"I joined the US Navy when I was 17 years old. In the summer of 1999, our ship–the Belleau Wood–was returning to our home port of Sasebo, Japan after a half-year in the Persian Gulf when we were diverted to East Timor, Indonesia. Operation INTERFET (International Forces for East Timor) was an UN-led humanitarian-aid and peacekeeping operation with a mission to protect the people of East Timor as they prepared to declare their independence from Indonesia. 

 

Much of the island was on fire. The smoke was so thick it was difficult to tell night from day. We set anchor and deployed small boats and landing craft carrying marines and sailors to the beach–where we provided fire-fighting support, medical aid, security details, and refugee evacuation. 

 

Dili harbor is home to a giant statue of Jesus with arms outstretched, embracing the city and bay below. The giant statue of Christ juxtaposed against the backdrop of immense human suffering was heartbreaking. At the same time, I was deeply humbled. I realized no matter what I did from that day forward, I had to be of service to others.

 

I am immensely privileged to serve others: my clients, my subcontractors, my suppliers, and my family. My team truly enjoys the long-lasting relationships we build. We're not in this for the money; we love our customers, we love to practice our craft, and we love being a part of the human experience. 

 

We approach everything we do with Grit, Love & Service."

​

Nate McKeever
Founder & President/CEO
Humboldt County, CA