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Driving Forward: NFI’s Commitment to Veteran Transitions and Mental Health

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For many military veterans across the nation, the transition to civilian life brings both opportunity and uncertainty.  

 

While veterans often return home with strong discipline, sharp problem-solving skills, and experience operating in high-pressure environments, finding the right career fit, and a supportive community that understands the unique challenges they may face, can still be difficult.  

 

That’s why companies like NFI Industries are leading the way in helping veterans make this shift successfully, with a strong focus on mental health, community support, and creating meaningful career pathways in the commercial driving industry. 

 

Turning Military Experience into Career Strength 

Veterans bring a wealth of valuable experience to the civilian workforce. When it comes to trucking, skills developed in the military, like operating specialized vehicles, working under pressure, and adhering to strict safety protocols, translate directly to success behind the wheel and in logistics roles.  

 

“Military training and experiences can significantly enhance resilience and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable assets when facing challenges in various aspects of life, including academic success, professional development, and personal growth,” said Michelle A., an NFI Recruiting Coordinator and U.S. Marine Veteran.  

 

At NFI, veterans are welcomed into a culture that understands and respects these skills. Whether it’s a position as a driver, technician, or in a management role, the company works to ensure veterans are not only hired but also set up to thrive.  

 

When asked how NFI creates an inclusive environment for veterans, Michelle explained that they “create veteran-specific ERGs, offer mentoring programs, provide flexible work arrangements, and ensure inclusive onboarding. NFI also provides a clear onboarding process that includes veterans’ unique needs and experiences, as well as access to mental health resources and support services. NFI really understands the challenges veterans face.” 

 

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing 

The shift from military to civilian life can also come with unseen hurdles. Many veterans face mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. Navigating these concerns while adjusting to a new job and lifestyle can be overwhelming. 

 

“May being the Military Appreciation Month for the fallen veterans is heavy with me,” said David J., an NFI truck driver and U.S. Army Veteran. “Thinking of all who died so we can enjoy the life we have helps me to both reflect on their sacrifice and do my best to be the best example for others.  Those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, being remembered, gives me strength to be the best I can be.”  

 

Support from employers can make a real difference. Veterans entering the field should look for companies that recognize the mental health needs of veterans and provide the tools to help them succeed. At NFI, this includes counseling referrals, peer support networks, and creating a workplace culture where mental health conversations are welcomed, not stigmatized.  

 

Building a Community for Veterans 

One of the most impactful ways companies can support veterans is by fostering connection and a sense of community, especially in an industry like trucking, where the work can often feel isolating. 

 

Programs like NFI’s VET Employee Resource Group (ERG) highlight how organizations can bring together veterans and allies across the company, providing a platform for peer support, advocacy, and camaraderie. 

Through the VET ERG, veterans at NFI engage in events, volunteer initiatives, and mentorship opportunities that help them feel seen, supported, and empowered. These programs not only honor their service but also give them the tools to succeed in a new industry. David J. shared that the ERG is “very well designed,” offering nearly everything veterans need to thrive. He also emphasized the importance of support and recognition, noting that it helps veterans maintain a positive mental attitude while managing the unique challenges they face transitioning into civilian roles. 

NFI’s commitment is further demonstrated through V.A.L.O.R. (Veteran Advocacy for Leadership, Opportunities, and Resources), which unifies all military initiatives under one banner and underscores NFI’s dedication to supporting and retaining veterans. By increasing brand awareness as a veteran-preferred employer and strengthening internal and external communication, V.A.L.O.R. fosters a deeper sense of camaraderie among veteran employees in both the U.S. and Canada. 

In addition, NFI’s Military Apprenticeship Program offers structured, hands-on training tailored to veterans transitioning into trucking careers. This program allows participants to gain valuable experience, earn income, and learn from seasoned professionals in a supportive environment. By combining mentorship with a clear path for advancement, NFI helps veterans navigate the shift to civilian employment with greater confidence and long-term stability. 

 

A Commitment That Runs Deep 

NFI’s commitment to veterans goes beyond hiring and training. It’s a deeply embedded part of their culture. By creating clear career pathways, offering mental health support, and building inclusive environments, NFI is focused on helping veterans do more than just find a job. They’re helping them find purpose, community, and long-term success in civilian life. 

 

“The trucking industry is increasingly addressing the mental health needs of veteran drivers by offering confidential counseling, telehealth services, and promoting a culture of support,” said Michelle. “However, more needs to be done, including expanding access to mental health resources, reducing stigma, and educating both drivers and industry leaders on the importance of mental well-being.”  

 

For veterans looking for a career in trucking or logistics, companies like NFI Industries are proving that the road ahead can be both rewarding and supportive. 

 

A Road to Resilience: A Vietnam Vet’s Trucker Testimony

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In a profound journey of healing, Leroy N., an NFI truck driver, shares his transformative experience with Waypoint Vets’ Vietnam Mission Expedition. Returning to Vietnam after nearly 50 years marked a pivotal moment for Leroy. His five years in the Army left Leroy fighting battles seen and unseen, and a trip back to Vietnam brought many difficult memories back to life. In the end, by overcoming his apprehensions, Leroy’s trip became a journey of closure and meaningful connections with fellow veterans.  

In an interview with NFI, Leroy shared his initial unease about the journey. However, as Leroy embraced the opportunity, he became grateful for the trip. The journey back to Vietnam forged lifelong connections and was a chance to witness positive developments unfolding in the country. Upon his return, Leroy’s growth did not go unnoticed. His changed mindset led to an invitation to the Veteran Summit in Washington, DC. For Leroy, the road to healing has been long, but the trip back to Vietnam brought renewal and support from comrades, family, and his company. 

 

Taking the Wheel 

At the core of Leroy’s story is a deep transformation. This  journey may be all too familiar to veterans who become truck drivers, as they navigate the twists and turns of returning to civilian life. Leroy was initially uncertain about joining the Vietnam Mission Expedition, but his decision to go became a key moment in his life. With encouragement from Waypoint Vets’ founder, Sarah Lee, and from his employers at NFI, Leroy took a leap of faith. In the end, the trip became a pathway to healing that he never anticipated.  

“To be honest when I first thought about it, I didn’t want to go. It took a little bit of talking and Sarah happened to be one of them that talked to me…I’ve [had] phone calls still on my phone asking me why. Why did I go back? Because I was really in a hateful situation when I came home.” 

Returning to Vietnam held a deep significance for Leroy, offering him a chance to release pent-up problems and a long-held hatred that had silently burdened him since his military days. 

 

Boots on the Ground 

Once in Vietnam, participating veterans spent time redefining their relationship to a place that was filled with difficult memories. The trip included everything from days spent exploring cultural monuments and war memorials in Ho Chi Minh City to voyages into the vast natural landscape of the Mekong River Delta. For many veterans, including Leroy, returning to the sites of the Vietnam war triggered strong, complicated, memories. 

“The first time over there, nobody talked to you. I mean, nothing. And usually when they talked to you, it was very bad… We didn’t know if you would live day to day.” 

The tipping point for Leroy came through a powerful image – a photograph capturing armed men who were lying on the ground, shot. As a former helicopter door gunner, this picture triggered memories he had kept buried for decades. The picture had even been taken the same day that he witnessed a similar scene from the door of his helicopter. Slowly, with the support of compassionate companions, he began sharing his experiences, untangling the knots in his mind that had lingered for years. 

 

Finding Comrades 

Leroy’s experiences on his return trip to Vietnam were closely shaped by the people he shared the journey with. The developing bonds among the group of Vietnam vets played a crucial role in their collective healing. At the start of the trip, silence was everywhere. However, silence soon turned into stories, fostering an environment where they could support each other.  

“Nobody talked. Everybody’s quiet. They just bottled up tighter… Within the first 48 hours, we started talking and once we did, it seemed to let a lot of ease off on us and we were able to cut up and enjoy the trip. [We] watched each other really close to make sure we were doing all right.” 

As the pressure of unspoken words and memories released, the dynamics shifted, and a sense of ease enveloped the group. This camaraderie became essential, making the trip far more enriching than Leroy had expected. 

The expedition wasn’t just a 13,000-mile physical journey; it was a dive into memories and emotions Leroy had long buried. When he first returned home after the war, Leroy was welcomed with very little support. 

“Back then you didn’t have no help. You were sent home. You deal with it your way. … It was real rough. And so the best thing I can say is if you have problems, get help … you’re not going to be able to clear everything your own self. Nowadays, we have people to help out. Sometimes they’re just there to listen. And sometimes that’s what makes a difference.” 

Healing is a hard-won process for many veterans who make the difficult transition back to civilian life. While Leroy began trucking in 1975, shortly after his return from service, NFI’s support for this particular trip made it a turning point in his personal journey. It showed that his employers are truly invested in supporting him and other veterans. 

 

A New Homecoming 

After the Vietnam Mission Expedition, Leroy found a new understanding of the country that had left so many bitter memories. His military experiences were not erased, but now there was also space to see Vietnam as a peaceful and welcoming country.  

“I look at a different side of Vietnam now that I never looked at before … Now, I realize that they are just like we are. They have their job to do. We had ours at the time and that’s what went on.” 

His new-found openness extended beyond the expedition. This led to an invitation to the Veteran Summit in Washington, DC where he was honored by Waypoint Vets. There, he paid respects at the Vietnam Wall for fallen loved ones and participated in Wreaths Across America events, which added another layer to his healing process. 

For Leroy, while time may not erase all memories, the Vietnam and Washington D.C. trips have allowed him to view his time in the Army with a fresh perspective. His advice to fellow trucker-veterans seeking closure is simple yet profound – be open to talking about it. You never know what another person might need to hear, and “sometimes it helps them as much as it helps you, and you don’t know it.”  Leroy’s journey, supported by NFI and Waypoint Vets, serves as a testament to the transformative power of new perspectives and finding camaraderie in the company of those who understand the unique challenges of your own road.