Episode 82: “A special look at Ford’s dedication to those who served our country and wear the blue oval”

In this episode, producer Phil Tower welcomes special guest Scott Rumfield, a product line manager with Ford and a Vet who leads Ford’s Employee Resource Group and Veterans Network Group.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) recently recognized Ford as a Gold-level Veteran Friendly Employer. Ford’s ERG, the Veteran Network Group (VET NG), has played a critical role in elevating the company’s commitment to the Veteran community to a gold-level standard.

Scott shares his experience with us and why he works so hard to create a supportive environment for Veterans as they come back from service and try to re-enter civilian life.

After living through the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presented for veterans already struggling with isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other issues stemming from their service experience, Ford’s Veteran Network Group leadership took it upon themselves to provide holistic support programs that understand the realities and challenges of Veterans and their families and meet them where they are, as they return to civilian life or continue to build their careers post service.

Last year, as U.S. troops pulled out of Afghanistan, the Scott and the stepped up to help Ford veterans deal with an especially emotional and traumatic time. Scott and his Veteran Network Group team hosted the first of many listening sessions they would have for Ford Veterans, current service members, and the larger Ford Family.

These sessions functioned as a safe space for fellow former and current service members to share their experiences with the entire Ford community. Veterans at Ford shared heart-wrenching stories about their service, the people they still had behind in Afghanistan, how the abrupt exit made them feel frustrated and angry and that their entire effort had been futile.

More Online:
https://corporate.ford.com/careers/programs/veterans.html

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MichigansAutoTalkPodcast

Michigan's AutoTalk podcast is available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Audio, Spreaker.com, Deezer, and Podcatcher.

Thank you for listening. If you like our podcast please share it with a friend!

Al, John, and Phil