From Duty to Deere: A Legacy That Keeps Giving
How Corey Young Honors His Military Roots at John Deere
For Corey Young, service is more than a career — it’s a family tradition. “Military service runs deep in my family,” Corey says. “My grandfather was a Marine in World War II, my uncle served in Vietnam, and my brother was part of the Iraq invasion in 2003. I can trace our family’s service all the way back to Levi Dice, who fought at Gettysburg.”
After graduating college during the 2009 financial crisis, Corey found both purpose and practicality in the Army. “The Army offered loan repayment and a chance to serve. It made sense personally and professionally.”
Leadership Forged in Uniform
One defining moment in Corey’s military career came when he had to push back on a Lieutenant Colonel to uphold legal standards. “It wasn’t easy, but it taught me the importance of doing the hard right over the easy wrong,” he says. That integrity continues to shape how he leads today.
Another standout experience was coordinating a high-stakes media event in Nigeria. “We transferred $11 million in equipment to the Nigerian Army. It was complex, cross-cultural, and high-pressure, but it showed me how powerful clear communication can be.”
As of May 2025, Deere has hired 518 veterans directly and 190 more through internships.
A Natural Transition
Corey now brings that same discipline and clarity to his work as a marketing communications planner. “The Army taught me how to lead diverse teams under pressure. At Deere, I use those same skills, whether I’m managing a product launch or solving problems on tight timelines.”
His transition was eased by an internship during his MBA and the support of strong mentors. “It was a big shift, but also a natural one,” he reflects.
Giving Back, Always
Corey continues to serve the veteran community through Deere’s military hiring program and as communications chair for the North Carolina Military Resource Group. “We support veterans and military families across the organization, including our annual ‘Backpack Brigade’ for National Guard families.”
Most recently, Corey joined 20 fellow employees at the Renewal & Remembrance event in Washington, D.C., where they helped beautify Arlington National Cemetery and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Deere’s turf team even coordinated four pieces of equipment for the project.
“I hope the work we did there brings peace and comfort to all who visit to remember, honor, and pay tribute,” Corey says.
A Place Where Veterans Thrive
Corey’s story is one of many. Veterans are finding purpose not just at John Deere, but also at dealerships across the country.
As of May 2025, Deere has hired 518 veterans directly and 190 more through internships.
"John Deere is the dream job I didn’t know I wanted,” Corey says. “The people are incredible, the work is meaningful, and the mission—helping farmers feed, clothe, and shelter the world—is something I’m proud to be part of."