Honoring All Who Served on Veteran’s Day 2023: Don Bachman

Don Bachman has jumped out of an airplane more than 1,400 times, is a competitive marksman, well-traveled – he’s visited 64 countries and 42 of the United States – and once flew a fighter jet. He’s quick to credit his military background for providing him with a basis for a wide range of career and life experiences. Compass Group is grateful to women and men, like Don, who have served our country. This Veterans Day, November 11, we salute all military veterans.

“Joining the military was a calling for me,” Don shared. “I proudly served the Special Operations Community for the United States Air Force for ten years and was a Technical Sergeant.”

Originally from Edison, New Jersey, Don earned a business degree from Southern Illinois University while in the military, and afterward pursued work in the restaurant and hospitality industry, growing his career with several different public and privately held companies before landing at Compass Group. He’s now a Regional Vice President for Illinois, Wisconsin and Tennessee for TouchPoint Support Services. He currently resides in suburban Chicago with his wife Carrie where they also keep up with their five children.

While his family is his greatest love and joy, he remains passionate about the military and especially veterans, which is why he’s serving as co-chair of Compass’ VetNet, one of Compass’ Empowerment Resource Groups. The other co-chair is Raine Holly, Regional Wellness Director for Eurest and a Major in the US Army Reserve.

“VetNet provides a unique opportunity to help build a network that offers range of support and service for veterans, active service members, dependents, survivors and allies,” Don noted. “It’s a way for Compass to introduce programming for veterans in various communities across the country, such as job fairs and events to raise money for various charitable veteran organizations.”

VetNet provides an opportunity to get veterans to self-identify within Compass. “Our goal is to reach out to as many associates as possible and encourage them to join VetNet,” added Don. “It’s as simple as clicking here for an application. Allies of military veterans are welcome, too.”

Don would like you to join VetNet! And one other thing… he still gets a rush jumping out of airplanes.