Viper Imaging: Celebrating its Veterans in the Workplace
Birmingham-based Viper Imaging, a leading distributor and integrator of thermal imaging cameras and industrial process monitoring systems, was founded in 2014 by friends Rich Shannon and Andy Beck. Their vision was to become industry leaders in thermal imaging systems and to offer a superior software suite compatible with most industrial control platforms.
Shannon, a US Navy veteran, and Beck are dedicated to welcoming veterans. Desmond Harris, a US Air Force veteran, joined Viper in 2019 as a software intern and now serves as a software developer, having contributed significantly to Viper’s thermal monitoring software, ViperVision. In January 2026, Viper welcomed US Army veteran Cody Walls as Production and Service Technician.
Both Shannon and Beck had extensive knowledge in thermal imaging and industrial processes from previous careers, identifying a need for faster data acquisition from thermal cameras. In 2023, Viper Imaging was acquired by Systems With Intelligence (SWI), which retained the Viper name due to its strong brand reputation. Shannon and Beck continue in leadership roles, focusing on customer applications and business development.
What sets Viper Imaging apart is its understanding of industry needs and custom applications for extreme environments within the metals, oil and gas, energy, and industrial automation areas.
Sometimes, our customers don’t know what they need until they need it,” says Shannon. “From gas leak and hot spot protection to auditing current systems and practices, we pride ourselves on solving problems for our customers, NOT just selling products and services.”
Today, Viper Imaging honors all veterans, with a spotlight on Rich Shannon, co-founder and VP of sales, Desmond Harris, Viper software developer, and Cody Walls, Production and Service Technician. Their stories offer heartfelt insights into why they served and the lasting impact of their experiences.
Shannon served six years in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as an Electrician’s Mate. His decision to serve was influenced by a family legacy, as both his father and grandfather served in the Navy. He also credits his 8th-grade social studies teacher, Mr. Smith, who emphasized the importance of service to one’s country. “I just felt it was something I needed to do,” he recalls.
Harris, a former Senior Airman (E-4), served eight years in the Air Force (6 active, 2 reserves). His childhood fascination with airplanes and patriotism fueled his desire to join the Air Force and work on aircraft. Then, the events of 9/11 solidified his resolve. “I knew then that I was going as I watched the chaos unfold that day,” he shared.
Walls completed seven years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant as a behavioral health specialist. Driven by a motivation to serve his country and care for others, he chose to enlist. “I wanted to help people and serve my country,” Walls explained. “In my MOS (military occupational specialty), we are always told, ‘You join to help yourself, or those you love.’” For Walls, the decision was about supporting those he loves, aiming to stand by service members across every branch when they needed support most.
When asked about the influence of military service on their careers and decision-making, common themes emerged. Their responses provide profound perspectives from the veterans we are privileged to work alongside every day.
Shannon: The military isn’t an individual sport; it fosters teamwork. It brings people from different backgrounds and cultures and teaches you to work together towards a common goal.
Harris: It taught me discipline, adaptability, and that teamwork isn’t optional.
Walls: Military service taught me the core principles of servant leadership and the strength found in diverse perspectives. True leadership isn’t about pulling rank or relying on positional power; it’s about building genuine relationships and demonstrating authentic care, which naturally inspires team commitment. Every individual brings distinct value, regardless of rank or role.
Shannon: Self-discipline, Mission Focus, and the ability to adapt to challenges.
Harris: Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
Walls: Integrity first, putting service before self, and resilience when things get hard.
Shannon: The military provides many awesome schools/training for its members. These technical skills are easily transferable to the technology sector. We also know that members of the military are accustomed to working in a team environment, so you have a level of confidence in knowing what you are getting when hiring someone.
Harris and Walls offer the same advice: You have already done hard things. The key is finding that mission again, something that gives you purpose, like the military did. Walls adds, “Use the training the military gave you to set yourself up for success.”
Shannon: It’s a special day to show respect and thankfulness to the people who served to protect the freedoms we have in the USA. People make incredible sacrifices to serve in our military. I was able to make friends and build relationships with people I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to, and I’m always reminded of this on Veterans Day.
Harris: I get emotional talking about it. It’s not about the parades, discounts, or a day off work. It’s about the faces you remember, the people who never came back, and the ones still fighting battles nobody sees or hears about. It’s a reminder to be thankful, not just for freedom, but for the people who paid for it.
Walls: For me, Veterans Day is about paying tribute to those who served before my time and establishing a strong standard for future generations of service members. It provides an opportunity to express gratitude to everyone who gave so much for our freedom, while giving me a chance to reflect on my own military journey with thankfulness—both the challenging times and the good.
Viper Imaging extends sincere gratitude to all veterans for their sacrifice and commitment to ensuring the freedom cherished in this country. We are honored to recognize our own veteran employees and encourage everyone to take a moment today to thank a veteran.