Commerce City Veterans Day Spotlight

Published on November 10, 2025

Grant Hardy – Fleet Shop Supervisor

Meet Grant, a proud U.S. Army veteran who served at Fort Bliss and now serves Commerce City as our Fleet Shop Supervisor.

Inspired by friends and family who served before him, Grant joined the military right after high school, beginning a journey built on discipline, pride, and perseverance.

🎖️ Favorite memory: Coming home from Afghanistan.
💬 Motto that still guides him today: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”
☕ Early mornings: “Coffee — always”.
🎵 Song that takes him back: “Country Boy” by Aaron Lewis.

For Grant, Veterans Day is “a day to thank those before my time.”

Thank you, Grant, for your service to our country and your continued dedication to Commerce City.

Daniel Gonzales – Talent Acquisition Manager

Meet Daniel, a proud U.S. Army veteran who served across the country; from Upstate New York to California and Colorado.

Inspired to join after a close friend enlisted, Daniel saw the Army as a chance to leave his hometown of Bakersfield, CA, and gain new experiences. What was meant to be a four-year commitment turned into a 20+ year career of service.

🗣️Favorite memory: “Too many to choose just one, but the common thread is camaraderie, humor through challenges, and a deep appreciation for life.”
💬 Lesson carried forward: “Communication is key.” In the military, clear and timely communication could make or break a mission. A value that still drives his work today.
☕ Early mornings: Coffee. All day, every day.
🎵Song that brings back memories: “Island in the Sun” by Weezer. An anthem that reminded the team there was still beauty and peace beyond the hardships of deployment.

For Daniel, “Veterans Day is a time to honor the dedication, sacrifice, and historic achievements of those who’ve served. To reflect on the lasting impact of their service on our lives today.”

Thank you, Daniel, for your service and continued commitment to Commerce City.

Terren Crider – Deputy Director of Information Technology

Meet Terren, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served with the 34th Combat Communications Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base (OK) and the 51st Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base (GA).

What began as a practical decision to provide for family and build a stable future became a defining chapter that shaped both his career and character.

✈️ Favorite memory: A deployment to Jordan, where Terren supported a mission that saved hundreds of lives and even found time to visit Amman and the Dead Sea.
💻 Career connection: Military service turned a trade in computer networking (“cyber transport”) into a lifelong career, teaching lessons in responsibility, flexibility, and problem-solving under pressure.
☕ Early mornings: Coffee. All day. Every day.
🎵 Song that brings back memories: “Friday” by Rebecca Black.

For Terren, Veterans Day is a reminder that while every veteran’s journey is different, all share the experience of serving something greater than themselves and maybe enjoy a well-earned dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

Thank you, Terren, for your service to our country and your continued dedication to Commerce City 

John Bourjaily – Parks Operations Manager

Serving in the Colorado Army National Guard, John was inspired to join by a desire to give back and make a positive difference. One of his favorite memories from service? Conducting a live fire exercise in the Slovenian Alps alongside NATO allies.

That same dedication carries into his work today, where he’s always thinking ahead. “If something breaks or goes wrong, how can we adjust on the fly and keep moving forward?”

☕ Early mornings: Coffee
🎵 Song that reminds him of service: “Pink Pony Club”
What Veterans Day means to him: “A Day to celebrate not only the service and sacrifice of our veterans, but also to appreciate the roles they continue to play in their communities.

Thank you, John, for your service to our country and your continued dedication to Commerce City.

Veterans Day Spotlight: Kim Garland – Deputy City Clerk

Meet Kim, a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served in Diego Garcia and Rota, Spain.

Driven by a desire to explore the world and serve the country, Kim embarked on a journey filled with memorable experiences, like launching weather balloons and watching C-130s perform touch-and-go landings from the tarmac.

⚓ Favorite memory: Launching weather balloons and watching C-130s soar overhead.
💪 Lesson carried forward: Accountability and discipline, values that continue to shape her strong work ethic today.
☕ Early mornings: Coffee.
🎵 Song that brings back memories: "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice

For Kim, Veterans Day is a day of reflection, a time to be grateful for military experiences and thankful for all who served before, after, and alongside.

Thank you, Kim, for your service to our country and your continued dedication to Commerce City.