Category: News

In Memoriam: R3 Mourns the Loss of Navy Veteran and Esteemed R3 Employee, LT (Ret.) Danny Theis

15 January 2024.  VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Navy EOD LT (Ret.) Danny Theis, 48. Danny joined R3 in June 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Lead Instructor for EODTEU TWO Instructor Support.

Before his role at R3, LT Theis served with honor and distinction in the Navy, where he dedicated his life to safeguarding others as an EOD Technician and later as an EOD Limited Duty Officer.  As a combat veteran, he earned universal respect and admiration for his unwavering professionalism and dedication to duty. His impact on the EOD community was profound, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

R3 acknowledges the EOD community as a close-knit family that supports one another during challenging times. In the spirit of this camaraderie, R3 stands united in mourning the loss of LT (Ret.) Danny Theis. His contributions to our nation and our organization were invaluable and his absence will be deeply felt.

R3 receives 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized R3 as one of the 859 recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by U.S. Department of Labor. R3 earned the platinum award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

R3 joins 858 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.

About R3:

R3 is an agile, Employee-Owned, Service–Disabled Veteran–Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides innovative strategic solutions across a broad spectrum of government and commercial domains. We rapidly identify Requirements, capture Resources, and maximize Readiness to accelerate our client’s success. Visit R3.com to learn more about our organization and some of the opportunities we enable in support of our nation’s veterans.

About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program: 

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining veterans. The 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2024. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.

   

Farewell and Happy Retirement, Gene Rathgeber!

R3 bids farewell and happy retirement to Gene Rathgeber with an office luncheon catered by Seasons 52, champagne toasts with tequila chasers, and heartwarming camaraderie.  Gene was with R3 for 8 years, initially joining as the Program Manager of the Navy EOD Leadership Continuum.  He helped grow R3’s contract presence in San Diego and Port Hueneme for Navy EOD and Underwater Construction Teams from one to 9 separate programs.  As such, he continued to accept greater positions of responsibility culminating as the Director of Operations and Security overseeing 6 portfolio managers, 28 contracts, and over 170 teammates performing at 14 different organizations.

He prepared Chris Merwin to assume this role before Gene segued to Strategic Advisor and Senior Mentor for his last year at R3 in transition to retirement.  Gene was a mentor to all, a tireless motivator, and a diligent boss who ensured all around him excelled and prospered.  He will be missed and, given the consummate leader he remains, Gene ensured R3 is well-postured to excel in his absence.  Fair winds and following seas to a leader, friend, and employee-owner!