Disney Transition Story: A Lifetime of Service to Country and Community

2023-04-03T14:29:50-04:00

My passion for serving others started when I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a third-generation military musician, and it continues today.

I joined the Marines because it was the only military branch where I could play my instrument, the baritone bugle. During my time in the Marines, I developed a strong affinity for volunteering, particularly with the Toys for Tots program. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I stayed involved in various veteran Marines organizations and formed strong ties with other veterans while dedicating my time to helping with various Central Florida and national organizations.

As the president of the Women's Marine Association chapter in Central Florida, I help with events throughout the state. I have also had the immense honor of being the first-ever woman to serve as the National Director of the First Marine Division Association. In this role, I have had the opportunity to escort World War II veterans to Washington DC where they were celebrated for their incredible achievements during the war effort.

Through my involvement in these organizations, I have earned the respect of fellow members and their families. It is a source of pride for me to be able to represent the United States Marine Corps and help support veterans and their families in any way I can.

After leaving active duty to pursue a career in the civilian world, I found myself in a challenging position. Pregnant, newly divorced, and unable to give my children a holiday gift, I turned to my community and found help with the organization I once volunteered for while in uniform. I realized just how vital the Toys for Tots program was and continues to be. Yet, through all those trials, I found the perseverance to start again, which ultimately led me to my new career and a renewed sense of commitment to helping others, especially those who have served their country in the armed forces.

When I started my career at Disney Parks nine years ago, I became part of the first leadership team of SALUTE, a Business Employee Resource Group that supports cast members with a strong affinity with the military. I now have the pleasure of serving as the Membership Chair alongside a terrific group of fellow veterans and allies here at Disney. It’s been very satisfying for me to be able to continue to work in my community as part of the Disney SALUTE Veteran affinity group as well as on my own.

I’m proud to be a part of the Disney family and to be able to contribute in countless ways to supporting the company and the communities in which we live. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I’m appreciative of the countless women who paved the way for me by making significant contributions to their communities and our great country. I salute them all!

Learn how other heroes leveraged their military skills in a new role with Disney here: https://rly.pt/HeroesWorkHere

The Walt Disney Company: Heroes Work Here

The Walt Disney Company's Heroes Work Here career site with open roles and resources for service men, women, veterans and their spouses

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2023 2:53 PM

2023-04-03T14:53:10-04:00

Sgt Susan Finnigan Welcome to RallyPoint. Thank you for your work helping veterans!

Response by LTC Hugo Lentze made Apr 4 at 2023 2:17 PM

2023-04-04T14:17:05-04:00

Susan, Thanks so much for your inspiring story! I used to play the trumpet, and think of myself as pretty knowledgeable about music, but I had never heard of a baritone bugle until you mentioned it! How did you get to play such a niche instrument?

What's your "cast member" role at Disney now (I recently learned that employees at Disney are called cast members)? Do you still play the baritone bugle?

And since Toys for Tots has played such an important role in your life (by the way, thank you for being vulnerable), are you still involved with them. Is Disney?

Thanks!! Sorry for the numerous questions, but your story is a great one and I want to learn more!

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Apr 7 at 2023 9:08 AM

2023-04-07T09:08:12-04:00

Thank you for your service to this Great Nation we live in;

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Apr 7 at 2023 11:48 AM

2023-04-07T11:48:00-04:00

God Bless America!

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Apr 9 at 2023 7:45 PM

2023-04-09T19:45:20-04:00

Hello there and a BIG WELCOME to Rally Point …..very inspiring …..

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Apr 13 at 2023 12:45 PM

2023-04-13T12:45:11-04:00

Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Apr 16 at 2023 12:14 PM

2023-04-16T12:14:50-04:00

Music soothes the savage soul! Last night we attended the Altoona Symphony's Music of the Americas and a tremendous performance.
Rich

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Apr 17 at 2023 1:04 PM

2023-04-17T13:04:47-04:00

Good afternoon Sgt Susan Finnigan. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Apr 17 at 2023 1:05 PM

2023-04-17T13:05:10-04:00

Welcome to RP.

Response by PO2 Lawrence Moody made May 28 at 2023 4:56 PM

2023-05-28T16:56:21-04:00

There are great, good and giving people everywhere.. Thank you for all you do.. , but I keep Disney way , way away from my grandchildren and prefer to keep it so.
It has become a political organization not a family place.
I am not sure if you are here to promote Disney or here to be a fellow veteran.
You do you and I will do me . Let us be on separate ways.
Harsh?? Many will say.. However I have always been a boxer and a fighter and pull no punches , I am straightforward, always have been and can back up my words..
I still believe in the value of the core family and believe in the teaching of the Lord and the protection of the innocents of children.. Not some overpriced , woke corporation..
There are those here, that will say that this is not the place for my comments, However, it most certainly is as she is here promoting this wicked and evil corportion.
I am glad you found employment, but it is not Disney that saved you,,, It is not Disney that does all those good things you do,.. It is you ... Disney is just where you make your income..