Rep. Mike Brandenburg, Edgely

In my 22 years serving in the North Dakota National Guard and while serving as State Representative, I have seen firsthand the tireless dedication of our servicemembers to our country. As we (honored) our brave men and women this Veterans Day, I want to also acknowledge the important work of helping these heroes find meaningful careers as they transition into civilian life. Several industries are critical to these efforts, including one North Dakota industry that has stood out. Many veterans have found a fulfilling career in North Dakota’s wind industry, and that’s no coincidence.

North Dakotans are proud of our energy leadership, and in recent years we’ve expanded that role to include wind energy. While wind supports thousands of jobs in our state, what you might not know is that veterans help fill these positions faster than most. The wind industry as a whole has hired service men and women at a rate 61% higher than the average U.S industry. These careers and their focus on the importance of teamwork in nontraditional environments offer a unique appeal for veterans. Similarly, veterans’ knowledge of machinery, an outstanding work ethic, and dedication make them strong applicants for wind technician careers.

There are several reasons why wind energy has been a benefit to our state, but the opportunities that it is providing to veterans is hard to match.