Sherwin Chang

Military Branch: Army

Rank: E4- Specialist

Number of Years Served: 3.5

Current Company: Brooklyn Brewery

Title: IT Director

I was in the Army for 3.5 years, I left with the rank of E5 also known as Sergeant. I served in North Carolina, Hanau Germany and in the Middle East during the First Gulf War.

I never worked a day in my chosen MOS 13B during my time in the Army. My first assignment was at Fort Bragg, where they thought I looked too young for the gun line, so they made me the Colonel’s driver. When I went to Hanau, Germany as an E4 with no 13B experience and too much rank, they made me an Ammo Driver. Two months later, I was promoted to Major’s driver in the S4 (Supply and Logistics). My unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War, and I continued driving until the end of the war, after which I took early termination. In the Army, we call this a sham job, a duty that is a reward position that others wish they had. I was awarded a Driver’s Badge along with my other awards.

I didn’t join Brooklyn Brewery because I wanted a career in beer. I wanted a job in Brooklyn with a company I could believe in and grow with knowing they would be a positive force in the community. I believe that having served and sharing the experience of being in the Middle East with Steve Hindy worked in my favor in getting hired at the Brewery many years ago. I am having a fantastic journey at Brooklyn Brewery! The family vibe and beer culture makes it a really enjoyable place to work. Growing through different jobs and having fun with great people is a wonderful experience. Being the Saturday Tasting Room Manager for twenty years and managing events for summer concerts was a lot of fun and a great way to connect with people providing unique experiences and opportunities to grow, even if I consider them “sham jobs”.