‘Always Out to Help Others’
For veteran, service knows no limitations
Q: What is your current role at Baxter?
Tracy: I’m a Senior Analyst in Human Resources Payroll supporting our U.S. and Puerto Rico organizations with their timekeeping and partnering with our payroll processor to answer employee inquiries.
Q: What called you to serve your country?
Tracy: I come from a very long line of military members. After high school I joined the Navy and followed in my father’s footsteps. I spent four years in active duty stationed in Japan and California, and then I was a Navy spouse for 16 years.
Q: What was your post-service career path that led you to Baxter?
Tracy: I joined Allegiance Corporation in 1998 soon after it was spun off from Baxter. Everyone I worked with were former Baxter employees and they brought with them a wonderful culture and a very good work-life balance. I worked there for six years and then moved on to do consulting work. I kept in touch with a few people who work at Baxter over the years and when an opportunity opened up, I was excited to join the company just over a month ago because our mission to help others is in line with my own mission.
Q: Last year, you cycled more than 3,000 miles from California to Florida, raising more than $30,000 for the Gary Sinise Foundation in support of veterans. You’re currently planning another fundraising cycling trip to benefit the Oscar Mike Foundation. Where does your spirit to give back come from?
Tracy: It’s pretty much ingrained in me. My grandmother worked with Meals on Wheels and went to senior living communities to visit with people. She was the type of person who went out of her way to help people. I’m the type of person that any time I can help someone out or pay it forward, I’ll step in and help as much as I can.
Q: What attributes do veterans bring to an inclusive and diverse workforce?
Tracy: I think with veterans, No. 1 is the discipline. Also, the compassion we bring. It seems like veterans are always out to help others and don’t ask for anything in return. It’s not about us -- it’s about who we’re doing it for. We’re a family that is out trying to help other people.