Local Veteran Reflects on Military Service

Lake Ridge veteran Mike Sipple is a veteran through and through. A retiree of the Marine Corps, Sipple joined the service originally to pursue work in architecture and engineering, but found himself in the world of communications.

"At the time I was a communications chief in the Marines, I remember when the only computer available in the entire building was one Apple 2C," Sipple said.

When Sipple was stationed at Henderson Hall in Arlington around 1995, he came across Quality Services Moving, a then tiny company, that has since grown to a staff of over 55 employees today.

"I worked at the company in 1995 on a part-time basis, and I always stayed in touch," said Sipple. "After I retired from the Marines in 2008, I came back to Quality Services. The people here are like my family."

Veteran-owned and operated Quality Services is now a Lorton-based operation that provides household goods and relocation services to civilian and military customers in the surrounding area and across the country. CEO and veteran Ed Graves created the company out of the work ethic principles that he himself had grown accustomed to during his service in the United States military.

"There's a camaraderie, an Esprit de Corps, that you learn in the military. This is how this company is based, using those same special principles of work ethic and outlook that a lot of civilians may not be familiar with," said Graves.

Graves also stated that the company provided an easy transition for a recent veteran who may be still accustomed to the military way of life.

"We of course do hire civilians, but they also have the same spirit that we look for in an employee," Graves said.

Although Quality Services is mainly staffed with veterans, and indeed owned by one, Veterans Day for the staff is just another ordinary working day.

"We give attention that's above and beyond," Graves said. "We still work on weekends, and trucks will still drive on Veterans Day. Just like a hotel or restaurant will stay open, we operate on that same principle."

Quality Services also has an outfit in Green Bay, WI with Lorton, VA serving as the main headquarters.

"Although I did start this company by myself, the company today is a collaborative effort of everyone here. It's the people that work here that make Quality Service Management what it is," Graves said.

Quality Services Moving offers full service and a la carte moving services. For those seeking moving assistance or more information, visit the company website at www.qsmoving.com or call 703-495-8900.