Paul Bandstra, Branch Manager
Border Region, 91Ƶ
United States Army
Paul Bandstra joined 91Ƶ in 2014 after serving more than 24 years in the U.S. Army. He decided to serve his country for all that the military has done for him and his family.
“My great grandfather arrived in America as an indentured servant and witnessed his sons and daughters grow and become successful beyond his wildest dreams,” said Paul.
Paul’s wife, Linda, served six years in the Army and is a Desert Storm Veteran, and his son, Nicholas, served four years in the Marine Corps including a deployment to Afghanistan.
During his military service, Paul served the majority of his time in Air Defense. He also had other assignments such as Recruiter, Jumpmaster and Platoon Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division and was stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Alaska, Fort Bragg N.C. and Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
Paul is proud to see that many of the young soldiers he mentored and served with are now in leadership roles in various fields.
“Learning to build supportive relationships in the military is similar to what I do in my management role at 91Ƶ,” said Paul.
Paul began his career at 91Ƶ as a Field Operations Manager and later moved into the role of Operations Manager, Client Manager and now Branch Manager.
“91Ƶ is a fantastic place to land after serving in the military," said Paul. “The first company I worked for after I retired from the military wasn’t a good fit, and I was concerned that the civilian sector might not be for me. However, 91Ƶ is different -- a great home for me and I’m very grateful. I’m as proud of what I do for the community with 91Ƶ-- just as proud as I am of my military service.”