Voices of Veterans: Scott Staudinger

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1730305947079{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]On Veterans’ Day and every day, America’s 1.3 million active-duty military service men and women are providing vital security and support at home and around the globe, with approximately 170,000 currently serving abroad. Military service is life-changing, providing profound experiences in leadership and personal/professional development that returning veterans bring back to civilian life and careers, including many Kraus-Anderson employees. Every Veteran’s story is unique, yet connected to our nation’s military tradition of service and sacrifice.

In recognition of Veterans Day and with respect to all who have served, this week we offer perspective from Veteran Scott Staudinger, Director for Business Development at Kraus-Anderson’s Bismarck ND office and Board of Directors member of the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve, Central Region.  

Please provide a little summary of your military experience.

SCOTT STAUDINGER: I served a total of 20 years, 9 active and the rest in the North Dakota National Guard. I was enlisted, then a senior non-commissioned officer, and finally a commissioned officer. I served during the first Gulf War and then again in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004 with the 82nd Airborne.  

What stands out in your memory of your time in the military?

SCOTT STAUDINGER: During my three years stationed in Germany, I had the honor (the day before my birthday) of helping tear down Check-Point Charlie, which was part of the Berlin Wall. It was very special to be part of two countries being reunified after 50 years.  

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SCOTT STAUDINGER: Everyone wonders what direction they should take to grow and become a better person. Growing up in a small rural community, the service provided me an opportunity to be exposed to culture, diversity, and teamwork. It also provided the platform to build a high level of integrity, a commitment to selfless service, and a renewed focus on hard work. I learned resilience, loyalty, adaptability, and the ability to both find and solve problems. Being responsible for large amounts of equipment and soldiers, I learned leadership, a strive for perfection, accountability, and organizational mission first. I believe all those skills are very important to employers. Both at home and at work, I feel that the ability for self-reflection, independence, personal accountability, new perspectives, lessons learned, determination, and a passion for what we do, made me a better father, husband, mentor, and coach.   

You have continued to provide services to veterans since returning to civilian life. Talk a little about that.

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SCOTT STAUDINGER: The Global War on Terror (GWOT), including Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, has seen almost 3 million service members that have served. Over half have deployed more than once. The United States hasn’t seen these kinds of numbers since Vietnam. Almost 75% of those returning Veterans experience heightened stress when transitioning from military to civilian life. Being a Veteran and one of the first to come back, there was a need to assist those who followed in the transition back to their civilian life. Whether it was town hall meetings, honor flights, weekly Zoom calls, or public speaking events, you have to do what it takes to help your brothers and sisters reconnect with family and friends, adjust to a new routine and lifestyle, and finally find employment. Whether it is serving on Military and Veteran Affairs Committees, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Veterans (AMVETS), National Board of Directors for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Army Reserve Ambassador’s Program, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Wounded Warrior Project, Armed Forces Service Center, Hunting Dakota with Roosevelt or assisting the Veteran Affairs (VA), any community support for veterans acknowledges their sacrifices and supports their journey back to civilian life. There are many nonprofit organizations that assist Service members, Veterans, and their families, and advocate for their well-being and readiness. They need your volunteerism.   

Today, with Veterans comprising only about 7% of the U.S. population and fewer than 1% on active duty, many Americans have no direct connection to those with military experience. Share some thoughts about the importance of military support organizations for returning Vets. 

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SCOTT STAUDINGER: Many military support organizations are built to serve as a space for connecting, learning, and engaging with a community. Even though I serve on many national organizations, I feel that a more community-centric approach is useful for engaging veterans and the military family.  

Today, it is even more important for these organizations to engage our returning warriors. Military service members returning from America’s “forever” wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have often faced deeply personal questions about their experience. This sense of estrangement from the rest of the population is, in my experience, common among veterans. This isn’t surprising, considering many skills used on the battlefield—like hypervigilance, hyperawareness, and adrenaline-quick reflexes—helped us survive when we were deployed. It’s only now that we’re back home that these responses are inappropriate. 

For those of us- most Americans- who haven’t experienced military service, how can we be supportive?  

SCOTT STAUDINGER: Many veterans feel like the civilians in our lives can’t understand us since they haven’t been in the service or seen what they have. But people don’t have to have gone through the exact same experiences to relate to painful emotions and be able to offer support. What matters is that the person you’re turning to cares about you is a good listener, and is able to be there for you as a source of strength and comfort. That is why these organizations are so important. In the end, if you served or you didn’t, people who care about our service members want to help. Listening is not a burden for them but a welcome opportunity to provide support. Transitioning from a military life to a civilian one can be challenging. It is important that service members and military spouses know that even as they transition from the military, there are organizations and supporters that stand ready to support them as they find their way.  

How can civilians honor veterans in meaningful ways?  

SCOTT STAUDINGER: Here are some ideas, beyond simply saying, “Thank you for your service:” 

  1. Attend a Veterans Day event. 
  2. Ask a Veteran about their time in the military. 
  3. Display the U.S. flag in your home. 
  4. Volunteer for or donate to a military support nonprofit like the USO. 
  5. Read a book or watch a movie about U.S. military history. 

Some of the many National and State organizations that provide support to those who have served and their families:  

  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) 
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 
  • American Legion 
  • AMVETS 
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 
  • Hope For the Warriors  
  • Honor Flight Network  
  • United Service Organizations (USO) 
  • Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 
  • Reserve Ambassador Program 

To name a few.  

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