May is Military Appreciation Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on three Tampa Electric teammates who bring their military experience into the work they do here every day. Their paths look different, but they share a strong sense of teamwork, accountability and getting the job done – no matter what.
We’re grateful to have them on our team and honored to share a glimpse of their stories.
Chris Fontanez, a Tampa Electric lead network and systems security analyst, joined the Army Reserves right out of high school, leaving for basic training the day after graduation.
“I didn’t really have a clear plan for what I wanted to do next,” he said, “and I knew I was starting to head in the wrong direction with the people I was around.”
Chris deployed to Iraq in 2011, at 23 years old, and to Afghanistan in 2017.
“Being in a constant hostile environment where you don’t know what the next day will bring takes a mental and physical toll on you,” he said. “But at the same time, it changes you in ways that are hard to explain.”
He later joined the Joint Communications Support Element at MacDill Air Force Base, where he continued to grow his IT skills and focus specifically on networking, which ultimately led him to where he is today.
That military experience continues to shape his day-to-day career approach.
“I focus on building others up rather than tearing them down, because a strong team performs better together.”
What does Military Appreciation Month mean to Chris?
“It’s a time for me to reflect on where I came from and the people I had the honor of serving alongside. I’m incredibly proud to be a veteran, but even more than that, I have a deep respect for all veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made.”
Growing up the son of a Cold War-era veteran, Joe Gallenstein had a strong understanding of military life when he joined the Air Force.
He was first stationed in England, assigned to a remote communications facility north of Oxford. At the start of the first Gulf War in 1990, he was transferred to Combat Communications, providing mobile support for all service branches, including various multi-lateral operations.
Staying connected was challenging due to a lack of cell phones and internet service. Communication with friends and loved ones was mostly via letters and the occasional phone call, Joe said, and even those were limited – especially during deployments.
Today, Joel is a senior IT project manager for Tampa Electric. What he learned during his service helps translate to his current role – mainly leadership, the importance of teamwork, and communication.
What does Military Appreciation Month mean to Joe?
“It’s about publicly recognizing the work and sacrifices that service members have made and continue to make. Military service is hard. Members sacrifice more than is publicly acknowledged. It gave me a greater appreciation for the freedoms we have as Americans and the importance of teamwork.”
Sierra Woods, a customer experience trainer for Tampa Electric, joined the U.S. Army National Guard right out of high school. She was looking for something different, outside of her comfort zone, and truly challenging. Joining the Army at the age of 17 felt like the perfect option.
Her military role was as a human resources specialist.
“It’s often jokingly referred to as a 'paper pusher,' but it’s a critical position,” she said. “I was responsible for maintaining personnel records … and most importantly, verifying banking information to ensure soldiers were paid correctly and on time.”
Sierra says the military taught her far more than she ever anticipated.
“I had to adapt to structure, responsibility, teamwork, authority and physical fitness. Many of these areas were challenges for me in the beginning, especially physical fitness – I had never played sports or followed a workout routine. These lessons have shaped who I am today, and they are values I strive to instill in my children.”
What does Military Appreciation Month mean to Sierra?
“It represents both gratitude and awareness. Soldiers can become so focused on their daily responsibilities that they may not fully recognize the impact of their sacrifices. It’s a meaningful reminder that their service matters and that there are people who recognize, value and support them.”