Welcome to Project Vanguard, where veterans and mission-driven leaders share what it takes to build America’s energy future. I’m your host, Kevin Doffing.
Today’s guest is Larry Perry, an Army veteran, HR leader, and a quiet powerhouse helping shape the clean energy workforce. After turning down the opportunity to enroll at West Point, enlisting in secret, and spending more time in the field than most infantry units, Larry found his way into corporate America and ultimately, clean energy
Now, he’s the driving force behind a thriving Veteran Employee Resource Group (ERG), a fast-growing community of over 100 veterans, and the inaugural Veterans Summit at one of the country’s largest renewable energy companies. In this episode, we get into everything from grassroots hiring to the legislative fight for energy security and why Project Vanguard is more than just a podcast.
A Surprise Enlistment and a Career Reboot
Larry didn’t take the traditional route into the Army, or out of it. He turned down a potential West Point appointment from a family connection, only to secretly enlist the next year without even telling his girlfriend. After 10 years of service as an electronics specialist on Bradley Fighting Vehicles, a medical retirement rerouted his life.
He used the GI Bill and 9/11 education benefits to finish both his bachelor's and master's degrees, paving his way into corporate leadership. But it wasn’t just about upward mobility, it was about service, community, and finding purpose again.
‘I didn’t tell friends. I didn’t tell anyone. Just my mom. And then it was like, hey, I’m shipping off.’
The Veteran Blueprint
Inside his company, Larry launched a veterans group that’s become a case study in impact: growing from 20 members to 125+, launching a full-scale summit, and helping veteran hires feel seen from day one.
He sends swag to technicians in West Texas. Hosts summits. Coaches hiring managers. And helps civilian teams understand what a military resume really means.
‘Too many times they see it and think: this isn’t a one-for-one. And no, it’s not. But what you do get is someone who will outperform.’
We talk about the small moves that make a big difference in retention and why every company needs a Larry in the room.
From Capitol to County: Making Policy Personal
Larry and I also dive into the state legislative fight around clean energy and how it’s affecting local hiring. Veterans bring a missing voice to the policy table, and Larry saw firsthand how impactful that can be during our recent Veterans Day at the Texas Capitol.
‘These aren’t bots running projects, these are families. So when you pass something that hinders a project, it hits people.’
We talk about how veterans can help bridge the political divide, lead local storytelling efforts, and reframe energy security as national security.
Advice for the Next Generation
Larry closes with some tactical wisdom for any veteran trying to get into the clean energy space:
Network relentlessly. It really is who you know.
Leverage Project Vanguard’s Slack. You’ll get a warm intro and support from others who’ve made the leap.
Don’t sleep on education. Conferences, community events, and even just raising your hand. Those moves matter.
“We can get you the screening call. But getting the job? That’s on you.”
📬 Want to connect with veterans in clean energy?
Join the Project Vanguard Slack community at ProjectVanguard.com
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