Supporting those who served with opportunities for veterans in Maine 

Since retiring from the United States Air Force a year ago, Zac White has found the transition to civilian life made easier through his new career as a millwright apprentice at the Dixfield Sawmill.  

Zac was part of SkillBridge, a program of the United States Department of War where partner businesses provide internships to military members who are about to transition into civilian life. Through the program, Zac was able to work at the Dixfield Sawmill for three months while still in the Air Force.  

For Zac, who joined the military straight out of high school, having the ability to try out a job that interested him during a key life juncture was an important opportunity.  

“I was getting ready to retire, and I wasn’t quite done working. I still felt like I needed to be doing something,” Zac said. “And J.D. Irving was happy to welcome me to participate.”  

Zac was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, having always been mechanically inclined, and was looking for something that would allow him to continue working with his hands. He found these attributes in the role of sawmill millwright.   

A year later, Zac is progressing as a millwright apprentice and working toward obtaining his certification as a Journeyman Millwright in the state of Maine.  

“Everyone from supervisors down to the peer level have been very accommodating with helping me get into the correct mode and helping me with the transition of working military to civilian hours,” Zac said.  

Zac’s story is a shining example of the positive impact veterans are bringing to operations as Irving Forest Products, a subsidiary of J.D. Irving, Limited, continues its efforts in military and veteran recruitment across Maine.   

Aaron Williamson, an Operations Trainer at the Dixfield Sawmill, sees the important role such opportunities play in helping former service members settle into civilian life again.  

A veteran himself, and one of the first people all new employees meet when starting out at the sawmill, Aaron said the sawmill offers a compatible and supportive culture for veterans in the transition to a civilian career.  

“When people leave the service, one of the biggest adjustments is no longer being surrounded by individuals who share the same sense of purpose, drive and commitment to a common goal,” he said. “The J.D. Irving environment provides an excellent transition because it helps restore that sense of teamwork and shared mission.”  

After serving 13 years with the United States Army, where he spent most of his career in special operations, Aaron worked in a variety of civilian leadership roles, including as vice-president of operations for a major training academy for military and law enforcement.  

Looking to move back to the region where he grew up, Aaron saw an opportunity at the Dixfield Sawmill to put his experience and skillset to use. Since joining a year ago, Aaron said he’s experienced firsthand how the company recognizes the leadership skills that veterans bring and provides opportunities for career growth.   

“Former military members have the basic leadership fundamentals the company can benefit from,” Aaron said. “If you want to do it, and if you demonstrate that you're a capable leader, then I think you have plenty of opportunities to grow.”  

J.D. Irving, Limited recognizes and honours the service, experience and shared values that veterans bring. More information about opportunities available can be found here.