Companies like DISH and EchoStar (DISH) have earned a reputation as a veteran-friendly company, creating a culture where military veterans feel welcomed, supported and appreciated for their service. At the heart of this initiative is Doug Balsbough, EVP, and Chief Human Resources Officer for EchoStar Corporation. With a background in the Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and a career spanning decades in aerospace and industrial sectors, Balsbough’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, mission-driven culture at EchoStar is apparent. He explains, “Veterans are some of the best talent out there—the skillset and mindset they come with are such valuable assets. They’re mission-driven and results-focused, which aligns perfectly with our values as a company.”
This alignment in values is no accident; EchoStar has cultivated an environment where veterans can thrive and feel connected through programs like the Veterans Resource Group (VRG), which serves as both a support network and an educational resource within the organization. With over 250 members, the VRG plays a significant role in welcoming new veteran hires, providing them with an immediate community of individuals with similar experiences, and encouraging camaraderie. The group’s influence extends beyond internal support, as they also work to raise awareness about military service and educate other employees on the importance of holidays like Memorial Day and Flag Day.
The VRG’s focus on inclusion and understanding fosters retention and a sense of belonging among veteran employees. “Veterans join our company, and they immediately have a circle of friends, acquaintances—people who have similar backgrounds and experiences,” says Balsbough. The retention rate of veterans at EchoStar is high, which underscores the program’s impact on creating a supportive environment.
EchoStar’s commitment to veteran employees also translates into abundant opportunities for growth. The company prioritizes service and development across all levels, aiming to make veterans an integral part of its workforce. Veterans are encouraged to explore numerous job opportunities, with the company offering roles ranging from technicians and customer service specialists to engineers and corporate positions in finance and HR. “Our careers website provides a snapshot of the types of jobs available, and we always welcome veterans to apply,” notes Balsbough.
Celebrating and recognizing veteran contributions goes beyond day-to-day support at DISH. Veterans Day is a hallmark event across its locations. These celebrations bring employees together to honor veterans, including those in leadership roles within the company, through guest speakers, food, card signings and partner-hosted events. For Balsbough and the VRG, Veterans Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a core part of honoring the values veterans bring to the workplace.
Balsbough’s approach to leadership draws from his military experience, guided by a principle he finds particularly relevant to the complexity of DISH and EchoStar’s high-tech operations: “Simplicity is the outcome of thinking through the complexity.” This mindset is central to creating efficient processes within a complex organization, allowing the company to focus on mission-critical goals while positively impacting the community. For DISH, welcoming veterans into this mission-driven culture has become both a strategic advantage and a source of pride.
As DISH and EchoStar continue to expand, the company encourages veterans to explore opportunities with them. With a commitment to honoring veteran contributions and supporting their career growth, DISH exemplifies a veteran-friendly company that values mission, service and community.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
From Service to CEO: How Veterans Can Launch a Small Business Online