U.S. Army Veteran | Commodities Director, Chief Ethanol
RFA’s occasional series looking at military vets in the ethanol industry continues. Veterans make up 16 percent of the ethanol industry workforce, three times the national private sector workforce average and 60 percent higher than in the petroleum fuels industry. RFA’s Veterans for Renewable Fuels was created to recognize the tremendous contribution of military veterans in the U.S. ethanol industry and provide these American heroes opportunities to come together and support each other in their careers and personal lives. Click here to learn more.
Brent served in various roles with the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2010, beginning with his time as a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point. After commissioning, he served on active duty as a Field Artillery Officer (13A), completing assignments at Fort Benning, Fort Sill, and Fort Lewis. His service also included a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of Brent’s most impactful memories from that deployment came during an operation to secure a village south of Baqubah—an area that had been inaccessible to coalition forces for nine months.
“Residents were very happy to see us and grateful for humanitarian support,” Brent recalled. “It was gratifying to see the effect that operation had on both the morale of the residents and our unit.”
After active duty, Brent continued his service in the Army Reserve before transitioning to civilian life. He credits his military experience with laying the groundwork for his career in ethanol production. “The military provided a good leadership foundation that I use every day with my co-workers,” he said. “I learned how to operate as a team toward a common goal. The safety emphasis in both jobs is another area that has a lot of crossover.”
Today, Brent serves as Commodities Director at Chief Ethanol, where he enjoys the challenge and complexity of the markets. “Working with people who are also interested in market dynamics creates an enjoyable environment where we work together to make consequential risk management decisions,” he said.
Although Chief wasn’t his first stop after leaving the Army, Brent said the company has made a concerted effort to support veterans. “They make a point to seek and hire veterans. I’m fortunate to work in a place that values the service of others and frequently shows gratitude for those who have served.”
Outside of work, Brent is an active member of the local general aviation community and has flown a small plane across much of the United States. He and his wife are raising five children together—their oldest just graduated from high school, while their youngest are twins heading into second grade.
“I appreciate what Veterans for Renewable Fuels is doing to highlight and promote our veterans in the ethanol industry,” Brent added. We’re proud to feature his story and thank him for his service—both in uniform and now as a leader in renewable fuels.
