This post marks the first feature in this month's Veterans Tribute Series, honoring the men and women who have served our country and continue to make a lasting impact across our organization.
Today, we’re proud to highlight our Cybersecurity Manager, Lenny Bugarin, a United States Marine Corps veteran whose journey from military service to cybersecurity reflects the shared values of discipline, teamwork, and commitment to mission success.
After losing his father while still in high school, he felt a deep sense of responsibility as the eldest sibling — to care for his mother and younger sisters while also building a strong foundation for his future career. The Marine Corps gave him that opportunity and the chance to be part of something greater than himself.
He went on to serve just over four years as an Infantry Mortarman, a demanding role that required precision, coordination, and trust in high-pressure environments.
“There’s a lot of overlap between the Marine Corps and my role in cybersecurity. Both depend on structure, discipline, and situational awareness — but most importantly, they rely on teamwork. In the Marines, my role meant constant coordination with other units for support, logistics, and communication. Nothing happened without everyone working together.”
Today, as he manages Ports America's cybersecurity, he brings that same collaborative mindset to protecting our systems and people.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility — every department and every person plays a role in keeping us secure. We always say ‘cybersecurity is everyone’s job,’ and that’s absolutely true. Just like in the Marine Corps, success comes from trust, collaboration, and everyone moving together toward the same goal.”
Lenny's approach to cybersecurity is built on the same core principles that guided him as a Marine: structure, discipline, and teamwork ensure that every challenge is met with precision and a mission-focused mindset.
"My time in the Marine Corps shaped how I approach challenges and work with others. We were trained to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and operate effectively under pressure while staying focused on the mission. Those experiences built discipline, mental toughness, and a strong sense of teamwork — traits that carry directly into cybersecurity. The pace can get intense, but those same principles of coordination, trust, and staying mission-focused help my team perform and deliver no matter what comes our way."
At Ports America, we’re proud to work alongside veterans who embody dedication, teamwork, and purpose — values that strengthen our organization every day.
#OneTeam #OnePortsAmerica #VeteransDay