We all know someone who has served in the military. A grandparent, a friend from school, a new colleague – we’ve heard their stories, and we might think we know what life in the force looks like. But how do ex-militaries find their way to us, after their service ends? How do you start over?

For nearly 18 million veterans in the U.S., transitioning out of military life can be daunting. Finding a new purpose, a new career, and the support of a community isn’t always straightforward. But social impact solutions can help along the way.

So for our first series, we follow one man on his journey out of the Air Force, and into the next life. We span continents, traveling from Germany and Kyrgyzstan, to the heart of Minot, North Dakota. Introducing: Tom Jones, a Veteran Story.

In this episode, we meet Tom and discuss his first life: his upbringing, growing up in a typical military family; how he got started in the Air Force and rose up the ranks; and the chain of events that led him to retire early. We also discuss Tom’s expertise (a hint: it’s not combat arms), and how his first career paved the way for a vocation in city government. We find out what happens, when after 28 years in the force, a Colonel is given a year to plan his future.

Whether you’re a veteran, know someone in the military, or are simply interested in stories of career reinvention, leadership, and public service, this episode offers real insight into what it means to start over.

Chapters:

1- Meet Tom Joyce, Assistant City Manager for the City of Minot (01:19)

2- When military runs in the family: Tom’s vocation and early career (6:33)

3- How Tom built a career and a community in the Air Force (12:43)

4- Learning to lead from Alaska to the Pentagon (18:23)

5- When retirement strikes: “ the ultimate transition into the rest of my life” (25:03)

6- Next time on Impact In Action (31:01)

Links:

A Veteran Story (1/3): Tom Joyce, from the Air Force to the City of Minot