posted July 16, 2024

Recruiters to attend upcoming Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair 

Fort Novosel, AL, July 16, 2024 – As the nation’s leading air medical service, Air Methods understands the inherent value of hiring Veteran service members and every year salutes National Hire a Veteran Day. Created by Marine Corps Veteran and Hiring Our Heroes founder Dan Caporale, the day is recognized annually on July 25 as a reminder to employers to hire Veterans transitioning to civilian life. No matter the military unit, the background of those who serve undoubtedly pairs with Air Methods’ purpose of always being mission ready. 

As a salute to National Hire a Veteran Day, Air Methods’ Talent Acquisition teammates Dave Burgess (Army Veteran) and Michael Drake (active-duty Army pilot) are attending the upcoming Hiring Our Heroes event at Fort Novosel on July 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. CDT. Both teammates have two decades of armed forces experience and have transitioned to Air Methods through the DOD SkillBridge.  

“More than one-third of Air Methods’ workforce have served or are currently serving in the military,” said Paul Williams, vice president of talent acquisition at Air Methods. “We understand the skillsets and values—teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, etc.—our service members bring to our mission.”  

Flying for Air Methods’ Life Saver base in Cusseta, Pilot Juan Garcia is a testament to how a background in the armed forces is perfectly suited for employment with the company. Garcia was hired upon his retirement from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 nearly seven years ago.  

“I was ready to retire from the Army to spend more time with my family, and I learned about Air Methods at Heli-Expo,” said Garcia. “After researching different air medical companies, I knew Air Methods was the one I wanted. I was hired and assigned to a base in Georgia where all of the pilots were from the military. It created an instant bond between us that made it a very comfortable place to work.” 

He later joined the pilot pool (where pilots travel around the country to fill in for others taking time off or to cover open shifts until a permanent pilot is assigned to the base) and found many other Veterans within the company. At the Life Saver base in Cusseta where he currently works, all four pilots are Veterans. When reflecting on both his military and civilian careers, Garcia sees many similarities between them.  

“I like the structure and standardization of both the military and Air Methods,” said Garcia. “The ongoing education with regular training and annual evaluations is also very similar. I like that familiarity.”  

Moving from the military to a civilian position can be daunting, but Air Methods works to make it as easy as possible. By having an established military transitioning team made up of Veterans and active reservists who have made their journey from military to civilian service, the team will work with Veterans seeking employment with Air Methods to help them understand and navigate the hiring process.  

The Hiring Our Heroes event will be held at Wings Chapel, Bldg. 6036 Andrews Ave., Fort Novosel, Alabama 36362. Event organizers request registration before arrival. For more Air Methods military career opportunities, visit the website.