Heroes Work Here: Patrick McCabe

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Patrick McCabe, an ESPN Media Resources Engineer and a 30-year Navy veteran.

McCabe’s ESPN work history and job description: My role at ESPN is primarily handling Vendor Relations and Equipment Demonstrations for the Technology Department. I also manage Annual Maintenance Support contracts for the Technology Department.

Hometown: Farmington, Conn.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy (1985-2006), Commander (0-5).

Where and when did you serve?: I’m a native of Milwaukee, Wisc. and a 1985 graduate of Villanova University receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. I was commissioned from the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps. After commissioning, I graduated from the Surface Warfare Officers School in San Diego, Calif. in 1986. I assumed duties as Weapons Officer on board the Guided Missile Frigate USS Ford (FFG-54). I also served as Main Propulsion Assistant. Qualified as Surface Warfare Officer during two tours of service to the Middle East. Served during Operation Ernest Will.

In the Naval Reserves in 1992, I was assigned as Commanding Officer of the Mobile Mine Assembly Group 101 in Plainville, Conn. In 1994, I also Commanded the Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Det 601 in Newport, R.I. In 1996, I was the Officer-in-Charge of Seabee NMCB-27 Detachment 101 from Providence, R.I.

Favorite sports teams: Green Bay Packers, Villanova Wildcats.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade?: Marching in the parade is a great way to show our dedication to the country and demonstrate our patriotism. My Dad was in the Navy and he is proud of that fact that I march with the other ESPN veterans.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: Good communications, organization and attention to detail are important in my role. I learned much of that while standing watches on-board the USS Ford.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Leadership skills, organizational skills and people skills; honor, courage, commitment.

Closing thoughts?: It is a privilege to work for a company like ESPN that embraces the military and the veterans who have served their country.