Temple, Texas-based McLane Company Inc., a supply chain services firm, is observing Memorial Day by recognizing its former military employees.
The company stated that it “has long understood the value of hiring former members of the military. With offices and distribution centers located near some of America’s largest military bases, McLane is well-positioned to recruit those transitioning out of the military into civilian life.”
It attributes robust marketing of its military-friendly programs and word-of-mouth as playing a role in the continued increase in the number of former military members joining the company.
“McLane offers challenges and rewards that keep a military veteran’s problem-solving skills sharp,” said Darrell Briscoe, regional VP of foodservice at McLane and a former U.S. Army captain. Briscoe is a 28-year McLane employee who flew Huey and Kiowa class helicopters during Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations.
The attraction for Briscoe and many other former members of the military who join McLane is the leadership possibilities and the opportunity to learn various jobs within the same organization.
“The skills I learned in the military have been helpful in every leadership position I’ve held with McLane, from supervisor to manager to executive,” Briscoe said. “I enjoy the camaraderie and responsibility of building and growing teams accountable for serving and supporting our customers.”
Three years ago, McLane launched Warriors to Wheels, a registered driver apprenticeship program developed especially for people transitioning out of the military. The program is open to anyone, not just former military. However, former military members who are eligible for GI Bill benefits in the Warriors to Wheels program can receive their GI Bill housing allowance while earning a wage at the same time.
“More than 10 percent of our teammates self-identify as former military,” said Jennifer Rojas Clouse, EEO compliance and inclusion manager. “We have been in business for more than 128 years and offer our teammates the opportunity to enjoy long, stable careers. McLane is growing and has management, warehouse and driver positions available nationwide.”
McLane also partners with the Department of Army/Fort Hood, which offers transitioning service members a nine-week training experience to learn the fundamentals of warehouse operations. The Department of Labor’s registered apprenticeship program helps employers recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce. Registered apprenticeships are industry-driven and flexible training solutions that help to reduce turnover and costs and increase employee retention.
To learn more about McLane’s Warriors to Wheels program, visit McLanew2w.com.
