As Veteran’s Day approaches next month, I want to share the story of my journey from the Air Force to owning Focused on Machining, a precision CNC machine shop in Colorado. For many veterans, finding the right path after service can feel daunting, but I believe my experience can help offer a potential roadmap. My journey from military aircraft maintenance to running a manufacturing business has been deeply rewarding and I encourage veterans to explore opportunities in this field as they transition to civilian life.
Embracing Service: My Early Days in the Air Force
Right after high school, I followed a long family tradition by joining the Air Force. Since I was a child, I felt the Air Force was my calling. As an aircraft mechanic, I was responsible for the C-17, the second-largest cargo aircraft in the Air Force fleet. Although the C-5 is technically larger, the C-17’s demanding missions gave it an edge, and I found that challenge exhilarating.
After completing basic training and a year of technical training, I became a crew chief. My role was to ensure that the aircraft were always mission-ready—performing inspections, overseeing maintenance, and coordinating with specialists. My three years in this position were filled with high-pressure deployments to Qatar, Turkey, and Baghdad, where I honed my skills and learned the true meaning of teamwork.
Going Global: Life as a Flying Crew Chief
After three years on the ground, I applied to become a flying crew chief—a role that took me all over the world. Anytime a C-17 flew to a base without dedicated maintenance personnel, I was there to ensure it was mission-ready. From performing emergency engine repairs in Kuwait after a bird strike to landing in snowy Afghanistan when I was packed for the 100-degree heat of Qatar, the experience was unpredictable and thrilling.
I’ll never forget being the sole mechanic on a humanitarian mission in Pakistan, waiting alone for hours in total darkness between C-17 arrivals, servicing each plane as it came. My time as a flying crew chief was filled with incredibly demanding situations - but they taught me resilience and adaptability. I spent three years traveling the world, a young guy in his twenties, living out of a suitcase and embracing each new challenge that came my way.
From Aircraft to Finance: Searching for My Post-Military Purpose
After leaving the military, I moved to Colorado, earned a degree in finance, and started working in banking. But it didn’t take long to realize that banking just wasn’t for me. The office environment couldn’t compare to the hands-on work I loved, and I missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose that came with the military.
My path to manufacturing began when I became involved with the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). The people I encountered in local machine shops felt like a community where I truly belonged. Their work ethic and practical problem-solving were familiar to me from my time in the Air Force. I realized that many of the skills I had developed—blueprint reading, technical troubleshooting, and following precise processes—were a natural fit for this industry.
That’s when I decided to take the plunge and purchased Focused on Machining. It was a leap, but one that has brought me immense fulfillment.
Why Manufacturing Fuels My Passion
For veterans, manufacturing offers something truly special: a sense of purpose, teamwork, and the opportunity to continue serving in a different capacity. That’s why I’m so passionate about the work we do at Focused on Machining, especially in aerospace machining. The values I learned in the military—discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork—are the foundation of my company.
When I took over Focused on Machining, I made it my mission to achieve ISO and AS9100 certifications so we could handle the most complex aerospace projects. Some of the parts we machine are destined for the very military aircraft I used to maintain. Knowing that our work supports those still serving keeps me motivated every day. We approach each project with the same determination and precision that I applied during my Air Force days.
A Call to Veterans: Consider Manufacturing for Your Next Chapter
If you’re a veteran navigating the transition into civilian life, I strongly encourage you to consider manufacturing. It’s one of the few industries where you can translate your military experience directly into a fulfilling and challenging career. For me, it has been a way to bring the skills I learned in the Air Force into a new and rewarding chapter.
If you have a project—especially in aerospace—reach out to us at Focused on Machining. We bring the same dedication and passion to our work as I did during my time serving, and we’re always ready to take on your next challenge. Request a quote today.