On the Move

Army NCO deploys his military training and skills for a civilian career in logistics.

Kevin Araujo loves the fast pace of logistics. It’s little wonder, then, that he enjoys his civilian career with J.B. Hunt Transport so much. The former Army sergeant coordinates 34 drivers who deliver tortillas and related products to distributors in seven states.

“Logistics is upbeat and stimulating. I like staying on my toes when it comes to my day-to-day routine,” Araujo said. “With my passion for leadership, I wanted to enter a field where I could have a direct impact on people’s lives, including employees, the region and the institution.”

We asked Araujo about his military service, transition and what it’s like to work in the transportation field.

Why did you volunteer to serve your nation? From an early age, my goal was to join the military one day. At the age of 14, I wanted to sign up for the US Air Force Early Entry Program. I lived in Brazil at the time and knew this would be a challenge as I would need to provide funding myself. 

What was your military job? As a petroleum supply specialist, I would set up and operate fuel systems for fuel tanks, aircrafts and other vehicles. As a logistics supply specialist, I conducted company-level operations. 

What was the biggest challenge transitioning from the military? Committing to a city and state to live. Once I figured I wanted to live in Colorado, I based my decision on cost of living and tried getting a job in that location. 

Why did you choose this career field? Logistics is upbeat and stimulating. I like staying on my toes when it comes to my day-to-day routine. With my passion for leadership, I wanted to enter a field where I could have a direct impact on people’s lives, including employees, the region and the institution. 

What is your current job? As an operations manager for J.B. Hunt Dedicated Contract Services, I oversee a medium-sized fleet of 34 company drivers by working with four transportation managers. Our fleet delivers tortillas and tortilla-related products for a reputable US distributor in seven different states. 

What do you love most about this career field? The relationship I have with our drivers, my team especially. Without them, none of this would be possible, and I think about that impact every day.

What’s the biggest challenge? Making sure our drivers stay safe while on the road. They face
a lot of factors, and I feel my greatest responsibility is assisting them in every way possible to operate safely.

How are the pay and benefits? Excellent, considering the area’s cost of living.

What hours and days do you typically work? I average five days a week, 10-12 hours per day.

Would you recommend this career field to transitioning service members or veterans? I would recommend this career field to transitioning service members or veterans because transportation and logistics will always be valued. As we saw throughout the pandemic, J.B. Hunt kept moving and delivering products that individuals and families needed. 

If you could do it over again, what do you WISH you knew when you transitioned from the military that you know now? Thinking back to when I transitioned from the military into the workforce, I didn’t realize just how important networking is.

What mistake would you advise service members or veterans interested in pursuing this career field to avoid? I would advise service members or veterans interested in pursuing this career to embrace the opportunities you’ll have while meeting new people who have perspectives or experiences that may be new to you. Those experiences could have a positive impact on your future and it’s great to make connections in the company.

This article is from the August 2023 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.