Navy Veterans Spotlights: Jordan Blaise, Leroy Cox, Jr., Darren Curry, Lawrence Jones, Tim Irving, and Ashley Stratton
Less than a year before the inception of our nation, the U.S. Navy was established in October of 1775 and was tasked with “deterring aggression and maintaining the freedom of the seas”. Since its establishment in 1775 and the establishment of the Department of the Navy in 1798, the U.S. Navy has carried out its mission to “defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free”.
BSD would like to thank team members that are Navy Veterans who helped carry out that mission during their time in the Navy. Thank you all for ensuring our freedom and doing your part at BSD day-in, day-out!
We are proud to have several Navy veterans on the BSD team. Read below to learn more about six of our colleagues who have served: Jordan Blaise, Leroy Cox, Jr., Darren Curry, Lawrence Jones, Tim Irving, and Ashley Stratton.
Jordan Blaise – Transit Service Manager
Military Experience
Aviation Boatswain Handler on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz from 2005-2009. I did 2 West-Pac/Persian Gulf deployments, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
How long have you been working here?
It’ll be 12 years this December.
What energizes you at work?
If something exciting is happening on the system or if there is a lot happening in a day. Helping people get where they need to go makes me happy.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
It has a small town vibe so you can get to know a lot of people but has the benefit of having big sports teams in town. I also like the art and music.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to run, my son and I run together every day. We like to play music, I play guitar and my kids are musicians. Going to the high school football games is fun too, that’s mostly it besides hanging out with my family.
Ashley Stratton – Material Handler
Military Experience
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Surface Warfare Ashley Stratton enlisted in the Navy in July 2003. Stratton was part of one of the oldest jobs in the Navy that includes Marine and Navy seals operations, ship and helicopter refueling, fuel clean up, anchoring and towing ships, driving ships and small boats and others multitasking jobs. Deployments include operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraqi Freedom Enduring and Rimpac 2008.
What is your title?
Material Handler
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been at Metro for 9 years and in this position for 5, before this I was at the fuel island at the Illinois MetroBus garage.
What energizes you at work?
The mechanics, I have to make sure they get want they need and the quality has to be up to par so parts are on the floor and they get them in time to do their job.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
What I like most is that the area is more family oriented, this is a place you can raise your family and there are a lot of family activities. Whether it’s the zoo, Six Flags, the art museum, and food festivals around town.
Leroy Cox, Jr. – Light Rail Controller
Military Experience
Petty Officer 2nd Class (YN2) served in the United States Navy from 1990-1995. Stationed in Washington DC at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, aboard the USS Forrestal (CV 59) and the USS South Carolina (CGN 37).
How long have you been working here?
I’m considered a “boomerang”, this is my second time around here. I was here for 17 years my first time here but I came back this February.
What energizes you at work?
Working with the people, we have a great team here. The job keeps me energized and interacting with everyone here. I get to come in and control the trains but we try to have a lot of fun when we can.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
Family, I’m a mommas boy and I’ve realized I’m getting older so I need to spend as much time with my parents as I can. My grandkids and the rest of the family are here too so I enjoy spending time with them.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Before the pandemic, I liked going to movie theaters and hanging out with family and friends. I love going to the movies at an empty theater and sitting with my nachos and Slurpee to just enjoy it.
Darren Curry – Assistant Executive Director of Transit Assets
Military Experience
Senior Chief Construction Mechanic Darren Curry enlisted in the United States Navy January 5, 1993. He was assigned to Construction Battalion Hospital Unit 22. His personnel decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three Gold Stars, five Navy Battle “E” medals, Naval Reserve Meritorious Medal with four Bronze Stars, two National Defense medals, IRAQ Campaign medal W/USMC Eagle Globe anchor, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/”M” device, Navy Rifle Expert and Navy Pistol Expert. He is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist.
How long have you been working here?
I was hired as a mechanic at Metro 35 years ago.
What energizes you at work?
Over time a lot of things have changed but it’s been rewarding to see the progress this organization has made. Moving up over the years and taking on different roles has been exciting but today it’s great to see the growth of my team, watching them mature and become better leaders is exciting.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
It almost feels like a small town, the sports and different things in town make it great. You can also find some of the best food in the nation. There’s a lot of potential in this town, it’s been poised for a long time to grow and prosper.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Camping, boating, and traveling. We like to visit the Gulf Coast.
Lawrence Jones – Missouri MetroBus Operator
Military Experience
Petty Officer Jones served in the Navy and worked as a Boatswain Mate in the Persian Gulf War. He also spent time in Japan and traveled throughout Southeast Asia on the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, the USS Blueridge.
What is your title?
MetroBus Operator
How long have you been working here?
7 years
What energizes you at work?
I prefer work out of the office, I’ve had a lot of jobs driving vehicles so I like being entrusted with the responsibility to go out get the job done and get back safe.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
I’m from the Tower Grove South area so I really like that neighborhood.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I try to go walking and mainly spend time with the family and grandkids.
Tim Irving – Transit Service Manager
Military Experience
My name is Petty Officer 2nd Tim Irving. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 20, 1980. I was a Communications Specialist Radioman. I made over six major deployments to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Indian Ocean and other destinations. I held the highest security clearance of Top Secret SPECAT. I’ve communicated with top officials both foreign and domestic. And I’m very proud to have served in our Armed Forces. Further I would do it all again if necessary.
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been with Metro with 8 years, I started as a MetroBus operator.
What energizes you at work?
A passion to support and serve people, helping people move forward throughout our region is one of the things that really helps me remain motivated. I enjoy knowing that I have an integral role in providing people with transportation at a reasonable price.
What do you like about the St. Louis area?
I like St. Louis overall because it’s a very diverse town and it’s a sports friendly town, I’m a big sports guy so that’s nice. I enjoy having all four seasons, I like the weather year around. There’s always good, equal opportunities around here.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a majority of my time with my family, I’m very family oriented. I have adult kids and a beautiful wife so we spend time together traveling, being active, being involved with different activities, along with our spiritual practices.