Meet Jonas C., assistant director of document services 

I joined the Marine Corps in 1989 and was determined to make the most of my four-year enlistment, starting in Okinawa, Japan. During my off-duty hours, I traveled, learned to scuba dive, and started my college education. I gained rank and responsibility, eventually becoming a noncommissioned officer. 

That mindset—take advantage of all your opportunities—has been a guiding force in my life. It’s taken me from the Marines to law school to my current position with the document services team at Principal^®. The skills I learned in the military helped me successfully transition to civilian life and enabled me to help other veterans see opportunities after their own discharge. 

A reset and a way forward 

I was born in Des Moines, Iowa. My mom and I moved around the Midwest after my parents divorced. We didn’t have the money to send me to college, and my school experience had been disjointed. My parents were hippies, and how do you rebel against hippies? You cut off your hair and join the Marine Corps. My opportunities outside the military were limited. It was a chance to reset. 

After enlisting, I went to San Diego for boot camp, which was located next to the airport; private planes taking off provided the soundtrack to predawn drills. Next came both infantry and combat engineer schools before I got shipped out. I was based in Okinawa for two years, deploying around the region, including six months in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for the Gulf War. I cleared lanes in minefields and other barriers to engage Iraqi units. I was honorably discharged four years to the day from my enlistment date. 

Transitioning to civilian life 

Some veterans face difficulties when leaving military life to re-enter civilian life. I think of it as a language and cultural barrier. There are communication styles and processes that may be unfamiliar to those in civilian life, and vice versa for those coming out of the military. 

I saw some similarities between the two and used that approach in my own transition. In the Marines, we collect information, evaluate opportunities, and make strategic decisions. As empowered employees, we do that, too. We use our skill sets to produce something bigger and better. 

Moving to corporate life 

I finished my degree at the University of Minnesota, worked at the Veterans Administration, and then decided to attend law school. By my graduation, I was married and a father and worked for several years for the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation. I loved the mountains and ocean. But the work became more demanding, the cases were contentious, and it became difficult to see a trajectory. 

Through a friend, I reached out to Principal and found a position with compliance. Everyone said it was a good place to go. 

That was March 2008.

Sticking together in hard times 

Of course, in 2008 the economy collapsed, the real estate market stalled, and businesses were challenged, including Principal. My family stayed in New Hampshire, as we were unable to sell our house. Principal kept me on, and for that I’m exceptionally grateful. 

I never lost the ability to see the opportunities ahead of me to help my fellow veterans, like the 2021 project I spearheaded with Principal colleague Micah Greene. We saw a gap in technology accessibility within the veteran community. Think about it this way: If you’re a veteran lacking tech, you probably also lack access to services and employment or educational opportunities. 

That led to the donation, sponsored by both Principal and the Principal^® Foundation, of gently used, fully operational laptops to more than 100 veterans in the Des Moines metro area. The event also included free haircuts and free food (from two veteran-owned food trucks) for all in attendance, as well as job booths from several area employers. 

Events like those complement a veterans’ employee group dedicated to mentoring and coaching, as well as networking with former military members who may be job-seeking. Both are examples of Principal putting its commitment to veterans into action. I remember during the economic crisis in 2009, we had a scaled-back Veterans Day event, but the company still put time and effort into it. I emailed [former Principal CEO] Larry Zimpleman to say thanks, and he replied personally. That’s the nature of the company we work for: Recognizing good work and talent is in our DNA. 

It’s a message I convey to other veterans: I enjoy it here, and I’m proud to work here. I talk to other combat vets often and encourage them to take a look. The company is very good for us. 

One day a few years back, I flew on the corporate jet to California for work. During the early morning takeoff, I saw service members doing their predawn pushups, just like I did all those years ago. I thought, I did pretty good.