Nearly 10% of truck drivers are veterans, and transportation and logistics is one of the most popular destinations for veterans entering the civilian workforce. We’re proud to work in an industry that serves as a safe, reliable place for veterans to work after their service. DAT is taking time to honor our nation’s veterans – those that committed their life to something bigger than themselves for the benefit of everyone else.
Their contributions go beyond their job’s tasks. Veterans know the nuance and complexity of supply chain management better than most, seeing the U.S military’s logistics operation up close. They’ve got insight and expertise into our industry that others may not. To the veterans on our team here at DAT, those out on the road, those across the industry, and those across the country regardless of profession, happy Veterans Day. Thank you.
We spoke to a few veterans here at DAT about the significance of this day and how their time serving affected them. Here’s what they told us.
How did your military career help you with your career in freight/transportation?
“The challenges of overseas military supply chain logistics illustrated how teams of highly trained and motivated individuals can move mountains. Serving my country showed me how we can all come together to accomplish anything, as well as how to truly be focused and humble in the face of adversity.” – Brett Myers, Information Security.
“My eight years in the Air Force gave me time to develop skills that I use daily in freight and transportation. The freight and transportation field is fast-paced and constantly evolving, just like the military. I learned how to think on my feet, prioritize my obligations, and manage my time in the most efficient manner. One of the most transferable skills I developed while in the military is a solution-based mindset. Both the freight/transportation field and the military require individuals to focus on a specific problem and develop the most appropriate solution for the situation. Rather than looking at a problem and trying multiple ways to fix it before succeeding, I am now able to approach the problem with the most pertinent solution the first time.” – Kendall Kerzan, Sales
What advice do you have for those thinking about joining our industry after serving in the military?
“Our military experience has made us very resourceful, detailed, and great communicators. The logistics industry is a wonderful place to use your fine-tuned problem-solving skills. It is challenging to figure out how to make all of the moving parts work out.” – Jennifer Zetty, Product Support
“On your first day in boot camp you learn about the Air Force’s three core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. When I started working for DAT, I quickly realized those align with the company’s core values. I have met many people who embody these values since working here and believe that it makes a good fit for former service members.” – Betty Fricker, Cybersecurity
“Military personnel should check with their unit or career transition advisor about getting their CDL prior to getting out. If they aren’t already truck drivers in the military, they can look into the Troops to Trucker program which will help them transition into trucking as civilians. There are more resources available than when I got out. Lots of Trucking companies are looking to hire veterans.” – Chamaine Jeffers, CEO of CDL 4 Life
What’s a memorable experience from your time serving?
“I was deployed for 6 months in the jungles of the Philippines and at 24-hour readiness working 12 on 12 off. I worked the night shift and had difficulty sleeping in the Quonset hut in the jungle during the day. I had to adapt to find a way to get sleep and stay sharp to deliver on my mission day in and day out. There were so many times that the Marines took me to my limit and I found a way to work through it. This is the way of the Marines and I have been able to apply this to my life after the Marines and it has brought me success.” – Jeff Hopper, Marketing
Happy Veterans Day, and thank you to all who served.
