After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jerome Creasy Jr. could have taken his skills to almost any state. After considering his next step, he chose Nebraska as the place to pursue his post-military career.

Creasy first experienced Nebraska in the mid-1990s, when he moved to Omaha with his father, also a military veteran. “I was an Army brat,” he said. “My dad was from Philly, and I was born in Georgia. And then I grew up in a lot of different places.” In addition to Pennsylvania and Georgia, he spent time living in Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas—as well as Germany and Panama. But Nebraska is where he most felt at home.

After relocating to Omaha for a relationship that ultimately led to marriage, Creasy’s father settled in Bellevue. That was where Jerome Creasy spent his teenage years, attending Bellevue East High School.

“One of the first things I did in Nebraska was go to a Huskers football game,” he recalled. “They were dominant. It was different for me to watch because the Huskers were just beating down the other team, yet the fans were welcoming the other team. I saw the players help other players get up. I was like, “This is insane! Who are these people?”

Seeing Nebraskans’ sportsmanship and love of athletics inspired him to play sports in high school. He joined the football team and wrestling team, did powerlifting, and played baseball. He considered continuing athletics in college but was unsure of his post-graduation plans.

A Military Career in a Time of National Crisis

When a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter visited Creasy’s high school and told him about the opportunities available in the military, he made the decision to enlist. He saw an opportunity to complete basic training and then get his college degree while serving in the military.

Three days after graduating from high school in May 2001, he left for basic training at Camp Pendleton in North Carolina. Then came Sept. 11, and his plans were upended. “I was about a week or two into the school of infantry when 9/11 happened, and I still remember the day,” he reminisced. “[Our leaders] were up front about it. They were like, ‘You all are going to war.’”

Although he quickly realized military service would now be far more challenging than he originally expected, Creasy was determined to follow through on his commitment. “Everything changed in the Marine Corps [after 9/11]. A lot of the tactics and the training were originally jungle warfare. And then on a dime it all changed to desert operation and urban warfare. It was eye-opening,” he explained.

Returning Home to Launch a Civilian Career

Stationed in the San Diego area, Creasy deployed overseas multiple times during the Global War on Terrorism. After completing his service in the Marine Corps, he felt called to return home to Nebraska. He fulfilled his dream of graduating college, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in business administration from Bellevue University.

He then embarked on his post-military career as an accountant at Interpublic Group Shared Services, a global marketing solutions company. His team traveled extensively doing internal audits and providing risk management services to businesses worldwide. “I thought I traveled a lot in the Marines, but about every month I would be gone for two weeks in the coolest cities in the world like Shanghai, Tel Aviv, or São Paolo,” he said.

While traveling with Interpublic Group Shared Services, Creasy worked alongside finance teams from other companies. One of these teams was from Deloitte, a worldwide provider of business services that employs 470,000 people across the globe. At the time, he didn’t realize Deloitte had an Omaha office; the Deloitte team he worked with was based in New York City. After Deloitte hired one of his colleagues as their chief audit executive, he grew more interested in the company. When an opportunity at Deloitte opened up in Omaha, he applied. “They hired me right away,” Creasy said. Today, he works in audit and assurance at Deloitte’s Omaha office, performing internal audits for businesses worldwide. He is also a professional affiliate member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs.

Creasy appreciates what the state has to offer working professionals. “There’s growth happening in Nebraska, opportunity that exists with companies and corporations,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent here that is willing to mentor and be there for you,” he added. Though he has received offers to relocate, Creasy continues to choose Nebraska. He values his lifestyle and career prospects in Nebraska. “I’ve had so many opportunities to leave, but I see there is a lot of opportunity and potential here,” he said.

A Welcoming State for Veterans

Thankful for returning to Omaha after military service, Creasy credits Nebraska’s strong job market, affordability, and veteran-friendly culture for making the transition seamless. Nebraska has the highest labor force participation rate of any state, and the fifth-highest veterans’ employment rate in the nation. Omaha ranks among the top five U.S. metros for first-time homebuyer affordability.

Home to Offutt Air Force Base, the Omaha area has an especially strong military presence. Offutt employs approximately 10,800 military and civilian personnel. In addition, an estimated 26,000 military retirees live within 75 miles of the base.

Nebraskans proudly support the state’s military members and veterans. “There are tons of benefits available to veterans,” Creasy said. “Getting free access to state parks, lifetime hunting and fishing passes, and local memberships. We’re a very pro-veteran state.” Nebraska also exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax.

Creasy also pointed out that local organizations such as At Ease, Major Talent, and Team Red, White & Blue provide PTSD counseling, career services, and health and wellness programs to veterans.

An Escape From the Hustle & Bustle

Exploring different regions of the state—which stretches 430 miles from east to west—has further deepened Creasy’s connection to Nebraska. “I didn’t feel like a true Nebraskan until I went out west, going all the way to Scottsbluff and Chimney Rock,” he said.

Creasy’s travels across the state have reinforced his admiration of Nebraska. “It’s a really safe place. There are a lot of great opportunities for kids, and it’s very friendly and welcoming,” he attested.

“There are opportunities to move up [professionally], but there’s also work-life balance here,” he added. “You don’t have to be part of the hustle and bustle.”

The Good Life Is Calling

Interested in learning more about living and working in Nebraska? Connect with the Good Life Is Calling team at thegoodlifeiscalling.com/connect.

Veterans can explore additional benefits of living in Nebraska at veterans.nebraska.gov/benefits-and-services-overview.