CalPERS members come from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique path to public service. Many have also answered the call to serve our country in the armed forces, demonstrating a commitment to both their communities and the nation.
These members continue giving back by working for a CalPERS-covered employer, finding new ways to serve their communities. Many of our members share in this dual commitment, which is why we’re recognizing a few of them in honor of Veterans Day.
Bo Cosley, Principal Building Inspector, City of Sacramento
U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class, Served 9 years
Bo Cosley, a U.S. Navy veteran and soon-to-be CalPERS retiree, has dedicated his life to service — first to his country, and then to his community.
In the Navy, Cosley served as an electronic technician and diver, working on explosive ordnance disposal teams that used dolphins and sea lions to help detect and neutralize underwater mines, a role he found both exhilarating and deeply meaningful.
After nine years of service and travels to nearly 60 countries, Cosley transitioned to public service, landing in Sacramento and working his way up to become a principal building inspector for the City of Sacramento. It was here that he discovered unexpected parallels with his military experience. “I realized that having the experience of being in the Navy and meeting all kinds of people … that I’m actually prepared for this experience,” he reflected.
Having grown up in the foster care system, Cosley’s journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. As he prepares for his imminent retirement, he became emotional recalling the moment he calculated his CalPERS numbers and realized he would be taken care of by the pension he’d earned. “That made me extremely proud and happy — that coming from my beginnings,” he said.
Jennifer Rudquist, Accreditation Academy Training Coordinator, CalVet
U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman E-4, Served 4 Years
Jennifer Rudquist’s life has been defined by a commitment to service, which began with her enlistment in the U.S. Air Force in 1986.
“I always kind of knew that’s where I belong. And I knew that once I graduated high school, that was going to be my path,” she explained. Rudquist served in security forces during her tenure — working as military police for her base — where she embraced the values of discipline, community, and service.
After four years, she left the military, yet found herself pulled to the sense of purpose and camaraderie she’d experienced in uniform. This led her to public service roles for the State of California, including her current work at CalVet. Now, she manages the accreditation program, helping train and support county veteran service representatives across California so they can better connect veterans with benefits and resources.
Reflecting on her journey, Rudquist said, “I’m starting to feel like I’m in the service again, like I’m in the military again … where I’m doing something. I go to bed at night, and I feel like what I’m doing matters.”
For Rudquist, the connection between her military and public service careers is rooted in her philosophy of servant leadership. She explained, “I strongly believe in servant leadership, where we all build each other up … (and) lead with passion, lead with your heart, lead with caring.”
Tom Collins, Retired Senior Bridge Engineer, Caltrans
U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant E-5, Served 4 Years
Tom Collins is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a retired Caltrans engineer, having gone from planes to bridges over the course of his career, all while serving the public.
After enlisting in 1968 amid a nationwide draft — feeling compelled to do his duty and serve — Collins spent four years as an electronics repairman, maintaining autopilot systems on Air Force cargo planes.
After earning a civil engineering degree in his 40s, Collins joined Caltrans, where he spent 22 years in bridge construction and project management in San Diego. While on the job, he said that he took great pride in his work, explaining that he’d often point out to his children bridges he contributed to by saying, “Hey, I worked on that bridge.”
For Collins, the tangible impact of his public service was deeply rewarding. He noted, “You’re working, you’re doing something for the public good … this bridge is for the whole state to use.”
Now that he’s retired, Collins appreciates the security his CalPERS pension continues to provide. “I meet my bills and I have a little bit extra for fun. So, what more can I ask for?”
Alyssa Albright, Stakeholder and Event Administration Manager, CalPERS
U.S. Air Force, Captain, Currently Serving
Alyssa Albright’s journey is a powerful testament to lifelong public service, spanning both her civilian career and her ongoing commitment to the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Since 2011, Albright has dedicated herself to serving others, first through state government roles and since 2014 as a reservist. At CalPERS, she leads teams in the Office of Stakeholder Relations, engaging with members, retirees, and employers to ensure their needs are met.
Previously, she spent six years at CalVet, overseeing the California Transition Assistance Program, which helped veterans and their families access vital state and federal benefits.
Albright’s motivation to serve is deeply rooted in family tradition — she is one of six siblings connected to military service in some way. But her drive goes beyond family ties. As she put it, “I serve because I want to be part of something bigger than myself, and to give back to my community and my country.”
Albright sees a clear connection between her military and public sector work, explaining, “Working at CalPERS and CalVet allows me to continue my mission of service, helping people who have dedicated their lives to serving others.”
Travis Antoniono, Investment Director, CalPERS
U.S. Air Force, Lieutenant, Served 2 Years
Travis Antoniono, an investment director at CalPERS and former U.S. Air Force Lieutenant, has been able to tap into a lesser-known benefit for our members who’ve served in the armed forces: purchasing military service credit.
He said he recognizes how valuable this is, explaining, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to purchase military service credit. It’s a huge benefit that not only increases my total service credit, but also brings me closer to my retirement goals.”
His two years in the Air Force — which were spent in a fast-paced and tactical environment — provided a strong foundation for his current role in the CalPERS Investment Office. The skills he gained, like managing complex projects and making decisive, data-driven decisions, have proven invaluable in his civilian career.
As Antoniono noted himself, “The core values I learned during my service, such as carrying out your duties, putting service above self, and staying laser-focused on accomplishing the mission, are principles that continue to guide me every day.”
Did You Know About These Veterans Perks?
Did you know U.S. military veterans working for a CalPERS-covered employer may be eligible to purchase public agency military service credit — one of the factors used to calculate your future retirement benefits?
Or that the state of California has a Veterans’ Preference program that places participants at the top of the eligibility list if they achieve a passing score in an open examination/assessment?
Are You a Veteran?
Are you a CalPERS member who has also served in the U.S. armed forces?
If so, we’d love to hear from you to possibly include in a future article. Please email editor@calpers.ca.gov with your full name, the branch you served in, highest rank achieved, and total years of service.