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Bridging the Gap: Supporting Veterans in Their Transition to Civilian Life

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Life is change. Every aspect of life brings unique moments of transitions, whether personal or professional. A new job, a changing family dynamic, a big move, a worldview or cultural shift – to name only a very few. Transitioning into military life, and then eventually reversing that shift back into civilian life is perhaps one of the most dramatic transitions that American adults routinely make, yet this change can be largely unsupported for many veterans, including those who enter the trucking industry. 

Sergeant David Pike, Director of Recruiting for NFI, is on a mission to help bridge that gap for his fellow service members. This article sheds light on the unique experiences and hurdles faced by veterans as they make the transition to civilian life. We also highlight the ongoing work of NFI, a company committed to supporting veterans in their journey. As Sgt. Pike continues to share his story and champion programs supporting veterans in trucking, we hope you’ll join us in the conversation by asking the veterans on your own team, “How are you today?” and “How can I help make a meaningful change for veterans in this workplace?” 

Visible and Invisible Challenges

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings about challenges that often remain invisible to those unfamiliar with the journey. In 1980, approximately 18% of U.S. adults were military veterans. As of 2022, that number has fallen to only 6% (Pew Research Center, 2023). In other words, if you are a veteran transitioning from military service to civilian life today, only about 1 in every 17 adults has been through a similar experience. In contrast, that number is much higher in the transportation industry. 1 out of every 10 truckers in the United States is a veteran (United States Census Bureau).

In the military to civilian transition, veterans may be given basic re-entrance resources through programs such as the Transition Assistance Program from the U.S. Government. However, the reacclimation process of adapting to new routines and organization structures, translating military skills into civilian jobs, confronting mental health concerns, and reconstructing personal relationships requires persistent, ongoing effort. 

Sgt. Pike shared a recent interview that he watched that he felt captured the challenges of a military to civilian transition:

It was a Marine veteran [speaking] about the military. You’re just not allowed to show weakness, no matter how painfully you’re struggling inside. I don’t care if your spouse is cheating on you, I don’t care. If you’re going through bankruptcy, I don’t care. If your child is in the hospital, I don’t care. When you show up in uniform, you have to show 100% strength or your troops don’t follow. That’s armor.

Now, when we enter the civilian world, zero help is given to any veteran of how to take that armor off. We’re great leaders, and soldiers will follow because they know that is the order of rank and structure. And secondly, in combat, if they don’t do it, people will die. That is not the structure in civilian life, and that is a huge struggle for so many of our veterans that manifests itself into a lot of mental health struggles.

Employers can help smooth this transition with intentional, sustainable support.

Showing Commitment as a Carrier

Addressing the challenges of transitioning to civilian life requires a concerted effort from both veterans and the organizations that aim to support them. As an employer in trucking, there are large and small ways to increase your support for veterans. Veterans In Trucking suggests starting with high-visibility actions like displaying the American flag online, recognizing service with decals on rigs, or clearly partnering with organizations that honor veterans. In our conversation, Sgt. Pike also shared NFI’s growing initiatives and his hopes to amplify industry-wide conversations to better support veterans who are truck drivers. 

Once service members have joined your team, creating a supportive environment of like-minded individuals is key. NFI does this through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). One of their ERG’s, the Veterans Engagement Team (VET), is specifically designed to connect, serve, and advocate for Veterans within NFI and throughout the communities where they operate. In 2023, NFI surveyed the members of VET about their top concerns and priorities for the coming year. An overwhelming 57% of respondents indicated that they wanted to focus on the transition from military to civilian life as a crucial issue. 

We don’t have enough resources built for our veterans, we don’t have enough of the ability for veterans to transition from military to civilian life. So when we got those results back in [from the VET survey], out of roughly 50 responses, transition to civilian life was 57%. The next closest one was veteran suicide at 46%. I think that we have to be better in tune with what our veterans are asking for, without them actually asking for it.  

– Sgt. David Pike

Pike shared that, as the head of the recruiting team, he is leading efforts to distribute welcome packets with easily accessible resources, create a mentorship program, and actively aligning themselves with and supporting charitable organizations that benefit veterans. This is just one example of how employers can support veterans.

Seek the Cause, not the Symptoms

Speaking with Sgt. Pike highlighted a crucial distinction between symptoms and causes in the context of veteran support. While symptoms, like poor mental health, are undeniably significant, it’s equally vital to address the underlying causes, particularly the lack of robust transition resources for veterans. Poor mental health, including conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, is a symptom resulting from the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. However, these challenges are often rooted in systemic issues such as insufficient support networks, inadequate recognition of military-acquired skills, and a general lack of awareness among employers. It’s imperative to go beyond treating the symptoms by focusing on comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes. 

By enhancing transition resources, including targeted programs, education for employers, and initiatives fostering understanding, the trucking industry can proactively address the core issues contributing to poor mental, emotional, or physical health among veterans. 

A Call to Arms

Bridging the gap for veterans transitioning to civilian life is a collective responsibility that requires both individual and organizational commitment. Sgt. David Pike’s dedication to this cause sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans entering the trucking industry and underscores the importance of proactive measures to support their journey. 

As veterans navigate the visible and invisible challenges of the military to civilian transition, it is evident that addressing symptoms alone is insufficient. NFI’s commitment, exemplified through initiatives like the Veterans Engagement Team (VET) and strategic partnerships with charitable organizations, serves as a promising blueprint. By actively engaging in the military-to-civilian transition dialogue and developing tailored support, NFI showcases tangible steps employers can take. However, the true impact lies in recognizing and addressing the systemic issues underpinning the challenges faced by veterans. Employers in the trucking industry must not only address the symptoms but also invest in comprehensive solutions.

A holistic approach must delve into the root causes. It is imperative for employers to go beyond symbolic gestures and that they actively invest in robust transition resources, provide recognition and education for military-acquired skills, and contribute to creating workplaces that honor and support the well-being of those who have served our country.

Hiring Veterans: An Insider Perspective from NFI’s Director of Driver Recruiting

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Truck driving is a career path that demands strength, resilience, and commitment to seeing a job through. A good driver can take pride in the work of a job well done, even during the long, quiet miles of the open road. The same skills are required of the courageous men and women who serve our country. However, for veterans who choose to become drivers, the transition from the armed forces to trucking can be a challenging one, especially when it comes to mental health. We spoke with David Pike, Director of Recruiting for NFI, who shared his story of life as a military veteran and ways he’s found support with the trucking industry. 

A Comrade in Arms 

David Pike’s professional journey began in the Marine Corps, where he worked until 1994. After working in an ammunition and explosives MOS for six years, Sergeant Pike was returning from the Western Pacific deployment when he learned there were opportunities to be assigned to recruiting duty stateside and in the local community. He took the opportunity and quickly fell in love with the rewarding feeling of how recruiting can change someone’s life. 

 

“Initially, in military recruiting, you’re selling the glory, honor, and reputation of the Marine Corps. That changed shortly after a young Marine I had recruited, returned home from boot camp and said, “Thank You”. Not sure at the time why gratitude was extended, “It later hit me that I had changed that Marine’s life and gave him an opportunity and hope for a better future.” Pike said. Later, Pike shared, “Changing someone’s life is powerful and should be taken with the highest level of responsibility in any profession, especially transportation,” and this is why he loves so much of what we do in recruiting. He later noted, “We truly and genuinely affect people’s lives.” 

 

In 1993, upon leaving the Marine Corps after almost 10 years, Sergeant Pike transitioned his recruiting skills into the transportation industry. That transition was not without hurdles, but his story is a testament to resilience and dedication. He stated that in the 30 years since joining the transportation world, he and his team fully embrace the concept of changing lives and not “filling seats.” Pike shared with us a few of his most passionate items relating to his profession; and being a veteran himself, it is obvious that is one area that he is championing within NFI. Veterans all too often need advocacy when coming to a new industry. Veterans speak the same language and understand each other’s stories, challenges, and armored front better than most.  

Supporting Drivers: Unseen Battles 

Stress is a real issue in the transportation industry. Professional drivers may be comfortable dealing with the challenges of the road, but veterans have other battles and challenges they may be dealing with that are unique. “Mental health battles are often left unseen and not addressed,” Pike states. He highlighted the unspoken realities of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. He pointed out that, 

 

“As veterans, we are expected to blend seamlessly back into civilian life despite having put up a shield for years even while carrying emotional burdens, memories, and experiences that most people will never understand. In the service, especially if you have any position of leadership, you are taught to NEVER show weakness, show confidence to your troops.” 

 

As a veteran, professional drivers may be reluctant to share their experiences from their past, even if it’s negatively affecting their present work. However, as an employer, sometimes simply checking in on the well-being of your drivers, especially at the human level, can make all the difference. Pike shared a powerful story about the significance of prioritizing humanity and respect as a recruiting professional. He recounts an experience with an Iraq War veteran translator and now a professional driver, Mohammed. Mohammed showed classic traits of stress and being visibly strained.  

 

His transportation manager reached out and learned that he was struggling with a tremendous burden and was now financially responsible for his brother, sister, and mother. They relocated to the States after the Iraq War. Due to his new familial responsibilities and schedule, Mohammed’s manager engaged and helped find solutions that would work for both Mohammed and NFI. This provided him a more conducive schedule to allow time to address those burdens and challenges at home and remain with NFI. Pike states, “It is that level of human connectivity that is often forgotten in trucking” and one we agree needs to return. When carriers engage at a human level, everyone wins; carriers earn loyalty from their associates, associates feel appreciated, and all related items tend to fall in place. The human factor is something Pike emphasizes and is something that sets his employer, NFI Industries, apart from so many others in the industry.  

The Power of Understanding 

Truck drivers may not always talk about mental health, but it’s a subject that affects us all. Pike was very open with us about his mental health struggles and ongoing resolution. His journey serves as a reminder that we’re not alone in this. In his role as Director of Recruiting with NFI, Pike knows that veterans often emerge from service with emotional armor, and the industry has a role to play in helping them transition to civilian life successfully. He advocates for support that comes from trucking companies and from fellow drivers, especially those who are brothers in arms. 

 

“We, as an industry, have to recognize that every veteran is coming out with an armored up mentality around one’s own struggles. We have to learn how to help veterans tear that armor down and be more receptive. How do we provide the tools and resources? How do we open doors for those veterans to get the help and get the transitional needs when they’re uncomfortable discussing their challenges? Connecting at a human level is where we have to start.” 

 

As recruiters in the trucking industry, Pike emphasizes the personal and company-wide responsibility to appreciate the value veterans bring to work teams. Their resilience, discipline, and dedication are qualities that can greatly benefit our companies and industry. Furthermore, he argues that employers must create environments that encourage open discussions about mental health and provide support to veterans and anyone else who needs it. 

 

Knowing the value of veterans, NTI is asking companies about how they recruit and retain military veterans in trucking careers. The results of this survey will yield invaluable insights into one of the most important recruiting segments in trucking. Please take a few minutes to tell them about your company’s recruiting and retention practices via this survey (at this link). They want to hear from you! 

 

The trucking industry can be a place of opportunity, support, and growth for veterans, provided employers are willing to open doors and extend a welcome to them. Through education, support, and understanding, employers can create an industry where veterans thrive and their unique skills and experiences are celebrated.