Petty Officer Second Class Tanner Schirmer

Tanner Schirmer is one of many honored veterans who are members of the McElroy’s team. We offer our sincere thanks to every one of our veterans, as well as United States veterans throughout the world. On this Veterans Day, we’d like to share a little extra about Tanner.

Qualified for Nuclear Power

After graduating from Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale, Kansas, Tanner worked small jobs for a couple of years but found nothing with long-term appeal. “I decided a military career might lead to a better future, so I talked to a Navy recruiter,” Tanner said. “I tested with a very high score. The recruiter said I qualified for a nuclear power education, so I signed up.” Following basic training, Tanner spent two years learning the math, chemistry, physics and engineering principles necessary for the safe operation of a complex Naval nuclear power plant.

Top Priority Job

Following his education, Tanner was flown onto the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush for his first six-month deployment. He served as an MMN3 – Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) Third Class. “Our team treated keeping the nuclear-powered systems running properly as the most important job on the ship,” Tanner said. “If something went wrong, the ship could lose propulsion, plus power to other key systems. I learned a lot about fast-paced trouble shooting and how to avoid cracking under intense pressure!”

Second Deployment

Between deployments, Tanner continued his mechanical work in a stateside U.S. Navy shipyard. In 2017 Tanner redeployed on the USS Bush for seven months in the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf, and North Sea. As part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the carrier launched combat strikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. It then participated in Exercise Saxon Warrior off the coast of Scotland and in the adjacent North Atlantic.

Navy Recruiter

Returning to the U.S., Tanner became a Navy recruiter in Tulsa. “I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Navy, but I found recruitment didn’t fit my personality,” Tanner said. “After eight-and-a-half years in the Navy, I discharged as a Petty Officer Second Class in September 2020.” Tanner moved to Richmond, Virginia, to work in a power plant for a year. “Added to my time sailing the world in the Navy, I finally grew homesick and decided to return to Topeka,” Tanner said.

McElroy’s Residential HVAC

Family friend, Greg Hunsicker, leader of McElroy’s residential HVAC team, reached out to Tanner about a job opening for a technician. Tanner applied and was glad to get on board. “I like the variety of doing home heating and air service. Every day is different,” Tanner said. “My first mentor was also ex-military, and he taught me a lot about the HVAC trade. I enjoy problem solving and being friendly with our customers.” Tanner recently was honored for his fifth anniversary on the McElroy’s team. After his faithful service to our country, we appreciate Tanner’s dedication to helping us care for our customers!

Veterans on the McElroy’s Team

Tanner’s story is one example of our many distinguished veterans who bring their pride, honor and professionalism to McElroy’s. We take this moment to express our gratitude to these men and women for their selfless service, and our appreciation for everything they do. Thank you to all our esteemed veterans!

Keith Feldhaus       U.S. Army Sergeant                                         5 Yrs Service

Connor Freking      U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant                          9 Yrs Service

Steven Jester         U.S. Army E-4 Specialist                                 4 Yrs Service

                                 U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class     4 Yrs Service

Quentin Latta        U.S. Army E-4 Specialist                                   3 Yrs Service

Nick Newsom       U.S. Marine Corps Corporal                             4 Yrs Service

Tanner Schirmer   U.S. Navy E-5                                                     8 Yrs Service

Phillip Snyder        U.S. Army Sergeant                                          6 Yrs Service

Niki Thompson     U.S. Army E-4 Specialist                                  6 Yrs Service