For his outstanding efforts in creating resources for active duty service-members in their transition to a post-military life, and for the example he has and continues to set for transitioning vets, VA Home Loan Centers is proud to announce that Joe Crane has been named the inaugural member of the VA HLC Honor Role.
The transition from active duty service to civilian is a period marked by instability for many veterans. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have left an estimated 300,000 former service-members scarred with the “invisible wounds of war.” Psychological disorders, traumatic brain injury and PTSD have correlated with high rates of veteran homelessness, suicide, unemployment and underemployment. The VA has diagnosed 30 percent of combat vets as PTSD sufferers, although many estimates put the number of veterans afflicted by the disorder closer to 60 percent. Sadly, and perhaps not surprisingly, given these figures, The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans approximates that between 530,000 and 840,000 veterans are homeless at some point during the year. In 2012, the Veteran unemployment rate rose as high as 12.4 percent, and as stated by IAVA, the veteran suicide rate is over twice as high as the rate among civilians. Not to mention the 5.5 million disabled veterans living in the country, 3.4 million of who were disabled while in service.
The need for reform among veteran programs and services is apparent. The status quo is failing discharged service-members trying to re-integrate into civilian society.
Despite the overwhelming depth of statistics that point negative, the success stories of countless veterans is cause for optimism. VA Home Loan Centers was fortunate to talk with one of these veterans, podcast host Joe Crane, of Veteran On the Move fame. Crane, alum of the University of Kansas, Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot, aviation professional and entrepreneur, is the walking embodiment of a successful post military transition. Crane, a lifelong achiever, launched the Veteran On the Move podcast in June of this year. Dedicated to transitioning veterans, “entrepreneur wannabes” and people working towards greater occupational freedom, Crane, in his words creates “valuable content for veterans to make the transition to their freedom.”
Joe Crane Interview
Can you talk a little about and give us an overview of your military career? How did you first become interested in serving? Did you have an “aha moment” where you just knew that service was your calling?
Joe Crane: I became interested in military aviation during my first year of college. I attended Officer Candidate School during two summers between semesters at The University of Kansas. Upon graduation, I was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Marine Corps. After graduation from flight school I went to the west coast and flew the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, two WESTPAC deployments to Okinawa, Japan and South Korea. After 8 years of active duty I transferred to the reserves and began a career in the commercial airlines. Although I loved doing what I did in the military and I loved flying, I always had a burning desire to become an entrepreneur.
What was your transition from college student at the University of Kansas to U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant like? What were some of the challenges you faced in acclimating to life in the military?
Joe Crane: Some of that transition occurred during OCS (Officer Candidates School) while still in college but I was glad to finally be out of college and on my own. I was making enough money to do what I wanted and pay my bills. The Marine Corps was tough but I was happy to be heading to flight school and learning how to fly.
What are you most proud of from your time in service?
Joe Crane: Looking back on it, the things I did and saw in the Marine Corps over 24 years were amazing. While it was happening it did not always seem like a good time but now I realize I played a small part in something much larger than myself. I was actually a part of history in the making.
How does your military service continue to influence your life today? What did you learn in service that you apply to your day to day life now?
Joe Crane: It’s much more a part of me than I realize. Sometimes it just boils down to getting things done. Perseverance, dedication and confidence are results that a career in the military builds. Those characteristics are quite useful in the civilian world.
(Editor’s Note: some statistics indicate that military veterans are 30 to 35 percent more likely to succeed in entrepreneurial pursuits than their civilian counterparts, coincidence? We think not)
You have previously discussed the impact 9/11 had on you, can you talk a little about that? How did that day influence your life at the time?
Joe Crane: Shortly after that day I was furloughed from my airline job and back on active duty. Two years later I was back in Iraq flying Cobras and getting shot at. Another deployment to Iraq in 2007 and ultimately retiring from the Marine Corps resulted in a huge impact on my life and my military and civilian career.
Can you talk a little about Veteran on the Move? How did you get involved in the podcast? Can you explain the process of taking the concept of the show and making it a reality?
Joe Crane: As I approached the end of my military career, I knew there was no better time to make that jump into entrepreneurship. As I struggled through the process I realized that getting started in entrepreneurship is not all that easy but I also discovered many programs, people and resources to help veterans transition to entrepreneurship. The Veteran On the Move podcast is a guide to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship, a pathfinder to freedom, that features all the programs, people and resources that I discovered along the way.
I have always loved podcasts. Ditch the radio and choose what you want to listen to when you want it. For many years I had thought I wanted to start a podcast but I never could decide on a topic until I went through my entrepreneurial struggle. Trying to start a podcast was not easy either. But again, once I found the programs, people and resources dedicated to helping podcasters I was on my way.
How has hosting a podcast affected you in your personal life? Would you say that this is something, for lack of a better term that you were “born to do”?
Joe Crane: Well it does take time away from my family but it has given me a sense of purpose which is vital for all veterans to have. I have always loved talking to business owners and entrepreneurs about their business so it really comes natural to me which is why Veteran On the Move is a perfect fit. The podcast has also been a great human experience. I have had the privilege to meet some great people in the course of conducting interviews and I would have to say that was an unexpected benefit to hosting a podcast.
Transitioning to issues facing veterans, what would you say is the biggest roadblock to a successful transition from active duty to civilian? What issues are military members likely to face as they move on to the next phase of their life?
Joe Crane: The biggest roadblock is having an accurate idea and plan for what you want to do. Many veterans flounder after they get out, trying to find their way. That is dangerous because a veteran can easily lose their sense of purpose which can be followed by hopelessness and go downhill from there. It’s not all about making money so don’t let the dollar signs dictate your path. Find your passion. The greatest thing about transition is that a veteran usually knows it’s coming ahead of time. This gives you time to think, plan and prepare for your transition. Think about what non-veterans deal with such as a two week notice of termination. In the civilian world you may not get time to prepare, so embrace the preplanned transition plan.
How do you explain the high rates of unemployment, and underemployment among veterans? Do you think former military members are stigmatized by potential employers? What programs do you recommend veterans take advantage of as they acclimate to civilian life?
Joe Crane: I think a lot of veterans choose to be unemployed. This goes back to the previous question. They didn’t think ahead about what they were going to do when they got out, so they flounder for awhile. Some of that is OK. Take a break, decompress and find yourself but eventually it’s time to get back on the horse and do something. Again, it’s not about the money so find what you want to do and make it happen.
I think there are generalizations out there towards veterans which is fine because some of them are true. If you experience an employer or company that is negative towards veterans then move on because it probably wasn’t the right culture for you anyway. There are so many great veteran friendly employers why waste the time dealing with the ones that are not? It’s their loss.
Start with the standard separations classes that we all go through, TAMP, TAP, ACAP etc. In addition to the standard stuff, ask and request more information on what you want to do. I was in day two when I heard someone mention an optional three day entrepreneurship workshop. That workshop was instrumental in sending my down the right path for entrepreneurship. There are Universities, non-profits, corporations and a host of other organizations just waiting to embrace veterans, all you have to do is go looking for them. I really like the Kauffman Foundation and their Fasttrac program. It’s like a boot camp for entrepreneurs and most veterans and spouses can apply and attend for free. There is also the non-profit, Center for Transitional Leadership which helps senior enlisted and officer’s transition to the civilian sector. I developed a short guide called “The Top 7 Paths to Freedom” which features most of these avenues that assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship. It’s available for free at www.veteranonthemove.com.
What advice do you have for veterans who were recently discharged or who are on the verge of a discharge?
Joe Crane: Look forward to your transition. There is life after the military but it’s up to you to make it happen. Take your time, plan ahead; live frugal so finances don’t force you into something you don’t like. Don’t forget where you came from and don’t ever be embarrassed about what you did in the military. Be proud of your service, you have served your country honorably, now it’s time to go get a taste of that freedom you defended.
What do we have to look forward to in 2015 with Veteran on the Move?
Joe Crane: I’m looking forward to more interviews with great guests and providing more value to veterans who wish to transition to the exciting world of entrepreneurship. I’m planning an online transition summit for veterans to connect with others that have gone before them into the civilian sector. I am also planning to start a second podcast called “Speaking of Heroes”. Giving our heroes a chance to tell their story which is a great complement Veteran On the Move.
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Joe! We wish you and the show the best! To listen to Joe Crane on Veteran On the Move check out http://www.veteranonthemove.com/category/podcast/
Do you know a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the service personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces? Click here to make a nomination for our Honor Role.
