Our troops are coming home from Iraq! We’re all so proud of them for their duty and sense of honor in serving our country. From the battlefields now they’ll go to the workplace. And, who better to hire than a veteran? If you want a leader, someone who knows how to get the job done and will earn and give respect, then hire one of our heroes.

Recently, I gained firsthand knowledge of just how good our veterans are.

I called Comcast to install an independent and separate phone line in my guest home. Enter T.J. Perwitz who worked on C-130s in the U.S. Air Force.

Perwitz came to my house with the intention of doing nothing less than a great job. When I explained what needed to be done, he said he would take care of it. Then he said: “Mr. Sanchez, I will not leave here until it’s done right.” Those words were comforting, and I knew he would do it right. I asked him about his background. He told me he had served our country in the Air Force and had been stationed in Kadena Air Force base in Japan and Sheppard and Lackland air bases in Texas.

Perwitz was thorough, checked all the wires, made calls back to the office, the service and support centers and he fixed it. Before he left, I shook his hand, thanked him for serving our country and for fixing the problem at my home. He’s a prime example why employers need to look closely at their staffing needs and hire veterans.

We owe veterans so much for their service to our country. Their heroics and commitment to excellence are examples to all of us, and these qualities will be a big plus to any organization. Just imagine hiring a Navy Seal, a decorated combat veteran or a battalion leader. Your community will not only welcome these veterans as part of your company’s team, but they will be sought by many to do business with them. Hire a veteran, it is the right choice.

Alex Sanchez, president and CEO, Florida Bankers Association, Tallahassee