Veterans are all about service, which is one of the many reasons they thrive in the commercial vehicle service and repair sector. In this new Fleet Maintenance series, we will be highlighting the men and women who chose at one time to serve their country, and continue to serve by ensuring the nation's commercial vehicle operators can execute their mission.
We also hope this will shed light on the overall benefits that vets provide, from productivity to reliability. And, oh, the stories they tell...
Cory Brooks | Sergeant | U.S. Army
Senior Manager, Field Operations | Torque by Ryder
Almost 10% of Ryder’s U.S. workforce served in the military, with 14,000 being hired since 2011. Through its Pathway Home Program, the maintenance provider trains and prepares outgoing service members before they finish active-duty, and then place them at one of their 800 shops.
The company, one of the most recognizable names in logistics, also makes sure veterans employees can recognize each other, and has instituted a “buddy” program where newly hired veterans are paired with veterans who already work there as a way to ease their transition.
Read more: How Torque by Ryder supports efficient PMs, greater uptime
“One of the challenges that veterans often face when transitioning to civilian careers is translating their military skills into terms that are easily understood by employers,” noted Cory Brooks, a former heavy-wheel mechanic in the Army who has been with Ryder for 25 years. His latest role has him helping manage Ryder’s new mobile maintenance service, Torque by Ryder.
He noted the resources Ryder provides “help veterans bridge this gap,” and that these employees substantially contribute to the industry’s productivity.
“Veterans are extremely beneficial in the vehicle repair sector,” Brooks said. “The advantages that I get from veterans are strong leadership quality, reliability, dedication to completing task in a timely manner, and being team players.”
Brooks served from 1995 to 2003, citing going through airborne training and living in Korea as highlights of his time in. His military training now helps him do everything from planning and executing a project to staying calm while dealing with angry customers. Most of all, it’s helped him find a place ina cohesive unit.
“Working at Ryder is a team environment,” Brooks said. “Being in the Army helped me become the team player that I am today.”
Outreach
Here are a few links to programs to help find these potential new hires:
U.S. Department of Labor ‘Hire a Veteran’ page: This page on the DOL’s website can help employers easily contact their area’s Regional Veteran Employment Coordinator.
SkillBridge: U.S. Armed Forces members can participate in on-the-job training and development up to 180 days from separation, and tis can provide an immediate pipeline of prime talent for registered industry partners.
Hiring Our Heroes: Run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this organization offers career assistance to veterans and helps employers find veterans who fill needed positions, as well as hosting hiring events and other resources.
RecruitMilitary Veteran Job Fair Schedule: This site lists various in-person and virtual veteran job fairs as far ahead as December 2024, with links to the host organizations.
VeteranRecruiting: This marketing service can email blast open position, help set up virtual career fairs and even virtual reality recruitment centers, to help employers “recruit veteran talent across the globe in an efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly manner,” according the company’s website.
General Motors Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program: 12-week GM specific training program held at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas that teaches electrical, diagnostics, engine repair, brake maintenance and more.
Beyond the Brotherhood: This organization helps Navy SEALs find employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and connects employers to suitable candidates.
You can also email or call any military installation near you.
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.