From Jobless to Workplace Advocate: How One Veteran Turned Transition Struggles into a Mission of Service

A Veteran’s Perspective

Transitioning out of the military is rarely a straight path. For many veterans, the journey into civilian employment is marked by uncertainty, rejection, and the challenge of translating years of service into a language the civilian workforce understands. Adam Cassidy knows that struggle firsthand — and he transformed it into a mission that now impacts hundreds of veterans across the country.

When Cassidy left the Air Force in 2015, he believed he was doing everything right. He sent out more than 175 job applications, only to receive a handful of responses. His experience mirrors what countless veterans face: breaking through the noise of the job market while simultaneously navigating the emotional and logistical weight of transition.

Eventually, Cassidy landed a role at Werner Enterprises as a safety manager. That’s where everything changed. When he discovered Werner’s veterans program, he immediately stepped forward to help. He began reviewing veteran résumés, translating military experience into civilian language so qualified candidates wouldn’t be overlooked. He understood the gap — military job titles rarely reflect the full scope of responsibility, leadership, and adaptability veterans bring to the table.

Four people having a meeting around a table with a laptop open to a project dashboard — *A diverse team gathers around a laptop to discuss project updates in a bright office space.*

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Werner Enterprises was later recognized as DAV’s Large Patriot Employer of the Year, honoring its commitment to veteran hiring, onboarding, and long‑term career development. Cassidy, now a DAV life member, continues to serve as director of safety and co‑chair of the fast‑growing Werner Enterprises Veterans (WEVets) group, which now includes more than 300 members supporting veterans through networking, career development, and community service.

DAV’s Patriot Employer Program highlights companies of all sizes that go beyond hiring — organizations that build systems to help veterans thrive. Recent awardees include NTT Global Data Centers Americas Inc. and Artemis ARC, both recognized for their dedication to veteran talent, retention, and community impact.

But Cassidy’s story underscores a deeper truth: real change doesn’t only come from corporate policy — it comes from individual action. Even in workplaces without formal veteran initiatives, one person can shift the culture.

Five Ways to Make Your Workplace More Veteran‑Centric

Even if your company doesn’t have an official veteran support program, you can still make a meaningful impact. Here are five actionable ways to lead from where you stand:

Organize a book club or skill‑sharing session to help colleagues and leadership better understand military culture and experience.
Reach out to newly hired veterans to offer mentorship and help them navigate onboarding challenges.
Recommend veteran‑focused service or volunteer events that align with your company’s mission and values.
Help plan veteran appreciation events or awareness days that honor service and build team pride.
Share DAV’s Veteran Hiring Guide with HR and recruiting teams to strengthen veteran hiring and retention practices.

These small actions create ripples — and those ripples build a culture where veterans feel seen, valued, and supported.