From Convoys to Careers: How One Veteran is Finding a New Mission on the Open Road

Most mornings at 7:30 am, while the sun is still climbing over the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Peosta campus, Tom Burke is already focused on his next mission. At 62, the McGregor resident and U.S. Army veteran is embracing a new challenge: mastering the driver's seat of a Class A rig.

Burke is currently one of two local heroes utilizing the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant at NICC. After years of factory work, Burke is proving that a wealth of experience is the perfect engine for a new career in transportation.

A Natural Progression

The transition from military service to commercial driving feels like a natural evolution for Burke. During his seven years of service-a journey that took him from Fort Hood to the Autobahn in Germany and to Korea-heavy equipment was part of the job.

"There's a lot of things in the military that relate to the trucking industry," Burke says as he navigates the rigorous four-week program. "Navigation, driving big heavy equipment and the self-discipline you learn-it all applies."

Combined with his background in farming, the 100 hours of behind-the-wheel training he is currently completing at NICC feels like a seamless next step for his lifelong skillset.

More Than Just a Job

For Burke, the decision to enroll wasn't just about finding employment after leaving his factory role in January. It was about reclaiming a daily rhythm and a sense of purpose.

"I'm too young to retire yet," Burke says with a smile. "I want to get a routine schedule going again and see some more of the country."

The path to that new routine was made possible by a $74,925 federal grant designed to eliminate the $5,000 tuition barrier for veterans and their families.

"It's very helpful financially," Burke notes. "I don't have to come up with that out of my pocket right away. I've always been a believer that if we don't use these programs for education, we lose the funding. You might as well use it to better yourself and get back into the workforce."

Supporting Those Who Served

NICC's status as a Gold-Level Military Friendly® School isn't just a title-it's reflected in the daily support provided to students like Burke.

"We are deeply committed to supporting veterans by fostering an environment that encourages them to apply the skills developed during their military service while preparing for meaningful, sustainable employment," says Dawn Fleming, NICC assistant director of financial aid and veterans affairs coordinator.

That commitment pays off in real-world results. With a 93% job placement rate and a local demand for drivers that is outpacing the national average, Burke and his fellow trainees are stepping into an industry that is eager for their expertise.

The Road Ahead

The training is intense-running from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and including everything from high-tech simulators to real-world road time. But for Burke, the end goal is worth every hour.

While he might consider "over-the-road" travel later in life when his wife retires, for now, he is focused on securing his CDL and finding a role that keeps him active in his home community.

"Having a CDL license can be a very rewarding career," says Martin Hemann, NICC transportation program developer. "It gives you a sense of independence and opportunities to see the country."

As Tom Burke masters the maneuvers on the Peosta driving range, he isn't just learning to drive a truck-he's driving his own future.

Are you a veteran or a family member ready for a new career?

Scholarships through the CMVOST grant are available on a first-come, first-served basis for training in Calmar, New Hampton, Peosta and Waukon.

Take the next step: Email [email protected] to learn more and apply for the CMVOST grant.