GIJOBs

SEP 2017

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14 G.I. JOBS | SEPTEMBER 2017 | GIJOBS.COM BULLETS TO BACON. When he was an Army truck driver in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jesse Smith's platoon resupplied combat outposts – hauling ammo, food, water and fuel. Today Smith, 30, hauls pigs from farms to processing plants for Transervice Logistics Inc. in Iowa. While it's less danger- ous than driving in a combat zone, he's faced with the challenge of driving a tractor trailer on often-tight, graveled backroads while keeping his livestock calm. SMELL OF MONEY. Smith doesn't mind working with 300-pound animals that outweigh him. He doesn't even mind the smell. "It's all in your head," he says. "If you think it's 'the smell of money,' then you get to love it. Just make sure you wash or Lysol your hands before you eat." AFGHANISTAN TO ALASKA. A native of Iowa, Smith enlisted in 2006 – continuing a long tradition of family military service. An Airborne School gradu- ate, Smith learned how to drive trucks, train and lead soldiers during his enlist- ment. He deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. His favorite duty station was Joint Base Elmendorf-Rich- ardson in Alaska. "Alaska is an absolutely beautiful state, and the mountains are breathtaking." DOING WHAT HE LOVES. By 2015 Smith wanted to make his family his top priority and began pre- paring for his transition one year out. He left Alaska in February 2016 and landed a job in March as a transportation supervisor in Iowa. In November 2016 he took the job doing what he loves: Driving. ON THE ROAD AGAIN. These days Smith works about 55 hours each week, working six nights a week. He loves seeing the sun set or rise on the country roads of Iowa from the cab of his truck. "I love driving big trucks on little back gravel roads, as it is challenging," he says. "But you have to be careful as it can get tight and treacherous, especially on unplowed snowy roads." DO THIS. "Save up as many leave days as possible before you get out so you have income," Smith says. "This will ensure you can pay your bills while you job search and start your new career." Jesse Smith Professional Livestock Transporter Transervice Logistics Inc. CF Transport Division – Johnston, Iowa Age: 30 Military Service: Staff Sergeant (E-6), Army (2006-2015) MOS: Motor Transport Operator (88M3P8R) OIF: 2007-2008, 2009-2010 OEF: 2012 Education: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) BRINGING HOME THE BACON Childhood Hero? Dale Earnhardt Sr. Favorite athlete? Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hobbies? Going for Harley rides Favorite reality show? "American Ninja Warrior" Top thing on "bucket list"? To fly a plane Favorite sandwich, plus fixings: Toasted PB&J; Childhood dream job? Racecar driver Exercise you hate most? The V-up (hurts my tail bone) The world would be better without: TV. It consumes all of peoples' free time. Most memorable fashion mistake? Bleaching hair blonde WE HAD TO ASK! Army veteran loves hauling livestock on the backroads of rural America. SUCCESS STORIES SENIOR ENLISTED

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