As the Fourth of July approaches, Goizueta Business School is recognizing the veterans in our community and the perspectives they bring to the holiday. For many who have served, the Fourth of July is both a celebration and a time for reflection—a moment to consider freedom, sacrifice, gratitude, unity, and the enduring ideals that continue to shape our nation.
Below, hear from Goizueta students, alumni, and staff who have served in the U.S. military as they share what the Fourth of July means to them and how they plan to observe the holiday this year.
Imarii Poindexter 27MBV
U.S. Navy
Veteran Outreach Coordinator, Emory Healthcare
“To me, Independence Day is less about pretending we’ve always gotten it right and more of a meaningful reflection of our nation’s promise of freedom and liberty. On this day, I recognize that generations before me fought for opportunities that weren’t always available to them, and I am grateful for the resilience and sacrifices of those who expanded the meaning of freedom through courage and perseverance. The legacy of those who’ve gone before me reminds me that progress is possible when we continue to serve one another with compassion, integrity, and hope. As a Navy Veteran, and someone who serves veterans and our community, I see freedom not just as something we celebrate, but as something we honor by caring for one another and making sure more people can experience its promise. This day is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that remains. My hope is that WE keep building a future where those words of compassion, integrity, and hope are experienced more fully by every generation. For you, my hope is that your smile is big today.”
Grant Kimmel 26MBV
U.S. Air Force
Director, SOF Business Development and Strategy, Viasat
“July 4th represents the freedom, the sacrifice, and the opportunity we have as Americans to build a life on our own terms. After serving nearly 21 years in the Air Force, it means even more to me because I’ve seen firsthand the commitment and sacrifice of those who are dedicated to protecting those freedoms. For me, July 4th is both a celebration of our independence and a reminder that freedom also comes with a cost.”
Why do you think it’s an important holiday to celebrate and recognize?
I think it’s important because it gives us a reason to pause and reflect. Life moves too fast, and it’s easy to lose sight of the freedoms and opportunities we often take for granted. July 4th is a chance to appreciate those who came before us, those who continue to serve, and the family and friends we get to share those freedoms with.
How do you plan to spend your Fourth of July?
This year, I plan to keep it simple, spending time with family and friends. After spending the last year retiring from the Air Force, completing a career transition, and finishing graduate school, I’m looking forward to slowing down, enjoying good food, good company, and being present with the people who matter most.
Learn more about Grant Kimmel at Voice of Goizueta.
Colin Thompson
U.S. Army
Assistant Director for Veterans Initiatives, Goizueta Business School
“To me, July Fourth is a time to rediscover what our forefathers meant when they committed to paper, the foundations of democracy, equality and freedom from oppression and how the struggle continues today to ensure those critical principles always guide our Nation. It is a time when I reflect on what the ideals in the founding documents from 250 years ago mean to and provide for me and my family and friends today.”
Why do you think it’s an important holiday to celebrate and recognize?
It’s important to always strive to live up to the words in the Declaration of Independence and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of those ideals.
How will you be celebrating on July Fourth this year?
I will spend this holiday with my immediate family at our home, thinking about how lucky I am to have both, and reflect on what we can do to help create a better future for those less fortunate.
Lorenzo Suarez
U.S. Army
Managing Director, Master in Business for Veterans program, Goizueta Business School
“July 4th makes me extremely grateful to live in this country and to have been born an American. As a veteran, it also makes me proud that I served. We may be imperfect, but the United States still remains a place where dreams can come true and where people can build a better life.”
Why do you think it’s an important holiday to celebrate and recognize?
It is important to take a moment and remember that none of this happened by accident. The freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today were earned by generations before us.
For me, that is personal. My grandfather and namesake served aboard the USS New Orleans during World War II. My dad Larry Suarez served more than 20 years in the Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. My aunt and all my uncles served as well – and I joined that family tradition.
For veterans the holiday carries added weight. When you serve, you meet Americans you might never have known otherwise. It matters less where someone is from or how they worship. What matters is that they are standing beside you as a fellow American. That experience gives you a deep appreciation for what this country can be when it is at its best.
How do you plan to spend your Fourth of July?
I plan to spend the Fourth of July with family and friends. I will be cheering on the Braves at Truist Park and probably blowing a few things up.
The transition from a military career to a civilian one isn’t always easy or straightforward. Goizueta’s new Master of Business for Veterans serves military veterans, active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel. It will teach you how to leverage your management and leadership experience from the military and pair it with business knowledge that gets you up to speed. Learn more here, and let Goizueta help you chart your path forward.
