Ron Gardella, the director of technology for the city of Waukegan, joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school in 1977, rose to the rank of senior chief, retired in 1998 and went to work in the city’s information technology department a year later.
Never planning a career in IT while in high school, Gardella said he became a machinist mate and as he advanced in his career, he was approached by his commanding officer where he was stationed.
“The admiral said, ‘We’re delighted you volunteered to go to school to learn information technology,’” Gardella said. “When they suggest you go to school in the military, you do it. I was sent to the Naval Training Center at Great Lakes.”
While learning information technology at Naval Station Great Lakes, Gardella said he met a “local girl” who he married and, after he retired from the military, Waukegan became his home. The IT and management skills he acquired in the Navy helped get him to his current position.
Gardella was the keynote speaker at the ceremony following the annual Veterans Day Parade Monday in Waukegan honoring all individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces over the nation’s history.
“Because of the dedication and service of us veterans, we all enjoy the freedoms and liberties that define our way of life,” he said in the speech. “We’ve fought to protect our democracy, uphold our Constitution and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Americans.”
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor, who marched in the parade along with veterans, members of the American Legion and others, said the freedoms enjoyed in the country came from the bravery and service of the men and women who served in the military.
“It’s the veteran, not the pastor who provides us with the freedom of religion,” Taylor said. “It’s the veteran, not the reporter who provides us with freedom of the press. It’s the veteran, not the lawyer who provides the right to a fair trial.”
A year ago, Waukegan Fire Department Capt. Matt Burleson gave the keynote speech at the Veterans Day parade and ceremony. Like Gardella, Burleson served in the military before joining the fire department. He enlisted in the Illinois National Guard while still a Waukegan High School student.
Serving from 1993 to 2013, Burleson said he saw combat in Afghanistan. He also developed leadership skills in the military he learned from others which he continues to put to work while leading firefighters and paramedics.
“I had great mentorship,” Burleson said. “The leadership training gave us an opportunity to learn how to lead people, to understand the obligation to others and to get the job done.”
Part of the reason Burleson joined the fire department is to give him some of the comradery he had in the Army. During his time as a firefighter, he has had the opportunity to instill the attitude in others and enhance it himself.
“Everybody works together for a common purpose and as part of the brotherhood,” Burleson said. “It’s an opportunity to help people.”
As Gardella was first learning about information technology to deal with computer systems aboard a ship, artificial intelligence was not part of the vocabulary. Now it is as he directs people dealing with it for the city. Skills learned in the Navy help him guide his staff in the now.
“I know what it is,” he said, “I hire very smart people who are very skilled in AI to do it for the city.”
Another important lesson Gardella learned along the way was the necessity of being self-sufficient. It is imperative everyone in his department knows their job exceptionally well.
“When you’re on a submarine, you can’t call the fire department,” he said. “You have to be self-sufficient.”
