This month, we sit down with Jon Doerr, VetsForever’s Senior Veteran Advocate, to learn about his journey from military service to helping fellow veterans navigate the benefits system. His story highlights both the challenges of transition and the power of finding purpose in service to others.
Tell us about your military service. What branch did you serve in, and what was your role?
I joined the Air Force in August 2002 and started my career as a refueling vehicle mechanic. After four years in that role, I cross-trained into fuels management, which opened up a whole new world of opportunities. In fuels, I wore many hats – driving fuel trucks, refueling aircraft of all types, managing fuel accounts, and working as a dispatcher.
My service took me across four different bases and on four deployments to the Middle East. One of my most unique assignments was as a cryogenic production supervisor in Okinawa, Japan, where our team produced liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen for all the military installations on the island. That meant we were supporting everything from hospital operations to aircraft maintenance to medevac missions – knowing our work directly impacted life-saving operations made it incredibly meaningful.
What motivated you to join the military, and what are some of your most memorable experiences?
Both of my grandfathers served in the military, so there was definitely a family connection to service. But honestly, my biggest motivation was wanting to see the world beyond my hometown. I didn’t want to stay in the same place with the same people forever – I craved adventure and new experiences.
The Air Force delivered on that promise. I got to explore different countries, experience diverse cultures, and most importantly, I met some incredible people along the way. The friendships I formed during my service remain some of my strongest relationships today. These are the people who helped guide me through challenges and who I know I can still turn to when I need someone to listen.
What challenges did you face transitioning to civilian life?
My transition was particularly difficult because I wasn’t ready to leave the military. I was involuntarily separated, which left me feeling angry and lost. When you’re forced out of something you love before you’re ready, it creates a real sense of displacement.
I went through what felt like an endless cycle of jobs trying to find my place. I worked as a 911 dispatcher, handled logistics for a refrigerated trucking company, carried mail as a rural postal carrier, and even worked at an airport doing similar work to what I’d done in the Air Force. None of these positions felt right, though. I was searching for something that would give me the same sense of purpose I’d had in military service.
Eventually, I found my way to VetsForever, and everything clicked. Helping veterans fight for their benefits and hearing their stories gave me back that sense of mission I’d been missing.
What advice would you offer to other veterans facing similar challenges?
The most important thing I want other veterans to know is that you’re not alone. Every veteran’s story is unique, but we all face similar struggles during transition. The feelings of displacement, the search for purpose, the challenge of translating military skills to civilian careers – these are universal experiences in the veteran community.
As a single dad of three children, I’ve learned firsthand how critical it is to build a strong support network and not be afraid to ask for help. When you’re juggling the responsibilities of parenthood on top of your own transition challenges, you quickly realize that trying to handle everything solo isn’t just difficult – it’s impossible. The same applies to any veteran going through tough times.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are so many resources and people who understand exactly what you’re going through. Sometimes we think we have to figure everything out on our own, but that’s not true. The same brotherhood and sisterhood that supported you in service is still there – you just have to be willing to reach for it.
How did you connect with VetsForever?
I learned about VetsForever through a mutual friend when I was looking for part-time work. I had no idea what I was getting into! What I thought would be a side job quickly became a full-time passion. I haven’t regretted a single day of it.
What I love most about working here is that every day is different. We’re constantly learning new ways to help veterans, and I get to train and teach our advocates while hearing amazing stories from the veterans we serve. It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose and reminded me why service – whether in uniform or out – is so important.
There’s something powerful about helping fellow veterans navigate systems that can be overwhelming and frustrating. When I can help a veteran get the benefits they’ve earned, or when I can share knowledge that makes their journey easier, I’m reminded that my own difficult transition led me exactly where I needed to be.