Introduction
For David White, service has always been a family value.
He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as part of the 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron, keeping bases running as an HVAC/R technician. Years later, his oldest daughter Jennifer followed in his footsteps, serving as a loadmaster in Air Force Special Operations Command. Her role was critical: calculating weight and balance for AC-130 aircraft before every mission.
But when Jennifer was severely injured while training another airman, everything changed. She was medically discharged, and the family relocated to Charleston, South Carolina to ensure she had access to the resources and support she needed. David, his wife, and youngest daughter joined her — determined to surround her with care.
That move opened an unexpected new chapter for David, leading him to the Cummins Turbo Plant in Charleston. Today, he sees his career as an extension of the same values that shaped his time in the military and his role as a father: precision, resilience, and putting people first.
From service to corporate life
David’s career began in the 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron, where his work kept bases running smoothly. That early focus on systems and standards planted the seed for his lifelong interest in quality management.
But when it came time to transition out of the Air Force, the move wasn’t easy. The corporate world felt like unfamiliar terrain.
“Where do I start? Can someone guide me? How do I translate my skills?” he remembers asking himself.
The uncertainty was intimidating, but David didn’t let it stop him. He leaned on friends, colleagues, and mentors, asking questions and learning how to bridge the gap between military service and civilian work. Bit by bit, he found his footing, proving that persistence and community are key to making a successful transition.
Military lessons in leadership
Some of David’s most important leadership lessons didn’t come from a textbook. They came from watching the people around him.
During his Air Force service, one leader in particular stood out. Instead of keeping his distance, this leader put people first. When airmen couldn’t be with family during the holidays, he welcomed them into his own home. When emergencies hit the base, he was right there on site, shoulder to shoulder with his team.
That example left a lasting impression. Today, David carries those same values into his work at Cummins. He makes strong relationships his priority, guided by empathy, trust, and authenticity. For him, success isn’t just about hitting metrics — it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.
Building community at Cummins
When David first joined Cummins, he quickly discovered that support for veterans didn’t end with a handshake. Through Human Resources, he was connected to the Community Involvement Team and a local Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG). For someone navigating a new chapter after decades in military and government work, those connections were invaluable.
What started as a network soon grew into a movement. David helped charter a Veterans ERG at the Charleston Turbo Plant and watched it blossom into a space where both veterans and non-veterans came together. Their mission was simple but powerful: serve, educate, recognize, volunteer, and empower.
That mission came to life in hands-on ways. The group built memorial gardens, distributed food locally, hosted trivia nights, and honored fallen service members by laying wreaths on graves.These weren’t just “workplace activities” — they were reminders that community can extend far beyond the company walls.Today, David says it almost feels like he runs into another veteran at every turn, whether it’s on a project team, in another business unit, or in the hallway. That daily sense of belonging reinforces the same feeling he once had on base: You’re never walking alone.
Actionable advice for veterans transitioning to corporate careers
Looking back on his own transition, David admits it wasn’t always easy. The military gave him discipline and technical expertise, but stepping into the corporate world meant learning a whole new language. What helped most, he says, was finding people willing to guide him.
That’s why his number-one piece of advice to veterans is simple: seek out mentorship. “Mentors can help you see what’s ahead, make sense of unfamiliar systems, and remind you that you belong here,” David explains.
He also encourages veterans to:
- Explore programs like SkillBridge: Government-funded initiatives can help ease the shift from service to civilian careers.
- American Corporate Partners: Non-profit organization that supports service to civilian careers.
- Hiring Our Heroes: Connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.
- Join Employee Resource Groups: Whether veteran-focused or not, ERGs offer a sense of community and a network of support inside the company.
- Step outside your comfort zone: Growth, David says, doesn’t come from staying where it feels safe. “The moment you step out of your comfort zone is the moment you begin to grow.”
- Build your support system: Surround yourself with people and resources who will cheer you on when things feel uncertain.
For David, these steps turned what could have been an overwhelming transition into a pathway of growth. For veterans considering a career at Cummins, or anywhere in corporate America, his message is clear: Don’t go it alone.
Looking ahead
David isn’t finished building bridges for veterans. Far from it. As an active leader in the Veterans Employee Resource Group, he’s now focused on creating new pathways for skill development, particularly in project management.
“Veterans bring so much experience to the table, but sometimes they just need opportunities to translate those skills into the corporate environment,” he says. By designing initiatives that help members build project management expertise, David hopes to empower veterans not only to succeed at Cummins but also to strengthen the communities they serve.
It’s a vision rooted in the same values that have guided him all along: service, resilience, and lifting others up. For David, leadership isn’t about the spotlight — it’s about making sure everyone around him has the tools and support to thrive.
Finding strength in community
David’s story is a reminder that transitions don’t happen in isolation. With the right support — mentors, resource groups, and a community that values inclusion — veterans can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
If you’re navigating your own career shift, or working to build a more inclusive workplace, remember that community makes all the difference.
Interested in working for a company that helps you find time for what matters most to you? Check out Cummins’ job openings here.
