THE FOUNDER OF FEDEX: LESSONS LEARNED IN THE MARINE CORPS


By jlustig
Founder of FedEx shaking the hand of a Soldier.

Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx has earned a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. During a 2022 speech at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Dinner, he said his thanks to the Marine Corps for giving him the tools to succeed. He explained that while a company commander in Vietnam, it was hard making a living. He expressed his gratitude for his troops and the ways they took care of him. Learn more about Frederick W. Smith and his career in the Marine Corps.Suggested read: Exploring the Veterans Benefits Administration Careers

The Founder of FedEx's Military Experience Made Him a Shipping Leader

The founder of FedEx, Fred Smith, was a commander in Vietnam. Although he made much progress during his time in the military, he went through hardships while being in this position. Despite receiving many honors in his life, starting a multibillion dollar company, being enshrined in the Business and Aviation Halls of Fame, and earning two Purple Hearts, Fred Smith says that the greatest honor he ever received was when the Marines dug a hole for him. The founder of FedEx looked back on his time in the military, specifically how digging the fighting holes for his troops turned him into he leader he is today. He credits this experience as being the foundation of his leadership style for his employees today explaining, “Then one night, I came back, and my troops had dug my fighting hole for me. They were as tired or more tired, but they took their energy to take care of me. And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, because it told me they cared for me, they appreciated my leadership.” Frederick Smith's leadership experience turned him into the successful business man he is today. In fact, in an interview, he also made it clear that he learned more about being successful while in the military than he did at Yale Business School. Related read: 15 Best Summer Vacation Locations Veterans Will Love

Celebrating His Military Beginnings: The FedEx Founder Gives Back

The military helped him build a lot of skills he wouldn’t have received in a college setting. Frederick Smith faced hard situations, but kept pushing through. This included eating meals and sleeping on the ground during his tours of Vietnam. But through this experience he developed courage, aggressive leadership skills, and an unfaltering devotion to duty at great personal risk award. Eventually he would be awarded with a Bronze Star. Smith started growing FedEx from a small aircraft maintenance company. While doing this, he remembered the troops that were behind him during that time and the skills that he learned. Additionally, not only is Smith the FedEx founder, but he is also co-chairman of both the U.S World War II Memorial project and the campaign for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Always keeping the military families and personnel in the back of his mind, the founder of FedEx donated $65 million to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in 2022 to help thousands of military families. When asked about why he made the donation Smith explained, "I just love the mission of that. Providing education for the children of Marines and Navy personnel who served with Marines, that just put an exclamation point on my appreciation for what the Marine Corps taught me."

Is There a FedEx Military Discount?

Although Fredrick Smith was part of the military, and is the founder of FedEx, sadly there is no military discount. While they don't offer one at this time, there are a variety of other deals and promotions offered throughout the year. Stay on the look out.

The Founder of FedEx and His Military Involvement Today

Fredrick Smith is the CEO of FedEx, but his time during the military meant a lot to him. The Marine Corps has a special place in his heart. He is lucky to have had the experience of serving. Never forgetting his formative foundation, the founder of FedEx has made a committed effort to help servicemembers gain employment after service. FedEx works with Veterans to help them make the successful transition from the military into the corporate world. Interested in starting a new career after service? Check out their employment opportunities. In addition to offering Veteran employment opportunities, FedEx works with the USO to deliver supplies to servicemembers around the world. Since 2003, over 3 million packages have been delivered to servicemembers, helping keep them connected to their family, and homes. So, the next time you receive a FedEx package, give a little shoutout to the United States military. After all, they are partly responsible for the creation of a world-wide shipping empire. Read next: Hilarious and Common Military Acronyms & Their Meaning


CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.