Every transition comes with challenges whether it is starting a new job, moving to a new city or completely changing your life. One of the most difficult transitions is leaving the military. Veterans often hear “thank you for your service” which is nice, but what we need is an opportunity for job, a career, a direction. Like everyone, a veteran simply wants to belong.
Today we are going to discuss ways to bring the civilian and veteran communities together. It requires communication and training for both sides.
My guest today is Dave Nordel, a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of service; he holds a bachelor’s degree in registered nursing specializing in emergency medicine and a master’s degree in disaster and emergency management. Dave is a Bronze Star combat-decorated medic and the recipient of the Legion of Merit, our nation’s 6th highest military decoration. He was also the senior enlisted leader for all nuclear missile forces in the United States.
He is now the founder and owner of Max Fab Consulting - Leadership Coach, Consultant & Keynote Motivational Speaker, Military transition expert. Dave is committed to creating veteran ready communities.
Meet our Guest: David Nordel
Dave Nordel is a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of service; he holds a bachelor’s degree in registered nursing specializing in emergency medicine and a master’s degree in disaster and emergency management. Dave is a Bronze Star combat-decorated medic and the recipient of the Legion of Merit, our nation’s 6th highest military decoration.
Dave is the son of a third generation Portuguese family and was raised in the dairy farming environment in Orland California, he attended Orland High School and left a year after graduation and working the harvest – leaving home at 19 to join the Air Force and ascended through the enlisted ranks to culminate as the senior enlisted leader for all nuclear missile forces in the United States.
He currently lives in Billings Montana where ironically another Orkand native lives and works – He is the author of the international best-selling books Giving Back – Life and Leadership from the Farm to the Combat Zone and Beyond and When the Cows Lie Down – Why people quit you – their Leader
Dave is the founder and owner of Max Fab Consulting providing keynote leadership, organizational growth, and strategic guidance, and he is actively involved in using his journey with PTSD and moral injury to help transitioning veterans and other victims of trauma deal with the condition in a healthy manner. He is an active mentor and speaks to young leaders to aid their development and future successes. He continues to give back the gifts he has collected along the way.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Veterans' Struggles: Transitioning back to civilian life poses significant challenges for veterans, particularly in terms of employment.
✔️ Businesses' Obligations: There's an urgent need for businesses to enhance their understanding and processes to better accommodate veterans in the workforce.
✔️ Valuable Contributions: Veterans bring a wealth of skills, experiences, and perspectives that can greatly benefit organizations.
✔️ Call to Action: Businesses are urged to take proactive steps to become more inclusive and supportive of veterans, fostering an environment conducive to their success.
💡 Discussion Points:
- Transition Challenges: Explore the various hurdles veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life, including cultural, social, and economic factors.
- Business Barriers: Discuss the existing gaps in understanding and processes within businesses that hinder veterans' employment opportunities.
- Veterans' Value Proposition: Examine the unique skills, leadership qualities, and resilience that veterans possess and how these attributes can enhance organizational performance.
- Becoming "Veteran Ready": Explore strategies and best practices for businesses to adopt in order to better support and integrate veterans into their workforce.
- Support Systems: Discuss initiatives, programs, and resources aimed at improving support systems and creating more opportunities for veterans in the workforce.
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