How Clarios Shows Up for Veterans: Military Monday at King of the Hammers

By Dean Nemecek, Talent Acquisition Program Manager – Military & Veteran Hiring

The last time I was behind the wheel of a military vehicle, it was an M1113 Armored Personnel Carrier with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1999. The weight of the vehicle, the rumble of the engine, and the quiet understanding that you are responsible for everyone inside are things that stay with you long after you hang up the uniform.

Last week, I found myself in a familiar seat again. This time it was not an APC, but the Troop Commander position rolling through the Johnson Valley desert with Military Mobility at King of the Hammers. Different terrain. Different mission. Same adrenaline.

And I was not alone. Eight Clarios military veterans made the trip for Military Monday. What unfolded over that day is something you cannot manufacture in a conference room, a Teams call, or a corporate offsite.

What Is King of the Hammers—and Why Were We There?

For those unfamiliar, King of the Hammers is one of the most grueling off-road racing events in the world, held annually in the remote desert of Johnson Valley, California. It draws tens of thousands of motorsport enthusiasts, military supporters, and adventure seekers to a temporary city built in the middle of nowhere—affectionately known as Hammertown.

But Military Monday isn’t about racing. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces. For Clarios, it was an opportunity to show up—not with a booth and a stack of brochures—but with boots on the ground, standing shoulder to shoulder with the military community. We housed our veterans at the Optima Oasis, our hosts for the few days, and they showed up in a big way. Thank you OPTIMA® Batteries for the exceptional support. It was a pleasure working with you—and we can’t wait to be back next year.

As a company contributing to the defense industrial base through advanced battery technology, our presence at Military Monday wasn’t just symbolic. It was a statement: Clarios is invested in the military community—not only as an employer, but as a partner.

A Day That Couldn’t Be Scripted

Military Monday delivered moment after moment that reminded all of us why we serve, why we served, and why the bond between veterans is unlike anything else. It was about connection and service.

Off-Road with Military Mobility – “ready to rip”

The day kicked off with an off-road driving experience courtesy of Military Mobility. For eight Clarios veterans, it was a rush of nostalgia mixed with pure adrenaline. A convoy of trucks lined up on a rocky desert trail, dust hanging in the air, the Johnson Valley mountains stretched out in front of us.

It felt less like a corporate outing and more like rolling outside the wire. The desert terrain, the tactical vehicle, the dust kicking up around you—it was a visceral reminder of why so many of us loved the controlled chaos of military life. At one point, somewhere between a rock crawl and a steep descent, I heard one of our veterans say, “I can't believe they're paying me to do this.”

By the time we pulled back in and posed for a group photo holding the Military Mobility flag, you could see it on every face—fists in the air, grinning ear to ear. That wasn’t team-building. That was a team already built, just reminded of what brought them together.

A Lunch That Became a Formation

Over 150 local active-duty service members and veterans gathered for a free lunch, t-shirts, and what became one of the most powerful moments of the day. The featured speaker was LTC (R) Tony Marshall, a Vietnam Veteran held as a POW for over 273 days. His story captivated the crowd and reminded us of the sacrifices that define military service.

Retired Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of companies that support veterans and contribute to the defense industrial base. As a Clarios veteran, hearing those words meant something deeper. It reinforced that our work matters—beyond company walls.

An Enlistment Ceremony and C-47 Flyover

The moment that stopped everyone in their tracks: an enlistment ceremony. Watching future Soldiers raise their right hands and take the oath was deeply moving. And then—topping it off—a C-47 flew overhead. The same aircraft that carried paratroopers on D-Day, now flying above a new generation choosing to serve. Truly epic. Thank you Martin Aviation for supporting this event.

The Military Parade

A military parade through Hammertown brought the day full circle. Cheering crowds lined the route, showing that the American public hasn’t forgotten the sacrifices our service members make.

Campfire Stories and Camaraderie

But the most meaningful moments came after the formal events. Around a campfire under the desert sky, Clarios veterans did what veterans have always done: told stories, laughed, remembered, reconnected. There’s a shorthand between veterans—a trust built on shared experience. That campfire wasn’t an ending. It was the point.

Why This Matters for Clarios and for Veterans Everywhere

At Clarios, military hiring isn’t a checkbox—it’s a commitment. Through our VOLT (Veterans and Others Leading Together) business resource group, we’ve created a community that mirrors the camaraderie veterans knew in uniform.

Events like Military Monday aren’t recruiting events. They’re culture events. They show veterans that they belong at Clarios—in a role and in a culture that values their service.

We’re building pathways for veterans through DoD SkillBridge, Army PaYS, VetJobs, and the MSEP network. We’re meeting veterans where they are—whether in the desert at King of the Hammers or in a transition program on a military installation.

After 26 years in the Army and Army National Guard, here’s what I know: veterans don’t want a job. They want purpose. They want a mission. They want to belong. They want to know the skills they built in service—leadership, discipline, adaptability, resilience—are valued.

That’s what Clarios offers. And that’s what Military Monday proved.

Looking Ahead

To our eight Clarios veterans who made the trip—thank you for representing our company and our veteran community with pride.

To LTC (R) Tony Marshall and Retired SMA Dan Dailey—thank you for your service and leadership. To Military Mobility and the entire King of the Hammers organization—thank you for giving our military community a day they’ll never forget.

And to every veteran, Guard or Reserve member, or transitioning service member reading this: we see you. Your service matters. Your skills matter. And there’s a seat at our table.

When we invest in our veterans, everybody wins.

Ready to join the Clarios team? Visit our careers page to explore opportunities, or connect with me directly to learn more about SkillBridge, Army PaYS, and MSEP: Veteran Careers at Clarios