Every veteran brings a different story to the next chapter of their career. But in my work supporting veteran recruitment at Tyson Foods, I see certain qualities again and again: leadership, resilience, teamwork and a commitment to something bigger than yourself.
As a veteran myself, I also understand that the transition from military service can bring its own set of questions. Where do my skills fit? What does the next chapter look like? And how do I find an opportunity where the experience I’ve gained can continue to make a difference?
Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country and the many ways their service continues to shape who they are today. Across Tyson Foods, veterans are bringing their experiences and perspectives to roles, teams and communities throughout our company.
This Veterans Day, I’m honored to share a few of their stories.
Meet Some of Our Veterans
Jamie Young | Complex Manager
After serving in the military, Jamie Young found a new mission at Tyson Foods, applying skills developed through service as he grew into a leadership role as a Complex Manager. His story is a reminder that the qualities developed through military service can continue to have an impact long after the uniform comes off, helping veterans lead teams, navigate challenges and build meaningful careers.
Matt Bumgarner | Senior Vice President, Global Labor Strategy & Risk Mitigation
For Matt Bumgarner, service has been a constant throughout his career. After 20 years in the military, the values he developed through service continue to influence how he approaches leadership and people at Tyson Foods.
That commitment has extended beyond his day-to-day role. When a tornado struck his hometown, Matt joined Tyson Foods team members serving meals to the community during the day and clearing debris at night, an experience that brought new meaning to our purpose of feeding the world like family.
Heather French | Manager, BU Innovation
Heather French brings a different perspective to the story of veterans at Tyson Foods. Her career has taken her from service in the U.S. Air Force to innovation, where curiosity, adaptability, problem-solving and collaboration are all part of advancing new ideas.
Her story illustrates just how broadly military experience can translate into the workplace. Veterans aren’t limited to any one type of career. Their skills can carry into roles and functions across our company.
Bryant Barnes | Corporate Maintenance
Bryant Barnes brought the skills and experience he developed in the U.S. Army into a career in Corporate Maintenance at Tyson Foods.
His journey demonstrates another important part of veteran recruitment: recognizing how skills developed in the military can translate to opportunities that may look very different on paper. Technical knowledge, discipline, adaptability and experience working as part of a team can all provide a strong foundation for what comes next.
And My Own Journey…
Dylan Stroud | Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition
My own path has taken me from the U.S. Army into Talent Acquisition, where I now have the opportunity to help other veterans navigate their own career transitions.
That experience is part of why this work means so much to me. Transitioning out of military service can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. But veterans aren’t leaving their experience behind. They’re bringing years of leadership, teamwork, discipline, technical expertise and problem-solving with them.
A big part of our work is helping veterans recognize where those skills can take them next.
Helping Veterans Take the Next Step
At Tyson Foods, our veteran recruitment efforts focus on making the next step easier to navigate. Through our resources, veterans and transitioning service members can explore dedicated job opportunities, introduce themselves to our recruiting team and better understand how their existing skills could translate into a career at Tyson Foods.
Career pathways range from operations, maintenance and food safety to human resources, nursing, chaplaincy and more. We also offer SkillBridge programs, training, mentorship and opportunities for continued career growth.
Supporting veterans once they join Tyson Foods is just as important. That includes veteran onboarding and mentorship, differential pay during active duty, military leave and job protection. Our Veterans Business Resource Group also helps build community through peer mentorship, service opportunities and advocacy for military-friendly policies.
For the second year in a row, Tyson Foods has been recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer, earning a Gold designation for 2027. It’s recognition we’re proud of, but even more important is the work behind it: creating an environment where veterans can find opportunity, support and a sense of belonging as they build their next chapter.
Most importantly, this work is about seeing veterans for everything they already bring to the table and helping connect that experience to what comes next. To learn more, explore our Veteran Recruitment page.
Honoring Those Who Served
The five stories shared here represent five different journeys, but they are also just a glimpse of the veterans who bring their experience, perspective and talents to Tyson Foods every day.
To Jamie Young, Matt Bumgarner, Heather French and Bryant Barnes, thank you for being willing to share. And to the veterans and military families across Tyson Foods and in the communities we call home, thank you for your service, your sacrifice and everything you continue to contribute.
For me, helping veterans find what comes next isn’t simply part of my role. It’s an opportunity to make sure those who have served know that the experience they’ve built matters, and that there are new missions still ahead.