Service is a value that unites many members of the San Antonio River Authority team. This Veterans Day, we recognize and honor the more than 20 veterans who serve across the River Authority, including team members in Engineering, Watershed & Park Operations, Utilities, Facilities, Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, the Board of Directors, and Executive Leadership. Their experiences, leadership, and dedication strengthen the River Authority’s mission and help us better serve the communities of the San Antonio River Basin.
Among those veterans are Watershed & Park Operations Superintendent James Sanchez and Operations Foreman Fred Ronje, whose commitments to service extend beyond their own military careers. Both come from families with deep military roots, including grandparents, parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have served in the U.S. Army and Air Force. James served eight years in the Army, while Fred served four years, carrying forward a family tradition of service that spans generations.
While every veteran’s journey is unique, the common thread is dedication to something greater than themselves. In the reflections below, Fred and James share how their military experiences continue to influence their careers and their commitment to serving our communities through stewardship of our waterways, parks, and natural resources.
What important skills from your military service do you use in your role at the River Authority today?
James: The military taught me maturity, discipline, professionalism, and dedication. One lesson that’s stayed with me is that you’re always representing something bigger than yourself. At the River Authority, I remind our team that when we’re out in the community, we’re representing the organization. The military also taught me to take charge, communicate clearly, and invest in the people around you by sharing knowledge and helping others grow.
Fred: One of the biggest lessons I still use today is learning to look at the big picture. In the military, you couldn’t focus on just one task or one target. You had to be aware of everything around you. That’s how I approach managing our sites and projects at the River Authority. The military also taught me the importance of communication, professionalism, respect, and always presenting yourself the right way, whether you’re in uniform or serving the public.
Why do you think the River Authority attracts so many veterans?
Fred: The River Authority has a lot of structure and organization that many veterans are accustomed to. There’s a clear chain of command, well-defined roles, and a strong sense of teamwork and accountability. Those things made the transition from military life easier for me because they felt familiar and aligned with the way I was trained to work.
James: I think veterans are drawn to the River Authority because of the organization’s structure and professionalism. The way teams work together, the emphasis on accountability, and even the pride people take in representing the organization reflect many of the same values we learned during military service. There’s a shared commitment to supporting each other and serving the community.
The stories shared by Fred and James highlight the lasting impact of military service and the many ways that commitment continues long after time in uniform ends. Their experiences, along with those of the more than 20 veterans across the River Authority, demonstrate how leadership, teamwork, resilience, and a spirit of service continue to shape the work we do every day.
As we honor our veterans this Veterans Day, we also look to the future. Through programs like the U.S. Military’s SkillBridge program, the River Authority is committed to supporting transitioning service members as they explore new career paths and continue serving their communities in meaningful ways. If you’re interested in joining a team where service, stewardship, and community remain at the heart of the mission, visit our website to learn more about careers and opportunities at the San Antonio River Authority.
