Transdev Recognizes Patriot Award Winner Ravi Meruga
Throughout the year, Transdev proudly recognizes the contributions of veterans across its workforce and the leaders who help them thrive in their second careers. One such leader is Ravi Meruga, Senior Director of Security & Compliance on Transdev’s cybersecurity team, who was recently honored with the Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a branch of the United States Department of Defense.
The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who go above and beyond in their support of National Guard and Reserve members. This award was recently presented to Meruga following his nomination by a former Transdev employee and military veteran. This veteran credited Meruga’s mentorship and flexibility in helping him successfully transition from active duty to a civilian career in cybersecurity.
At Transdev, this kind of support is not the exception—it’s a company-wide commitment. With operations in more than 400 communities across the U.S., Transdev actively recruits and empowers veterans in roles ranging from frontline operators to IT, maintenance, and executive leadership. The company recognizes the unmatched value veterans bring to the workplace: discipline, teamwork, and a sense of mission.
”Ravi exemplifies the leadership values we aim to foster across Transdev. His dedication to supporting military service members—both professionally and personally—is an inspiration. He understands how to unlock the potential of those transitioning from military to civilian life, and his efforts have created a more inclusive and resilient team.
Laura HendricksCEO of Transdev U.S.
For Meruga, supporting veterans is a deeply personal value. When he immigrated to the U.S. from India in 1992, he found himself stranded at an airport in Dayton, Ohio. A fellow passenger—an Air Force service member—offered him a ride to the university, showed him around town, and introduced him to life in America.
“That moment stuck with me. He helped a stranger without hesitation, and it felt like the way he was taught in the military to help someone was how he lived every day. It was his principle that made the biggest impression on me, and ever since then, if someone needs help, I try to provide it.”
That spirit of support has become a cornerstone of his leadership. Under Meruga’s guidance, service members have found more than job opportunities—they’ve found stability, flexibility, and a path forward.
“You can teach people skills, but you can’t teach integrity, work ethic, and resilience. Those are things the military instills. As a manager, it’s my job to nurture that potential,”
The Patriot Award serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role employers play in helping veterans transition into civilian life, whether through flexible schedules, deployment support, or fostering workplaces where service members feel valued and respected.
Meruga encourages other leaders to see veterans not just as employees, but as future leaders:
“Supporting service members isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do,” he said. “They’ve already proven they can lead, adapt, and commit. All they need is someone to believe in them.”
As part of its broader mission, Transdev actively encourages veterans to explore second careers aligned with their skills and passions—whether in vehicle maintenance, cybersecurity, operations, human resources, or other fields. Veterans don’t need to have it all figured out on day one; Transdev is here to help them discover the right fit and grow into it.
Transdev reaffirms its dedication to supporting veterans’ transition into civilian roles across the company successfully. Through leaders like Ravi Meruga, the company continues to build a workplace culture where those who have served our country feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.
For further information about how Transdev supports veterans, check out:
