From College to Navy: Michael Spayde's Journey

Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

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In this candid and insightful conversation, Michael Spayde takes us through his remarkable journey from 1970s "country kid" to accomplished Navy veteran. Unlike many who enlist straight out of high school, Michael's path was anything but traditional—attending college, working civilian jobs, and finally joining the Navy Reserves at 28 years old.
With refreshing honesty, Michael recounts entering boot camp at 32 ("I was grandpa"), where his maturity gave him a unique perspective: "I knew the purpose of bootcamp. It was to break you down as an individual, build you back up as the team." Still, by day three, he found himself questioning his decision like everyone else. His story illustrates that military service isn't just for the young—sometimes life experience brings valuable perspective to service.
The heart of Michael's military career was his time as a Navy recruiter, where he developed a philosophy that continues to guide him today: "Forget quota, forget the numbers. Help the people. Why is that kid in your office today?" Through colorful stories of BB gun wars, challenging recruits, and leadership lessons, Michael reveals the human side of military recruiting rarely shown in recruitment ads. His approach—focusing on the person rather than the numbers—led to a successful 23-year career that continues to inform his work today.
Perhaps most valuable are Michael's insights into post-military transition. Despite his HR background and recruiting expertise, he faced 18 consecutive job rejections after retirement—a humbling experience that taught him how different civilian employment truly is. Now working with Operation Job Ready Veteran, he helps fellow veterans translate their military experience for civilian employers, crafting resumes that communicate their true value without military jargon.
Whether you're considering military service, currently serving, or a veteran facing transition challenges, Michael's story offers practical wisdom from someone who's navigated it all. His parting thought captures the essence of successful service: "The military has provided a life that I've always wanted. I used the Navy and got everything out of it that I wanted. Navy got everything out of me that they needed." If you're a veteran struggling with employment transition, reach out to Operation Job Ready Veteran to access the kind of support Michael provides.

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Chapters

1. Michael Spade's Early Beginnings (00:00:00)

2. Growing Up Country: 70s-80s Childhood (00:08:41)

3. College Experiences and Career Path (00:13:21)

4. Joining the Navy at 32 (00:18:56)

5. Career as a Navy Recruiter (00:31:53)

6. Leadership Lessons and Challenges (00:51:29)

7. Post-Military Career Transition (01:03:04)

8. Operation Job Ready Veteran (01:13:28)

9. Military Benefits and Opportunities (01:25:11)

10. Final Thoughts on Military Service (01:26:29)