Strength in Service: How Military Values Align with the Cooperative Model

A Three-Perspective Discussion on Leadership, Teamwork, and Mission-Driven Success

Introduction

Eight years ago, when I retired from the United States Army, I had no idea what a cooperative was. I had spent my career leading Rangers and Soldiers, training units, and focusing on mission success. Then, I found myself working in the cooperative world, and it quickly became clear that this was a natural fit. The values that defined my military career—selfless service, integrity, and teamwork—were the same values embedded in the electric cooperative model.

Through my work at LDR Leadership, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many veterans who have transitioned into cooperatives, including a former soldier with whom I served at the same time, in the 1^st Battalion, 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Arlington National Cemetery, and who is now a lineman in Texas. And a US Air Force veteran who serves as a cooperative CEO with whom my company partners. Our journeys are different, but the connection between military service and the cooperative model is undeniable.

This article explores that connection through three perspectives: a vendor (LDR Leadership/me) who works with cooperatives, a lineman and former platoon sergeant, and an Air Force veteran-turned-CEO. Through our experiences, we’ll highlight how military values align with cooperative principles and why veterans and cooperatives are a perfect match.

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Military Values and the Cooperative Principles: A Natural Fit

Before delving into our stories, it’s essential to note how military values closely align with the seven cooperative principles. Each branch has its values, and as the three of us served in the Army and Air Force, that is where I will focus. The Army and Air Force both emphasize selfless service and integrity, values that directly connect with the cooperative commitment to concern for community and honesty in business. Here’s a comparison:

Select Military Values*	Cooperative Principles
Selfless Service	Concern for Community (Members First)
Integrity	Honesty & Openness
Duty / Commitment	Commitment to Members
Excellence in All We Do	Education & Training
Loyalty	Democratic Member Control
Respect	Voluntary & Open Membership
Teamwork (Foundational Principle)	Cooperation Among Cooperatives

*Army: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage

*Air Force: Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do

*Navy and Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, Commitment

*Coast Guard: Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty

Cooperatives function much like a well-trained military unit—each part of the organization must work in unison, and no one entity exists in a vacuum. This is something I witnessed firsthand at Middle Tennessee Electric during a two-day stint with a line crew a few years ago. From the operations room to gathering supplies, to executing the task of setting a pole, the process mirrored the small-unit mindset of a military organization. The linemen relied on each other, their support teams, and the cooperative’s leadership to ensure mission success, keeping the power on for their members. It was at this moment that I saw the connection between the military and cooperatives. It is why, every time we hire new instructors to join our team, they ask, “Why cooperatives?” My response is always, “Just wait until you get out on site at a cooperative and start working with them. They are simply a great group of people to work with, and once you work with them, you will not want to do anything else”.

Here are the three perspectives:

Perspective 1: The Vendor Who Works with Cooperatives

(Dave Taylor, CEO, LDR Leadership)

As a business working with cooperatives, I’ve had the privilege of seeing cooperative values in action. The cooperative model isn’t just about providing electricity; it’s about serving members, much like the military serves its country. The principle of concern for community is evident in how cooperatives prioritize reliability and affordability over profit, just as military service prioritizes mission success over individual gain. And when veterans leave service, one of the biggest struggles is finding a purpose strong enough to fill at least the gap left by the purpose of serving the country and the brotherhood and sisterhood —the bond formed by the shared experience of military service. It’s such a powerful alignment that it has given me a new “tribe” or a new “home” beyond the uniform. The alignment of a shared goal is as powerful in the cooperatives as it is in the military.

Working with cooperatives requires trust, reliability, relationship-building, and teamwork—qualities that are ingrained in military personnel. Veterans can make exceptional cooperative employees because they understand the importance of mission focus, operational discipline, safety, and accountability. There is a saying in the military that “when in doubt, move to the sound of the guns”. When a storm hits, I now run inside, and linemen are out in the storm, restoring power. Just as the design of the military serves the country, cooperatives serve the community and their members. It’s not just about a paycheck—it’s about something bigger than oneself. Further evidence is evident when a major disaster strikes an area, resulting in widespread power outages and downed power lines. Suppose you pay close attention to the highways. In that case, you will see hundreds of line crews from other cooperatives across the country heading to the disaster area to assist their fellow cooperatives in restoring power. And it is not just about the power, we rely so heavily on power, that the quick work to restore power also helps save lives – you can see the theme here!

Having spent 24 years in the Army and the last 7 with electrical cooperatives, I’ve desired to see more departing servicemembers join a cooperative after they transition out of wearing the nation’s uniform. There is such alignment in values and purpose that it is almost a no-brainer. I’ve seen many veterans encouraged to pursue government contracting, become a Department of Defense employee, or join certain well-known companies. The issues I see are that it is rarely about chasing a purpose, which most veterans say they desire after the military, and many are not happy because the culture doesn’t fit.

Veterans should explore cooperatives to find a great purpose and mission.

Perspective 2: The Former Platoon Sergeant Turned Lineman

(Carrol Urzendowsky, Former Army Platoon Sergeant, Cooperative Lineman, Jasper-Newton, TX)

After more than two decades serving as an infantryman in the Army, I thought I was ready for civilian life. But I quickly realized something was missing. It wasn’t just the structure or the routine—it was the mission, the purpose, and the team. I missed being part of something bigger than myself.

That’s what led me to become a lineman at Jasper-Newton Electric.

Serving in the military taught me discipline, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to trust the people beside me with my life. In the Infantry, I spent years in high-stress situations, working in tight-knit squads and platoons, depending on others to get the job done—and to come home safe.

When I retired from the Army, I knew I needed a career that provided me with the same kind of meaning. I didn’t want a desk job. I wanted to be out in the field, solving problems, and doing something that mattered. Linework checked every box.

When I first joined Jasper-Newton Electric Co-Op, I didn’t know much about electricity beyond flipping a switch. But I did know how to work hard, listen, and learn fast. What I found here was more than a job—it was a new team, a new mission, and a new kind of service.

Climbing poles, restoring power after storms, answering emergency calls at 2 a.m.—this job is no joke. But there’s something special about it. We don’t just fix power lines. We help people. We bring light back to homes, help businesses get back up and running, and assist communities in recovering after disasters.

There’s also a real sense of brotherhood among linemen. We rely on each other in dangerous situations. We communicate without words. We train hard and we watch each other’s backs. In many ways, it feels like the military, just in a different uniform.

I don’t often talk about my time in the Army, and I’m not one to seek recognition. But I’m proud of my service, both in uniform and now as a lineman. This work is a continuation of that service, with climbing hooks and a bucket truck instead of boots and a rifle.

I pass along what I’ve learned to younger guys coming into the trade. This job isn’t for everyone—it’s physically demanding, it’s risky, and it takes real commitment. However, for those seeking purpose and pride in their work, linework can be a great fit.

Every time I lace up my boots and head out to restore power—whether it’s during a hurricane or a clear day—I’m reminded why I chose this path. I’m still part of a team. I’m still helping people. And I’m still serving.

That’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Perspective 3: The USAF Veteran CEO

(Ryan Craig, USAF Veteran, CEO, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative)

My time serving in the United States Air Force, both in active duty and as a member of the Air National Guard, instilled in me values and experiences that deeply align with my role today as President & CEO of an electric cooperative. Throughout multiple deployments and years of enlisted service, I lived the Air Force core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These principles didn’t just shape my leadership style; they became a part of who I am. In high-pressure environments worldwide, I learned to lead diverse teams, make mission-critical decisions under pressure, and build trust through accountability and mutual respect. Those same fundamentals now guide how I lead a cooperative that serves our community with dedication and purpose.

Electric cooperatives are rooted in the Seven Cooperative Principles, including Democratic Member Control, Concern for Community, and Education, Training, and Information. These values mirror the spirit of service and stewardship that guided my military career. Just as we in the Air Force prioritize the mission and our fellow Airmen, in the cooperative world, we prioritize our members, the communities we serve, and our employees. The ability to listen, collaborate, and put the needs of others first has been essential in both areas. My deployments taught me how to adapt to fast-changing environments and manage limited resources wisely, skills that translate seamlessly to cooperative life and aid in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The military also trained me to think in terms of systems, readiness, and resilience —an approach that is critical in ensuring reliable and affordable electric service. Whether leading airmen or cooperative teams, I’ve found that mission focus, clear communication, and mutual respect are universal to strong leadership. In both roles, it’s about empowering people to do their best work and never losing sight of who we serve. My military service helped me cultivate the discipline and vision needed to navigate complex challenges and align teams around a common goal.

Ultimately, the transition from military service to cooperative leadership felt natural because both roles involve serving something greater than oneself. Whether in uniform or the CEO’s chair, my mission remains the same: to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and strive for excellence in every aspect of my role. The Air Force prepared me well, and the cooperative difference gives that service a new and meaningful chapter.

Conclusion (By Dave Taylor)

Veterans bring discipline, integrity, teamwork, and mission focus to any organization, but cooperatives offer something unique in return—a career built on service that similarly replicates life in uniform. The cooperative world shares the same foundational values that guide military personnel, making it an ideal place for veterans to transition and thrive.

For veterans considering their next career move, cooperatives are a natural fit. For cooperatives seeking employees who will bring dedication, reliability, and leadership, hiring veterans is one of the best investments they can make.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with cooperatives for years now, and one thing remains constant: this industry values veterans. The transition from military service to cooperative work isn’t just possible; it’s a pathway to continued service and impact.

If you’re a veteran looking for your next chapter, consider a cooperative. You won’t just find a job—you’ll find a mission, a team, and a purpose.

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As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.