Veterans Day is a time to honor America’s military members for their loyalty and service, but it can also be a time to reflect on how you support your veteran employees.
One way is encouraging them to participate in NALP’s Veterans in Landscape Network (VILN). This network provides a space for veterans to connect with one another and share their advice and experiences.
“I think it’s very important for them to have this type of organization for them to come into and be a part and to really be able to get hands-on and see what they can contribute outside of the military realm,” says Derek Murray, an Air Force veteran and senior director of customer support for Aspire.
He adds that it can help provide some continuity for veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce.
“Transitioning to civilian life can be difficult, I love being able to share my experiences and advice to make the transition that much easier,” says Brian Chapman, an Army veteran and director of fleet management and safety for SunWorks Landscape Partners, based in Carrollton, Texas. “Also, I think a good few veterans have a perception that the landscape industry is about mowing grass and that’s all we do. There are so many opportunities in this space to take the skills that veterans learned in service and apply them to jobs in the green industry.”
Benefits of VILN
VILN has a Facebook group and a LinkedIn group for veterans to discuss various topics and navigate hard issues.
“It’s vitally important that veterans have a network, have a support system, and I think that our organization really provides that,” Murray says. “Things such as mental health that are indicative to the military arena and some hard things that veterans have experienced.”
Joe Lewis, a Marine Corps veteran and director with Monarch Landscape Management, based in Houston, Texas, says veterans can collaborate on the development and implementation of work habits as well as discuss parallels between their military experience and the situations they are currently involved in.
Terry Williams, a Navy veteran and market sales director for Green Lawn Fertilizing, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, adds veterans can also have conversations about dealing with anxiety or depression, establishing a work/life balance, and developing career paths and goals.
Chapman notes that VILN isn’t just for veterans, but also industry leaders who want them to be successful. He says there are many organizations in the industry that recognize the value that veterans bring to their team, and VILN can assist those organizations in being veteran ready.
“Some veterans don’t fully understand how their skills translate into the civilian workforce, let alone understand how those skills translate into a career in the green industry,” Chapman says. “We want to help companies bridge that gap.”
Transition Challenges
Veterans face numerous challenges when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and Lewis says that a common one is trying to find where they fit in.
“Unless there is a veteran at the company, leadership may not be fully aware of the business acumen and managerial leadership strengths veterans possess,” Lewis says. “VILN can help address these by creating more awareness of the talent veterans bring to the team. VILN can also share strategies with the businesses and the veterans to better showcase those talents.”
Murray says another struggle veterans can face is being understood. Moving from a very regimented type of work to a more relaxed setting can sometimes be frustrating.
Williams agrees the cultural differences can be an adjustment moving from the military style and pace. He says veterans can also have trouble understanding why people aren’t more direct and transparent.
Supporting Your Veterans
Williams says simply being aware of who has served in the military within your organization is the first step. He says often, companies have no platform for recognizing Veterans Day, Memorial Day or National Military Appreciation Month in May.
Murray says landscape companies can support their veteran employees by listening to them, understanding what they’ve come through and providing different support services they may need.
“I think having those veterans within landscape companies who can also reach out to other veterans and provide that familiar voice or familiar perspective will really help them tremendously,” Murray says.
Lewis adds that much of the landscape industry can be taught, so take the time to teach your veterans.
“Seek to understand their strengths, guide and direct them to be impactful members of your team,” Lewis says.
Chapman agrees you should understand your veterans’ strengths and weaknesses.
“Veterans love a challenge and SMART goals,” Chapman says. “Create a performance-based, people-driven environment and they will thrive.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Lewis encourages other veterans to be confident in their strengths and the value they bring to the team.
“Utilize the VILN and mentors to help you articulate what skills you bring to the team,” Lewis says. “Continue to seek self-improvement as a professional in our industry.”
Chapman encourages veterans to be willing to step out of their comfort zone and learn something new. He says that there are a lot of people in the industry willing to help them along their journey.
“Everyone’s journey is unique, but everyone’s story is the same,” Williams says. “We all need to get help through talking about it. What troubles you in the dark must be brought into the light for healing.”
Access VILN resources and join the network’s social media groups here.
