Honoring Our Team of Veterans This November: Toni

Service leaves a mark that does not fade when a uniform is folded and put away. It shapes how people lead, listen, solve problems, support others, and show up when the work gets hard. This November, as the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day, we are taking time to recognize the veterans on our team and honor the experiences they carry with them.

Throughout the month, we will feature a different team member each week, sharing a glimpse into their time in the armed services and the path that brought them to where they are today. These stories are a chance to pause, learn, and appreciate the people behind the roles we see every day.

Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11, gives us a clear moment to say thank you. But gratitude means more when it becomes personal. Highlighting our own teammates helps us understand service through real stories, not just broad ideas. It reminds us that veterans are not only part of history or national ceremonies. They are part of our daily work, our teams, and our communities.

These stories matter because every veteran’s experience is different and we are proud to have them on our team. The Rec Dispensary is woman, veteran and physician owned and operated with three locations in Denver, Hickory and Statesville, North Carolina.

Read below to learn more about Toni and what she learned from her time in the Army!

What branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

I served in the United States Army as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, MOS 74D.

How has your military experience helped you in your current job?

My time in the Army taught me discipline, accountability, and the importance of paying attention to the details. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape how I approach my work, communicate with others, and handle challenges.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a veteran-owned business?

What I enjoy most about being part of a veteran-owned business is being surrounded by people who understand the value of service, commitment, and having each other’s backs. It’s amazing to work alongside people who share that foundation and bring those values into what we do every day.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career since leaving the military?

The most rewarding part of my career since leaving the military has been helping countless people from all walks of life in ways that bring life back into the mundane. Knowing that even the smallest interaction or act of support can make someone’s day a little better gives meaning to what I do.

What is something you wish more people understood about veterans in the workforce? 

I wish more people understood that veterans bring more than military experience to the workforce. We bring a different perspective, a strong sense of responsibility, the ability to adapt, and a desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Those qualities don’t disappear when we take off the uniform; they continue to shape who we are and how we contribute.