about Antonio: Like many other veterans we have interviewed, he is so clear and unambiguous about his military service. We are extremely grateful to to U.S. Bank, which has sponsored our Veterans Way column that led to the creation of the Outstanding Veteran Award, bestowed each year at our Annual Awards & Charities Gala.
As a Marine Corps veteran myself, it makes me proud to have interviewed so many veterans over the past five years—not only those selected to receive our award but all of them. They represent the finest of those who have served. Bear in mind that they all volunteered. In my era, we had no choice. We had to serve if found physically able. We owe them all special thanks for doing so.
