We’re recognizing Verizon’s very own Kyle Pitman, and sharing his journey from proud Marine to US Paralympian hopeful.
Here at Verizon, we’re fortunate to employ nearly 10,000 veterans, and we’re proud to count them among our ranks. Each veteran on our team brings something unique to the table — the grit and determination they demonstrate is commendable and falls in line with the values that Verizon holds closely.
Paralympic hopeful Kyle Pitman is a true embodiment of a V Teamer who is living our values as he helps us move the world forward together.
Proud to serve.
Although Kyle is currently a senior manager on our Network, Detections, and Response (NDR) Team, he wasn’t always part of the civilian workforce. In 2000, Kyle graduated from the United States Naval Academy and became a proud member of the Marine Corps. Soon after, he was deployed to Iraq.
While serving his country, Kyle suffered multiple injuries that led to the replacement of both of his hips, resulting in an abrupt end to his military career. Faced with the incredible difficulty of confronting a new life — one with less freedom of mobility and a different career path — Kyle persevered.
An athlete at heart.
Prior to joining the military, Kyle enjoyed sports like soccer, hockey, running, and NCAA Division 1 rowing. In 2008, he found a passion in cycling and went on to compete with an all-Veteran team in the 3,000-mile Race Across America to raise donations for wounded Veterans - three times. In 2018, Kyle began racing as a C5 Paracyclist and took the National Championship title in the 30K Individual Time Trial.
Earlier this year, Kyle competed in the U.S. Paracycling Open, taking first place in both the Men’s C5 30K Time Trial and the Men’s C5 70K Road Race. With the support of his wife, who sacrifices so much to help him train day in and out, he brought home two gold medals — one for each of his two-year-old twins, Jack and Greer.
Ambitious and victorious.
Following his victory, Kyle was officially selected to race for Team USA at the Para Road World Cup in Ostend, Belgium. He was excited to serve his country once again, albeit in a different capacity. He represented America proudly, earning 11th and 24th place respectively in his events - despite mechanical issues and crashes.
His sights are now set on the 2021 Para-Cycling National Championships, set to take place on July 9-11 in Boise, Idaho. There, he’ll compete for the opportunity to race for Team USA again on the international stage this fall.
Kyle, we’re wishing you the best of luck in your upcoming races! Here at Verizon, we’ll be rooting for you.
Learn more about how Verizon empowers veterans to move forward in their careers.
