Service to second mission
For Veterans, service rarely ends with military careers. It usually evolves into a new mission; one centered on leadership, service and impact in a different capacity.
By: Navy Federal Credit Union | July 17 2026
On National Hire a Veteran Day, we’re reflecting on the value Veterans bring to our own workforce here at Navy Federal Credit Union, and the pathways that allow military talent to continue serving a purpose beyond the uniform.
For Eric Wall, a Navy Veteran turned Navy Federal recruiter, that journey was shaped by resilience, confidence and the Navy values that continue to guide his work today. Honor, courage and commitment became the framework for how he approached every decision, conversation and opportunity. Values that he would rely on heavily as he took the leap into a civilian career.
Military service provides structure, camaraderie and a clear sense of mission. When that chapter ends, many Veterans find themselves navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
For Eric, the turning point came when he shifted his mindset, from focusing on what he left behind to asking how he could apply what he’d gained in experience in a new way. It led him to recruiting, where he found a new mission: Helping Veterans be seen not just for what they’ve done, but for what they’re capable of doing next.
“Hiring Veterans isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about recognizing potential,” said Eric. “And sometimes, it takes someone who’s walked the same path to see it.”
Eric shares that Veteran talent is often overlooked, not due to lack of capability, but because their experience doesn’t always map onto a traditional corporate mold. In his work, he focuses on reframing military service in terms of impact and business outcomes, all while helping hiring leaders see the natural leadership, decision-making, adaptability and problem-solving skills that Veterans have.
A new worldview
For Chuck Albertson, service has been a defining mindset throughout his life. A 30+ year Army Veteran, he served across deeply tactical environments to highly strategic roles:
- Command Sergeant Major (CSM) for the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment
- CSM for 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum, NY
- CSM for 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, NC
- Executive officer of the Sergeant Major of the Army at the Pentagon
Across roughly 72 months of deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq from 2002 to 2019, Chuck gained what he describes humbly as “a lot of operational experience.” But the reality was much bigger.
Those months at work shaped the way he saw the world, the way he led and what he would eventually look for in a civilian career. Still, when it came time to transition out of the Army, clarity didn’t come immediately. Like many Servicemembers, Chuck entered that season with confidence in his abilities but uncertainty about where those abilities would fit.
“I knew I would be okay, but I didn’t know what ‘okay’ would look like,” Chuck said.
Civilian priorities, military roots
Chuck was guided by three priorities: location, purpose and income. Purpose felt like the most important until retirement approached, along with the realities of supporting a family, managing a mortgage and navigating the cost of living. Then income quickly rose to the top.
He became a business developer for a defense contractor. While the work was important, it lacked the sense of mission he had felt in uniform. The environment was highly competitive, often focused on metrics like deal size and profit margins rather than impact.
His turning point was rooted in his military past. Through a connection with a former leader, Chuck discovered Navy Federal’s mission and it immediately resonated.
On paper, Chuck’s experience might not correlate to a corporate title, but he carried immense responsibility in extremely demanding military environments. Through the right lens, there’s a much bigger story.
Eric saw a strategic, people-focused leader still motivated by service. Working with another Veteran created an immediate level of trust and understanding. Chuck didn't need to translate his experiences because Eric understood the language of military leadership.
A mission that matters
At Navy Federal, Chuck found a mission-driven organization serving over 15 million members around the globe, many of whom are Servicemembers and military families. Having lived the realities of military life, like frequent relocations, financial pressures and deployments, Chuck understood the importance of stability and alleviating financial stress within the household. And, for the first time since leaving Active Duty, he felt reconnected to a mission that mattered.
Serving as AVP of Navy Federal’s Military Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Chuck will lead the design of strategic initiatives connecting Servicemembers and their families to Navy Federal resources. He can finally say he’s met all three of his priorities: financial stability, location and purpose. And most importantly, he sees Navy Federal’s mission come to life in the people around him. In every interaction, team members approach their work with a real person in mind: a Servicemember, a spouse or a family navigating the demands of military life looking for trustworthy support.
“My advice to transitioning Veterans is don’t undervalue what you bring to the table. Take time to find opportunities that align with your skills and your sense of purpose,” said Chuck.
Eric’s work is a reminder that talent doesn’t always come in the packaging you expect it to. Some of the most qualified leaders are those who require a deeper understanding.
At Navy Federal, hiring military talent is part of the mission. With a shared sense of service, Veterans are welcomed and empowered in roles across the credit union where their experiences and instincts are valued. The people who bring our mission to life every day reflect who we are.
National Hire a Veteran Day is a reminder that Veteran hiring is about making a lasting commitment to individuals who bring proven skills, leadership and an indelible sense of mission to the workplace. We’re committed to making the transition from military to civilian careers more accessible, transparent and empowering through these partnership programs:
Visit Navy Federal Careers to learn more about open roles, resources, benefits and how to join an organization that honors your service.
Disclosures
This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.