Veteran at Aeronamic supports Walk4Veterans: a commitment to community and respect

Erik Huiges - Team Leader of Product Support Engineering

At Aeronamic, we are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Walk4Veterans 2024. This September, Aeronamic employees will take to the paths during their lunch breaks to honor and show appreciation for veterans. Among those participating in this initiative is Erik Huiges, our Team Leader of Product Support Engineering. Erik’s deep connection to this cause stems from his own experiences as a veteran, having served in the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

From Aeronamic to the Royal Netherlands Air Force and back

Erik’s journey began right here at Aeronamic, where he started his career as a technician working on aviation components. It was through a recruitment drive at Twente Air Base that Erik first encountered the Royal Netherlands Air Force, leading him to apply and eventually begin his military career in 2002. As an aircraft technician, he worked on the maintenance and repair of critical systems, including fuel systems and landing gear for aircraft like the F-16. Reflecting on this period, Erik describes it as both intensive and challenging, offering invaluable lessons in people skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork.

A Mission in Afghanistan

Erik is not one to share his military experiences openly, but when asked, he recounts his mission in Afghanistan—a pivotal moment in his career. The mission began with a tactical overnight flight from Eindhoven to Kandahar Airfield, designed to minimize the risk of escalation. After a 12-hour journey, Erik and his team landed in Afghanistan, where they were immediately faced with the realities of their mission, including a missile strike shortly after arrival. These experiences provided Erik with profound insights into the challenges that military personnel endure and the critical importance of their missions.

Despite the demands and the risks, Erik’s commitment to his role never wavered. However, as the Ministry of Defense faced cuts, the increasing workload, coupled with his new role as a father, led him to transition back into the business world. Nevertheless, the camaraderie and the skills he developed during his time in the Air Force—such as leadership and coping under pressure—continue to be invaluable assets in his current role at Aeronamic.

Walk4Veterans: A Demonstration of Aeronamic’s Community Involvement

Aeronamic’s involvement in the Walk4Veterans is a testament to our strong connection with the Defense community and our deep appreciation for veterans. For Erik and his colleagues, these daily lunch walks serve as a meaningful way to show respect and give back to the community. This initiative not only reflects our close ties with the Defense community but also underscores our broader commitment to social responsibility.

Since our founding in 1988, Aeronamic’s mission has always centered around safety and sustainability in aviation. Community involvement is a vital component of this mission, and our support for Walk4Veterans is just one of the many ways we strive to make a positive impact.

At Aeronamic, we are honored to support our veterans and look forward to participating in this important cause. We invite you to join us in recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans like Erik and to walk alongside us as we show our appreciation for their service.