Veteran Spotlight: Matt Dier
"The military provided me with a fresh start and an opportunity for a brand-new career. Fast forward 13+ years...I quite literally wouldn't be at Lodestar had it not been for the military experience".
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1
Tell us about your time serving in the military. What branch did you serve and how long did you serve?
I enlisted in the Air Force a little later than most, at the age of 24. I progressed in my enlisted career until 2017, when I was selected to become an Officer. Since transitioning to Lodestar, I'm obviously no longer full-time military; however, I have the privilege to continue still serving as a traditional Guardsman in the Finance Office at the 107 ATKW in Niagara Falls.
2
How has being a veteran impacted your career?
I was working for a bank when the housing market crashed back in 2008/2009. Although I wasn't laid off or fired, my day-to-day tasks absolutely dried up and my career path became a dead-end. The military provided me with a fresh start and an opportunity for a brand-new career. Fast forward 13+ years... I quite literally wouldn't be at Lodestar had it not been for the military experience, as the Air Force gave me a career in Finance to include DEAMS.
3
What part of your military career has made you successful in your career?
They say it's not what you know, but who you know, and military life is all about relationships. For example, I would not have considered the consulting world, had a military acquaintance not suggested it. It opened my eyes to this "world". The military has taught me that a strong work ethic (most importantly) paired with treating people with kindness and respect, will get you further than just talent alone. 
4
Why is Veterans Day important to you?
This Veterans Day (2022) will be a little more special to me as my grandfather passed away this past February. He was an Army veteran, having fought in the Korean War. He was never short on stories and rarely went anywhere without sporting his Korean War Vet hat. Although gracious and humble, he was incredibly proud of his family, his country, his military service, and most importantly, his faith. It is a privilege to follow in the very big footsteps he has left behind. 
5
What does it mean to be a veteran?
Veterans are those who are willing to give of their lives in defense of their country. And, giving of one's life doesn't just mean dying... it means expending one's time - time away from family, time training, time deployed, time spent in service of our country.
