For U.S. Navy veteran Patrick Eugene Miles, the transition from active duty to civilian life wasn’t without its hurdles. But joining Merck & Co., Inc. in 2017 opened the door to a new kind of service—one rooted in purpose, camaraderie and opportunity.
Now an operations specialist at Merck, Miles brings decades of experience from his military career into the pharmaceutical industry, where the company’s commitment to mission-driven work resonated deeply. “A foundational principle at the company is rooted in a quote by George W. Merck, ‘We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It’s not for the profit.’ That really spoke to me,” Miles said. “Coming from the military, where our mission was to protect and serve, I saw a continuation of that purpose at Merck.”
Raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a city saturated with military presence, Miles joined the Navy with a plan to serve just four years. Instead, he built a 20-year career, rising from enlisted ranks to naval officer, with over 13 years at sea and multiple deployments. “You carry that experience with you forever. It shapes the way you lead, communicate and connect with others,” he said.
That leadership was precisely what brought Miles to Merck. A former Navy colleague reached out, recognizing Miles’s people skills, adaptability and leadership—qualities often ingrained in military service. “He said, ‘I need you. I need your conflict resolution and your speaking ability.’ And that’s how I found my way to Merck,” he recalled.
The company welcomed him with open arms, and what stood out during onboarding wasn’t just the opportunity—it was the culture. “Everyone greeted you with a wave or a smile. You felt part of something right away,” Miles said. “It reminded me of that brotherhood from the military.”
Merck’s recognition by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer holds special meaning for Miles. “In a time when veterans are often overlooked, Merck has built a safe space to honor our service and support one another,” he said. “It means more now than ever.”
But for many companies still learning how to attract and retain veteran talent, Miles offers clear advice: understand the value of lived experience. “Veterans bring more than technical skills. We bring world experience, discipline and a mindset of service,” he said. “Companies often overlook that in favor of college degrees. They need to dig deeper—ask a veteran what those military skills really mean.”
Miles’s passion for service extends beyond Merck. Through the Miles Retreat—a wellness and lodging initiative he co-founded—he supports veteran wellness and creates space for healing and reconnection. “We’ve considered turning it into a military-only retreat,” he said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than giving veterans a place to decompress.”
In both his professional and personal life, Miles embodies the bridge between military service and meaningful civilian careers. “At Merck, I may not wear a uniform anymore, but the mission to serve continues,” he said. “And that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
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