In this episode of Blue Yonder, Jacob reconnects with retired Chief Rich Pelletier to explore how purpose, service, and leadership shaped his military career and post-service success. From their time launching leadership initiatives at Shaw AFB to Rich's transition into Amazon, the conversation dives deep into discovering your next mission, the power of mentorship, and why role modeling matters more than ever after hanging up the uniform.
🎙️ Show Notes
Episode Title: The Power of Purpose: Rich Pelletier’s Journey from Weapons Chief to Amazon Leader
Guest: Rich Pelletier
Host: Jake Peeterse
Podcast: Blue Yonder
⏱️ Time Stamps


00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting at Shaw AFB


01:00 – Transition from military to Amazon


04:00 – How PME and leadership development shaped his civilian leadership


05:20 – Why Rich joined the Air Force (inspired by Top Gun)


08:40 – Overcoming early military setbacks and the decision to re-enlist


11:00 – Peer rivalry and its impact on career decisions


13:00 – Decision to retire and the command chief opportunity he passed on


18:50 – COVID-era retirement: no ceremony, but no regrets


20:10 – Discovering purpose through LinkedIn and intentional networking


26:00 – Career offers, role alignment, and turning down aviation


35:00 – Transferable skills, underselling himself, and being elevated at Amazon


42:00 – Redefining service post-retirement


50:00 – Ripple effects, role modeling, and continuing to serve others


56:00 – Fighting for Airmen and the value of standing up for others


58:30 – Advice to pre-retirement Rich: “Don’t worry about the what-ifs”


💡 Key Takeaways


Purpose drives transition: Identifying what drives you post-military is essential. For Rich, it was serving people and developing leaders.


Leadership beyond rank: From weapons troops to Amazon teams, leading with empathy and clarity translates across industries.


Be of service always: Service doesn’t end with the uniform; it evolves into mentorship, parenting, and community involvement.


Start early: LinkedIn and networking played a pivotal role years before his actual transition.


You bring more than you think: Many veterans underestimate the depth of their experience.


📢 Notable Quotes

“Don’t think about what you can’t do because you’re retiring. Think about what you will do because you’re retiring.”


“You don’t take pride in just making the package move, but in growing the people who make the package move.”

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