Earlier this month, we proudly hosted our third annual Veteran Business of the Year Luncheon, recognizing businesses that go above and beyond in supporting Veterans and exemplifying leadership in their industries.

This year’s award went to Northern Wings and its founder, Dave Goudreau—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose story began in the cockpit and now soars across the aerospace and defense world. After a distinguished 24-year military career—including combat missions, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping in Kosovo, and even serving as a White House helicopter pilot—Dave returned home to Newberry, Michigan, and launched Northern Wings in 2001.

From humble beginnings in a pole barn, Northern Wings has grown into a multi-million-dollar Native American, Veteran-Owned enterprise serving giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Their AS9100-certified components have traveled as far as outer space, while creating skilled jobs right here in the Upper Peninsula.

Dave’s commitment to excellence and community proves that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it evolves. We’re honored to celebrate Northern Wings for their extraordinary contributions to aerospace, defense, and the U.P. economy.

Additionally, Dave was the Guest of Honor at the Detroit Area Marines’ celebration of the 250^th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps earlier this month. While not directly part of our Veteran Business of the Year Award, we are thrilled to see Dave being recognized for his contributions by so many–way to represent the Upper Peninsula well, Dave! Photos from the Marine Corpse event are courtesy of Northern Wings.

Congratulations to Dave and the entire Northern Wings team!