For many veterans, the transition from military life to the civilian workforce is a road filled with uncertainty. At Melton Truck Lines, that road is paved with opportunity, support and purpose. Recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine, Melton is not just talking the talk—it is walking the walk.
David Harper, a Marine Corps veteran and the company’s Military Program Supervisor, is at the heart of Melton’s efforts. “I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years,” Harper shared. “When I transitioned out, I didn’t know where my skill set would fit. But I found my way into transportation, and eventually into recruiting—where I get to help other veterans discover the same opportunity.”
Harper leads Melton’s veteran hiring initiatives, and his mission is clear: bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers by meeting service members where they are—often while they’re still in uniform. “We realized early on that we had to start the conversation before veterans even transition,” Harper said. “That early connection makes all the difference.”
Through strategic partnerships with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, Melton has access to military bases nationwide and offers transitioning service members a glimpse into the transportation industry. But for Harper and his team, it’s never just about filling positions. “We go in with the mindset of helping the veteran,” he emphasized. “If Melton is the right fit, great. But if not, we still want to help them succeed.”
This holistic approach has shaped not only Melton’s recruitment but also its retention strategy—an essential distinction in an industry known for high turnover. “We realized that while we were great at getting veterans in the door, we had to do more to keep them,” Harper explained. That realization sparked initiatives such as a dedicated veteran onboarding program, small-group military briefs and veteran-to-veteran mentorship.
These targeted efforts are yielding results. “We’ve seen retention and engagement among veterans improve dramatically,” Harper said. “They stay because they know we support them. We speak their language. We are their community.”
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Melton’s approach is its focus on helping veterans see the value in their own experience. “A lot of veterans don’t realize how transferable their soft skills are,” Harper noted. “Leadership, discipline, adaptability—those things are gold in transportation. Once they see that, everything changes.”
Harper also draws an important distinction between being military-friendly and military-ready. “Any company can say they’re friendly,” he said. “Being ready means we’ve built the infrastructure, the programs and the mindset to truly support veterans—not just hire them.”
At Melton Truck Lines, that support is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment rooted in understanding, lived experience and a genuine desire to give veterans the tools to thrive in their next chapter.
“Leaving the military is a big change,” Harper said. “We’re here to make sure no one has to do it alone.”
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
