WASHINGTON, DC – Veterans are sometimes miscast as “broken heroes.” Per capita, it’s a flawed stigma. That’s why I love finding Veterans who are out there working to bridge the military-civilian divide. This week’s guest is connecting Veterans to communities as the military relations manager at the second largest private company in the United States.

IMAGE: John Buckley

John started at Koch Industries in 2014

While in the Army, John Buckley, II was an infantry commander of soldiers in combat and peacekeeping operations. In addition, he directed two of the Army’s top schools. Commissioning as a second lieutenant in the reserves at the age of 19, John began serving in the Kansas Army National Guard, eventually earning a regular army commission. He is a graduate of the Infantry Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies, the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College, receiving a special degree in national security policy. John also holds a master’s in military arts and sciences and a master’s in military science.

Today, John teaches transition courses, gives presentations, writes about the military career transition, and continues to mentor current and former military service-members.

Furthermore, John is involved in the local Veteran community of Wichita, KS as the:

Currently, the boards’ current focus is on Veteran unemployment and homelessness. Their future goals are to create a Veteran-friendly medical transportation system.

John is also a board member of the non-profit, Passageways. They battle Veteran homelessness within and around the city of Wichita. For their Phase II, Passageways is looking to develop a 30 home community focusing on providing homes for the local female veteran community and their families.

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One Comment

  1. John D. Cusack March 30, 2019 at 14:04

    I was a combat infantry platoon leader with the 4th Infantry Div in 1969. Recipient of the CIB and two decorations. I have heard from a reliable source that the Koch brothers once called the VA “Socialized Medicine”. If that is accurate the Koch brothers can shove it where the sun don’t shine.

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