The Renewable Fuels Association today announced the launch of Veterans for Renewable Fuels, a new initiative for military veterans and immediate family members working in the U.S. ethanol industry to recognize and celebrate the contributions of military veterans and provide them with opportunities to network and support one another.
According to the Department of Energy, nearly one out of every six workers in the ethanol industry is a veteran—three times the rate of the national labor force. The concentration of vets in the ethanol industry is higher than any other segment of the energy industry, according to DOE.
In conjunction with today’s launch of VRF, the group’s co-chairs sent a letter to President Joe Biden, thanking him for his commitment to domestic bioenergy, highlighting the role of veterans in the industry, and calling on the administration to “fully embrace the national security benefits of homegrown renewable fuels like ethanol.” VRF is co-chaired by RFA board members Jeff Oestmann, a former U.S. Marine, and Tony Leiding, a U.S. Army veteran.
VRF will be managed by two RFA staffers with military ties. Justin Schultz, RFA’s Director of Environment, Health and Safety, will be the staff lead on the project, and Robert White, RFA’s Senior VP of Industry Relations and Market Development, will be an advisor. Schultz is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and White served seven years on active duty in the Army, culminating with three years at the U.S. embassy in Warsaw where he assisted the Polish military with accomplishing the requirements of NATO membership.
There are already plans for networking opportunities for members, including a swift boat naval history tour as a kickoff event in conjunction with the 2024 National Ethanol Conference in San Diego.
“We are extremely proud to unveil the VRF initiative just in time for Veterans Day,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, who served on active duty as an Army captain specializing in bulk petroleum supply and logistics. “When women and men in uniform leave the military and start searching for jobs, they want more than a paycheck. They’re looking for rewarding work and they want to join a team of dedicated professionals focused on a common mission. Many veterans have found just what they’re looking for in the ethanol industry, and we are truly honored to have them in our midst.”
Learn more about VRF in this interview with RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
VRF interview with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper 12:18