Summit Drilling Finds Veterans Important Asset for Company

Summit Drilling provides a wide range of environmental and geotechnical services throughout the Eastern U.S. They have been partnering with Geoprobe Systems® since they purchased their first Model 5400 in 1995. Since that time, they have added multiple direct push machines to their fleet, including four 7822DT rigs currently out on jobsites.

As with other drilling companies, finding and keeping quality drillers at the controls of their rigs is important to Summit Drilling’s continued success. Success in the field is dependent on many factors ... training, teamwork, real-time situational analysis, communications, safety, equipment and a personal commitment to doing the job right. All are important factors in accomplishing the objective. 

Like many aspects of military operations, drilling can be very tough work that requires specially-trained teams to operate highly technical and sophisticated equipment – in conditions that are often difficult.

To better support veterans, Summit looks to the Veterans Transition Assistance organization, Bridging The Gap, to add talent to the employee roster.

“This unique program is a win-win opportunity”, states Tory Donnelly, President of Summit Drilling. “The qualities we find in military veterans is congruent with what is needed to perform this type of work successfully,” continues Tory. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Bridging the Gap, and sharing a mission to provide opportunities to the people who have so bravely served our great country.”

Nick DelVecchio, Summit’s Corporate Buyer and former U.S. Marine, said, “You go in at a very young a

Denis Crayon, CHST and Director of Health and Safety for Summit Drilling, who served in the U.S. Air Force, summed up how military experience has translated/helped him.

Discipline. First and foremost, this is one of the hardest assets to learn and to develop but indispensable for growing up.

Responsibility. Show up on time and be prepared for the day and tasks ahead.

Respect. Show respect to superiors and team members.  Disrespect was not tolerated. No individual is greater than the team.

Training. On-the-job training in order to become proficient in my job. Being trained by those who came before me was all important and showed the need for continuity in any operation.

Recognition. Everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done.  It can oftentimes provide motivation when money can’t be offered.

Accountability. No excuses. You’re trained what to do, how to do it, provided with the tools and equipment to perform, and an expected timeline to complete. 

Mission. Having a mission provided focus for all involved and brought about camaraderie. Knowing the roles others played toward mission accomplishment was all important.

More information is available about Veterans Transition Assistance Bridging the Gap at bridgingthegap.vet.