SERV Program Manager
“I come to work every day truly passionate about getting the work done. I’m not working to line the pockets of others, or to push products on people. I’m living my life getting to help others have a better life, and I couldn’t ask for more.”
Zach Stowe, SERV Program Manager
What is your name? Zach
Do you have a nickname? Stowe
What is your position with VOAMI? SERV Program Manager
What brought you to VOAMI? Having worked in suicide prevention for Soldiers throughout most of my career, I saw a powerful opportunity at VOAMI to expand that mission. This role allows me to support Veterans who are facing similar struggles, and it felt like the right way to continue serving on the home front.
How long have you worked with VOAMI? Just over a year
What is your biggest takeaway from your job? That there is a core of passionate and truly great people who want nothing more in the world than to help others. This line of work has people of great character, and I am honored to work with them every day.
What does it mean to you to be helping others? I come to work every day truly passionate about getting the work done. I’m not working to line the pockets of others, or to push products on people. I’m living my life getting to help others have a better life, and I couldn’t ask for more.
What is your biggest challenge? Finding enough time in the day to do everything I want to get done.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? “A journey will have pain and failure, it is not only the steps forward that we must accept, it is the stumbles, the trials, the knowledge that we will fail, that we will hurt those around us, but if we stop, if we accept the person we are when we fall, the journey ends. That failure becomes our destination. To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found through painful experience that the most important step a person can take is always the next one”
What is your favorite color? Dark Green
Where is your ideal vacation spot? Somewhere in nature where I can adventure
What is your favorite book? The Wheel of Time (13 books) — the depth of the world-building and character growth always stuck with me.
What fills your time outside of work? Hanging out with the kiddos, getting outdoors, lifting weights, reading fantasy novels, and sneaking in a good hike or trail run when I can.
Who is your hero? Why? Uncle Billy—William Tecumseh Sherman. At one point early in the Civil War, he completely hit a wall. He got overwhelmed, burned out, and had to step away from command. A lot of people thought he was done. But he came back and ended up leading some of the most important campaigns of the war. What I respect is that he didn’t let failure stop him. He owned his struggles, pushed through, and led with purpose and integrity. That kind of bounce-back and staying true to what you believe in—especially under pressure—is something I really look up to.
Did you serve in the military? Yes
What branch did you serve in? Currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserves
How long did you serve? I have been in for 4.5 years
What was your rank? First Lieutenant (1LT)
What was your job in the military? 12A – Engineer Officer I’m currently serving as the Assistant Operations Officer position at the battalion level. I’ve served as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in a Combat Engineer Company supporting Infantry operations.
