Celebrating our US Veteran Team Members

Today we celebrate our veteran team members and all those who continue to make our waters and world safer.

Our team members are a big part of what makes Holland America Line great. On U.S. Veterans Day we especially want to celebrate the women and men across our winning team who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. “Team members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are an important part of our culture and our story,” said Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha. “Most of them learned skills while serving that they use daily to help Holland America achieve its goals. As we connect guests to amazing cultures and destinations worldwide, we are especially grateful to the U.S. service members who continue protecting our ports and our people today.” Take a moment to learn from a few of our veteran team members about their service and what Veterans Day means to them.

Amy Barsnick
Director, Group Management and Operations, HAL/SBN

US Navy, 17 years
Lieutenant

Tell us a little about your background?

I feel like my time in the Navy helped me become who I am today. It gave me the confidence to handle whatever life sends my way and what it really means to be a leader. I joined the Navy at a time when the organization was changing as we went from women being able to serve on less than 10% of ships to all roles open to women during the time I served. I actually was commissioned at the University of Washington Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp only a few miles from our Seattle office and spent the next 17 years as Personnel Officer, taking care of sailors around the world. Now I drive by the University on my way to the office everyday and feel incredibly lucky for the lessons and opportunities and the chance to be part of something larger than myself.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans day is very important to me to acknowledge those who “stood the watch” to protect what we believe in. I have learned veterans come in every shape, with varying backgrounds and beliefs, each with their own story and contribution. I think it is important to celebrate these stories and experiences from our grandparents to the young soldier or sailor who just finished their first tour of duty who just.

Chris Branch
Resolution Specialist, HAL

US Marine Corps, 4 years
Lance Corporal

Tell us a little about your background?

I was Administrative Clerk attached to a Victor Unit (Infantry). I was in charge of Orders and Travel Claims.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans Day is a day of remembrance of my time in service, the deployments, camaraderie, and the lifetime friendships that I made while being a United States Marine.

Jamila Branch
Administrative Sales Specialist, HAL

US Air Force, 8 years
Senior Airman

Tell us a little about your background?

My service included 4 years of active duty in the US Air Force and 4 years in the National Guard. My time with the Air Force was impactful and it was an honor to wear the uniform. As a result of those experiences, I will always believe in practicing “excellence in all that I do.”

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans day is a day to honor the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of those who wore the uniform.

Bonnie Censullo
Cruise Consultant, HAL

US Air Force, 6 years
Buck Sergeant

Tell us a little about your background?

I had a modest upbringing and the military exposed me to a new world. My first assignment was Okinawa, Japan, where I embraced the culture with relish. In Homestead AFB, Florida, I evacuated ahead of Hurricane Andrew, and returned to see devastation and worked with the Public Affairs office during recovery. I was also part of the Honor Guard and served at military funerals to honor other service members and their families. I finished my commitment at Patrick AFB, working with the launch program in Public Affairs, up close for the Delta and Shuttle launches.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veteran’s Day represents the selfless actions of people who sacrifice their time with family and friends, and often their lives, so that others enjoy the freedoms of Liberty.

Jenine Hubbell
Sales Agent, General Reservations, HAL

U.S. Navy
Specialist Petty Officer Second Class

Tell us a little about your background?

I come from a family of military veterans. My father was a retired Chief Cryptologist in the Navy. I married a Chief Logistics Specialist, who retired after 26 years. I served for almost 10 years, with 4 years on the USS Hunely, a submarine tender. I also served in the Naval Reserves for almost 6 years.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans Day is where we get to honor those who served our country, near or far. We honor those who men and women who put themselves in harm’s way, to ensure that our freedom is secure. Veterans have sacrificed comfort, family time, missed holidays, birthdays, etc., due to deployment or special assignments. The sacrifices are real, but so are the reasons for those sacrifices.

Daniel Mandich
Cruise Consultant, SBN

US Air Force, 27 years
Senior Master Sergeant

Tell us a little about your background?

27 years of military service, proudly serving to ensure our way of life.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

People raise their hand and swear on their LIFE that NOTHING is going to hurt you as long as they are standing watch. It is a commitment that is unparalleled. They are pledging to forfeit all so that nothing happens to you.

Jeanette Stoudt
Sales Agent, General Reservations, HAL

US Air Force
Senior Airman

Tell us a little about your background?

I was stationed at Royal Air Force Bentwaters in England for two years and at March Air Force Base in California for one year.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Honoring the veteran’s that have fought and defended their country.

Thank you to all our veteran team members for your service, sacrifice, and dedication, and for everything you bring our winning team!