Marching to a New Beat: How Two Veterans Transition with Ease
What’s new
John Deere’s hiring programs have successfully placed over 400 DoD SkillBridge interns and hired more than 450 veterans, giving them the support they need to start new careers and settle back into their communities.
Gage's Journey to a Dealership
Growing up in Sandy, Oregon, Gage Quiett spent countless hours around a John Deere 750 utility tractor, intrigued by its mechanics. "That tractor was tough and worked hard – never needed much fixing,” Gage remembers. “I loved seeing how it worked.”
His early experiences led him to the Marines, where he served as a motor transportation operator and certified heavy wrecker, mastering complex machinery under tough conditions.
Transitioning to civilian life, Gage joined John Deere's dealership program, initially working at Papé Machinery in Oregon.
Now a technician at Ag Power in Missouri, Gage utilizes the discipline and problem-solving skills from his military days. "I use what the Marines taught me about hard work and problem-solving every day," he notes. One evening, Gage stayed late to fix a farmer's combine, ensuring it was ready for the next morning’s harvest. "Seeing the relief on that farmer's face, I knew this is exactly where I need to be."
Germán’s Transition to an Office
Germán Ortiz's story began as a young immigrant, evolving into a seasoned Air Force veteran, and later finding a new chapter through John Deere's Skillbridge program.
With two decades in the military, transitioning to civilian life posed a challenge. "Switching from military to civilian life is tough because you encounter different skills, processes, systems, and terminologies. It's an adjustment, not knowing exactly where you fit in a world that's organized so differently,” Germán recalled.
The Skillbridge program provided a structured pathway to apply his accounting and finance expertise and meet with mentors to support his transition. “The 120 days of my internship was beyond what I expected. The level of support, experiences, and exposure to projects made me feel like I belonged. Everyone was so helpful,” he explained.
Now a senior analyst at John Deere Harvester Works, Germán actively enhances his skills and supports internal stakeholders. He also mentors other veterans, helping them navigate their transitions. "Seeing how relieved and happy other veterans are when they get this kind of help really shows how important these programs are.”