Profile image of Jason Frei
Jason
Ethics & Business Conduct director

Veterans

Leading the way on the battlefield and in our ethics programs

From the battlefield in Iraq to boardrooms at Boeing, his commitment to ethics and veterans is the same.

Jason Frei is the Boeing Ethics and Business Conduct director for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. As a U.S. Marine artillery officer, Frei was riding in a Humvee when his convoy was ambushed and struck by a rocket-propelled grenade near Nasiriyah, Iraq, in 2003, causing him to lose his right arm and hand. Engaged in a firefight with a group of enemy soldiers, it was hours until he was evacuated and a day before he was moved to a field hospital.

After medically retiring in 2004 and receiving a Purple Heart for his military service, Frei returned to the United States and attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned an MBA. Now, leading ethics and business conduct for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, he works to uphold ethics and integrity at Boeing.

Jason Frei portrait profile image
Jason Frei, then and now: as a Marine in Iraq in 2003, as an Ethics leader at Boeing in 2020.
Photo courtesy of Jason Frei

Frei said the Marines appealed to him because he wanted a challenge and to be part of an organization that valued camaraderie and a commitment to excellence. His reasons for attending Notre Dame and joining Boeing are the same. “With all three decisions, it has been about the quality of the institution, the values and meaningful work,” Frei said. “With all three, I knew I was making an impact in the world, and this is something I want to be a part of for the rest of my life.”

Frei is part of the 15 percent of Boeing employees who are veterans. He said he’s proud of Boeing’s world-class veteran initiatives. “The company recognizes that veterans are an incredible source of talent, and since [they] both know and appreciate the military customer, it’s a good fit,” he said.

Others have applauded Boeing for its veteran efforts as well. In September, Global Services subsidiary Aviall was honored as a Military Friendly Employer and Military Friendly Spouse Employer in the United States. Further, last week, Boeing was recognized with the Military Friendly Supplier Diversity Program designation. And earlier this year, DiversityInc recognized Boeing as one of the top companies for veterans.

Kristin Saboe, a veteran and senior talent strategist at Boeing who leads the company’s Veterans and Military Spouse’s Talent Strategy, said former and current members of the military community bring a unique and critical set of competencies, values, experience and adaptability that sets them apart as employees stewarding the Boeing Behaviors, team members and leaders.

“Hiring, retaining and creating a meaningful work experience for veterans and spouses of military members is critical to our success now and into the future to promote diversity, excellence and a culture defined by Boeing Behaviors,” she said.