A Mission That Matters: GMR Helps Veterans Transition to EMS Careers
11.11.2024
Through training programs, partnerships and hiring events, GMR enables veterans to carry on their commitment to service in meaningful new ways.
This Veterans Day, Global Medical Response (GMR) proudly celebrates the invaluable contributions of military veterans who have transitioned to fulfilling careers in emergency medical services (EMS). Veterans like Jason Costello, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot with 25 years of service, embody the transition from military duty to civilian roles that continue to uphold their deep-rooted commitment to service.
For Jason, service has always been a way of life. Straight out of high school, he attended the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, graduating at the top of his class and fulfilling his dream of flying the F-15C Eagle. His career was marked by critical missions, including fighting ISIS in the Middle East and protecting civilians during the Iraq war. Leadership roles at the Pentagon and NORAD further honed his decision-making skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to team-based missions.
After retiring in 2020, Jason realized that stepping away from service left a void. In 2022, he joined Guardian Flight, part of the GMR family, as a lead pilot for critical care transport missions. “When you can extend lifesaving care, that feels like you’re doing a mission that matters,” Jason shared. “The camaraderie and sense of purpose at GMR felt just like home.”
This Veterans Day, GMR honors the courage, dedication, and service of all veterans and invites them and their spouses to explore rewarding careers where their skills and values continue to make a difference. “Veterans excel in EMS because of their ability to perform under pressure, their commitment to teamwork, and their passion for service,” said GMR Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Jacoba. “Individuals like Jason Costello embody why military skills are perfectly aligned with the demands of EMS. At GMR, these professionals find not just a job but a renewed sense of mission and purpose.”
Through partnerships, targeted hiring events and dedicated programs, GMR ensures that veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses have pathways to continue serving their communities. One standout initiative is the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, in which GMR hosts active-duty U.S military members for skilled employment training during the final six months of their active-duty service. During the program, participants retain their military pay and benefits, while gaining hands on experience and a feel for what a career in EMS entails. Although successful completion of the program is not a guarantee of future employment with any GMR company, often formal offers are extended, allowing participants to seamlessly transition from active duty to a new civilian career in EMS. “AMR Knoxville, TN could not be happier to host a SkillBridge employee and help a soldier transition from military to civilian prehospital care," said AMR Field Training Officer Program Supervisor Daniel Brookshear.
"Our most recent hire’s dedication to military service blossomed beautifully into being an asset in our local community of Knoxville.”
Opportunities available at GMR include:
For Jason, service has always been a way of life. Straight out of high school, he attended the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, graduating at the top of his class and fulfilling his dream of flying the F-15C Eagle. His career was marked by critical missions, including fighting ISIS in the Middle East and protecting civilians during the Iraq war. Leadership roles at the Pentagon and NORAD further honed his decision-making skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to team-based missions.
After retiring in 2020, Jason realized that stepping away from service left a void. In 2022, he joined Guardian Flight, part of the GMR family, as a lead pilot for critical care transport missions. “When you can extend lifesaving care, that feels like you’re doing a mission that matters,” Jason shared. “The camaraderie and sense of purpose at GMR felt just like home.”
This Veterans Day, GMR honors the courage, dedication, and service of all veterans and invites them and their spouses to explore rewarding careers where their skills and values continue to make a difference. “Veterans excel in EMS because of their ability to perform under pressure, their commitment to teamwork, and their passion for service,” said GMR Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Jacoba. “Individuals like Jason Costello embody why military skills are perfectly aligned with the demands of EMS. At GMR, these professionals find not just a job but a renewed sense of mission and purpose.”
Through partnerships, targeted hiring events and dedicated programs, GMR ensures that veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses have pathways to continue serving their communities. One standout initiative is the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, in which GMR hosts active-duty U.S military members for skilled employment training during the final six months of their active-duty service. During the program, participants retain their military pay and benefits, while gaining hands on experience and a feel for what a career in EMS entails. Although successful completion of the program is not a guarantee of future employment with any GMR company, often formal offers are extended, allowing participants to seamlessly transition from active duty to a new civilian career in EMS. “AMR Knoxville, TN could not be happier to host a SkillBridge employee and help a soldier transition from military to civilian prehospital care," said AMR Field Training Officer Program Supervisor Daniel Brookshear.
"Our most recent hire’s dedication to military service blossomed beautifully into being an asset in our local community of Knoxville.”
Opportunities available at GMR include:
- EMT
- Paramedic
- Critical Care Transport (CCT) Nurse
- Flight Nurse
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
- Rotor Wing, and Fixed Wing Pilots
- Supply and Logistics
- Fort Drum Career and Education Fair – November 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
- Indeed for Military Hiring Event at the Distribution Hall Event Center in Austin, Texas – November 19th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST
- Hiring Our Heros First Responders Event at Joint Base Charleston, SC – December 4th, Hiring Fair runs 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. GMR is proud to partner with Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative, to bridge the civilian-military divide within the business community.
.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)