IPF Veterans: A Continued Commitment to Service
Lucy Cade
November 6, 2026
In honor of Veterans Day, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) is sharing the stories of IPF team members whose commitment to service continues long after their military careers.
IPF is home to 27 self-identified veterans who bring valuable experience and leadership to their roles. Their stories highlight the lessons learned throughout their military service and how those experiences continue to shape their lives, careers and service to the Spartan community.
Andy Beech
Andy Beech is a Water Works Operator in Michigan State University’s (MSU) Power & Water department who served in the United States Navy from 1994 to 1998.
Among many of the lessons he brought with him from his military service, Andy sheds light on a few lessons he found most important: knowing your role and paying attention to detail. As a Water Works Operator, Andy manages, monitors and maintains the campus water treatment plant and distribution system - a role that requires knowledge of water quality, compliance, precision and a proactive approach. Those lessons, and his emphasis on having a “mission first” mindset, have helped guide him in his role at IPF and made him a trusted example for those around him.
Andy sees a direct connection between his role in the Navy and his role at IPF, crediting his military experience in shaping the way he approaches his work today. He says that his time in the service has influenced the way he was able to adapt to civilian expectations and maintain personal standards, including the discipline needed to successfully accomplish every task.
To Andy, service means...
"Go into every situation knowing that you are part of a team that needs to understand we are pieces of a bigger plan than what’s shown on the surface. We should strive to improve regularly and accept small sacrifices to ensure a coordinated effort to complete the mission at hand."
Ken Beech
Ken Beech is an Electrical Engineer for Distribution in IPF Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) who served in the Active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve from 1981 to 2023.
Ken sees many similarities between serving in the Army and serving the Spartan community. His time in the military provided lessons that he carries with him today, reinforcing the importance of seeing the mission through. When reflecting on his time, Ken points to several lessons that have followed him to IPF, like understanding your role, how to function as a member of a team and allowing others to depend on you when needed.
While Ken's military service may have been in the past, its impact can still be seen in his work. As an electrical engineer, his role relies on dependability and knowledge of all electrical and power supply services for the MSU campus. His experience showed him how to remain committed to the mission, communicate openly, listen carefully and see tasks through to completion, no matter the obstacles. But his guiding philosophy has stayed the same: people first, always.
For Ken, service means...
"Devotion, dedication and relentless pursuit of what’s best – because serving Michigan State University is like serving the Army and the nation."
Alex Redfern
Alex Redfern is a Service Manager for IPF Materials and Logistics, overseeing Stores and Logistics operations, who served in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member and Law Enforcement Specialist. He has worked at MSU for 14 years, with 12 of those years spent within IPF.
While in the Air Force, his responsibilities included law enforcement, force protection, security operations and maintaining the safety and security of personnel and facilities. His military service taught him the value of discipline, integrity, accountability and perseverance. It gave him the confidence to take on challenges and reinforce the belief that almost any obstacle can be overcome with the right mindset and effort.
His service has shaped who he is today; Alex shares the importance of setting clear expectations, holding people accountable and leading by example while maintaining honesty and professionalism. His service taught him to remain calm under pressure, focus on mission accomplishment and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
That mindset carries directly into his work at IPF. Whether serving students, faculty, staff or campus partners, Alex strives to provide reliable service, remove obstacles and help create an environment where others can be successful.
To Alex, service means...
"Putting the needs of others first and doing whatever you can to help an organization succeed. It is about being dependable, taking ownership and contributing to something larger than yourself."
While each veteran's path to MSU is unique, each story showcases the dedication to serving others and using the lessons learned in uniform to their roles at IPF in support of the Spartan community. Learn more about the resources available for veterans on MSU’s Veterans page.