Heroes Work Here: Randolph Kitano

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 Randolph Kitano, an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of ESPN’s Technology Group.

Kitano’s ESPN work history and job description: I started at ESPN in 2007 with Core Systems and Infrastructure (CSI) as project manager for the Remedy Upgrade project. I’m currently with NS3, Technology Service Management Group implementing Service Management, ITIL, Easy Vista, Capability Maturity Modeling, Continual Service Improvement.

Hometown: Denver, Colo.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy, Submarine Service

Where and when did you serve?: Served from 1967 to 1975. Stationed aboard: USS Jack (SSN 605) in New London, Conn.; USS Sunfish (SSN 649) in Charleston, S.C. and USS Tinosa (SSN606) in New London, Conn. Attached to the Submarine Force Atlantic, and NATO Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Great Lakes Navy Band, Key West Navy Band.

Favorite sports teams?: Denver Broncos, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, UCONN Huskies, University of Colorado Buffaloes.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: To think analytically; to be constantly aware and observant of your surroundings and the actions of others; to realize that your actions and those of others have an impact on the group as a whole; patience.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Discipline; observation and appreciation of your environment; thinking before you act; the value of education and training; patience; the value of long term friendships; not to take things for granted, valuing the different opinions and beliefs of others and an appreciation of music.

Closing thoughts?: Being in the USN Submarine Service was an unforgettable experience, especially the people that I served with.