A John Deere Publication

Person in a blue vest standing indoors near green tractors on a polished floor.

Dave aims to expand the reach of the SkillBridge program by leveraging partnerships from the United Service Organizations (USO) and 50Strong at John Deere.

Agriculture January 01, 2026

From the Marines to John Deere

How a veteran's internship opened new doors.

Dave Underwood's story starts in a small Iowa town where he was born and raised. "Growing up in Eldridge instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of giving back to the community," Dave shares.

The events of September 11th, 2001, had a profound impact on Dave, sparking a strong desire to serve his country. "I wanted to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and the Marines offered the perfect opportunity to do so," he explains.

After the Marines, the transition from military to civilian life was made smoother by the SkillBridge program which provides transitioning service members with valuable civilian work experience through internships and training programs. "This opportunity allowed me to apply my military skills in a corporate environment, learn new competencies, and contribute to meaningful projects," he explains. But he didn't stop there. "I went back to school and graduated summa cum laude and found my place in recruiting right away."

Dave's journey eventually led him to John Deere. "The company's values align with my own, and I saw an opportunity to make a significant impact on veterans in the area by becoming a recruiter." Today, he serves as the global executive recruitment and governance lead.

Dave's story has come full circle as his job recently expanded to include responsibility for some of Deere's military programs that help veterans transition into the civilian workforce. "These programs help veterans build new careers, gain confidence, and find a new purpose to serve our communities," he explains.

Dave's advice to veterans transitioning to civilian careers is to leverage the skills and experiences gained in the military, seek out mentorship, and remain adaptable. "Embrace new opportunities and stay committed to continuous learning and growth," he says with a smile. ‡