At Roots Management Group, we are proud to work alongside remarkable individuals who have served our country with courage, discipline, and honor. This blog is part of a small series for Veterans Day, where we are shining a spotlight on two outstanding members of the Roots team. Tyson Funderburg, West Coast Project Manager, and James Westermann, Senior Fund Accountant. Both Army veterans whose experiences continue to shape the way they lead, collaborate, and live today.
Tyson served six years in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, with a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. That experience, he says, gave him a new outlook on life. “Being deployed was a huge culture shock that really made me appreciate the everyday luxuries we often take for granted,” Tyson recalls. “It was also an incredible experience getting to meet and work alongside people from all over the world, learning about their backgrounds and perspectives was something I’ll never forget.”
Today, Tyson brings that same sense of teamwork and adaptability to his role as a Project Manager at Roots. “What I enjoy most is the variety and the unique challenges that come with each project,” he shares. “No two days are ever the same, and I like being part of a team that works together to problem-solve and get things done.”
Tyson says his time in the military instilled a mindset that continues to guide him. “My military experience taught me discipline, accountability, and how to stay calm under pressure—all of which carry over directly into my role today.”
James served four years in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the 1st Ranger Battalion, stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. He deployed five times, four to Afghanistan and once to Iraq.
His reason for enlisting? “I grew up watching John Wayne movies and saw him take his horse reins in his teeth and charge three other dudes firing a six shooter in each hand, and I always thought to myself, ‘I wonder if I can do that.’ Then I watched Black Hawk Down twelve times and thought, ‘That looks way better than college!’” James fondly recalls the sense of adventure and camaraderie that came with service: “Every day was a new and exciting experience. I miss cruising 100 feet off the deck on the way back to base, after spending all night on target, with my feet hanging out the door, soaking up the view as the sun came up. I served in an all-volunteer Special Operations unit full of hard chargers where the mentality was, ‘Ain’t no job too tough,’ and I miss that culture.”
When Veterans Day comes around, James celebrates it in his own way. “This is pretty lame, but I like to go to Applebee’s, not for the food, but for the camaraderie. It’s packed full of crusty old veterans getting a free meal. I chat up the old timers and pour one out for the homies.”
Now, as a Senior Fund Accountant at Roots, James continues to channel the mindset his service instilled. “I joined the Army standing 5’11” and got out walking 10 feet tall. Confidence comes from doing courageous things. If one can voluntarily get on a helicopter and fly into a very precarious situation, what can’t they do?” James leaves us with a reminder that resonates deeply this time of year. “Freedom isn’t free. ‘People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men/women stand ready to do violence on their behalf.’ – George Orwell.”
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, we pause to honor Tyson, James, and all the veterans who are part of the Roots family. Their stories remind us that service takes many forms, and that the values of discipline, teamwork, and purpose are just as vital in civilian life as they are in uniform.
This Veterans Day, and every day, we thank Tyson and James for their service to our country and for the integrity, resilience, and leadership they bring to Roots Management Group. We are proud to stand alongside all our veteran colleagues and celebrate the strength and dedication that help our company grow — because being Rooted in Service is what truly makes our community strong.
Thank you for your service, Tyson, and to all veterans at Roots.