In Maine, a new partnership between Boots2Roots and the Maine Defense Industrial Alliance (MDIA) is providing comprehensive resources for military veterans and their family members who are transitioning into, or beginning to plan for, civilian life. It’s also helping the state secure top-notch talent, bolster its workforce with skilled professionals, and drive vital population growth.
“Every year, approximately 150,000 service members transition out of active duty,” Randy Bell, executive director of Boots2Roots, said. “They all have one important question to answer: Where will we build our next chapter?”
MDIA
For the past decade, Boots2Roots has worked hard to make sure Maine is part of that conversation; MDIA has spent the last two years answering a similar call.
“Workforce challenges prevail here in Maine, particularly in the defense or skilled trades,” said Andy Roy, MDIA executive director. He explained that Maine’s median age is higher than the national average, which reflects a population and workforce which is notably older than most other states.
In the past, Roy said, large military installations in the state meant that many completing their service there had already grown to appreciate Maine, and would likely want to stay in the state. After all, he added, Maine is consistently ranked highly for its relative safety, quality of life, and natural surroundings.
“But we don’t have any large defense bases in Maine anymore,” Roy said. “So we have to work harder at recruiting military partners from outside the state, because they’re not already here.”
As Roy’s MDIA works to level-up the service and support needed to grow Maine’s defense pipeline, its new partnership with Boots2Roots will be key.
Boots2Roots
Boots2Roots is no stranger to many in the military community: over the past 10 years, the organization has demonstrated an ability to assist veterans and their families via one-on-one transition coaching, resume assistance, employer introductions, community integration, and even ongoing support after relocation. It has overseen 445 successful placements, received more than 1,135 program applications, and helped more than 200 Maine employers hire highly qualified teammates.
The impact that Boots2Roots has already had goes far beyond statistics, however.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a military family that chose Maine, an employer that filled a critical workforce need, and a community that became stronger,” Bell explained. “We’re not simply helping someone find a job — we’re helping them build a life.”
A partnership for success
The relationship between Boots2Roots and MDIA is a complementary one, Bell and Roy said, allowing each organization to make the most of resources it already manages, while also building new connections and opportunities for each group’s existing niche. For example, MDIA concentrates on serving Maine’s defense industry, highlighting career opportunities, and connecting industry partners to grow Maine’s defense workforce; Boots2Roots helps place teammates across all industries in Maine.
It’s all about strengthening Maine’s workforce, supporting critical national defense industries, attracting young families, increasing population, supporting economic development, and helping veterans continue to serve in meaningful ways, Bell shared.
“This is workforce development, economic development, and community development all at once,” he said.
It’s a win for employers, too. Veterans can provide them with a skillset that isn’t always readily available, Bell and Roy pointed out.
“Military professionals already know how to lead teams, solve complex problems, prioritize work safely, quickly learn technical systems, operate in mission-focused environments, and adapt quickly,” Bell said.
“Those aren’t just military skills,” Roy added. “They’re exactly what Maine’s defense industry needs.”
“Our vision is simple,” Bell said. “We want Maine to become nationally recognized as one of the best places in America for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses to build meaningful careers and meaningful lives. Because when military families succeed, employers succeed. Communities grow, and Maine grows stronger.”
To learn more, visit Boots2Roots.org.
