Jonathan Daige joined the U.S. Army Reserve immediately following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He wanted to be part of something bigger than himself and serve his country. He served two combat deployments to Iraq, where he learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. There are a lot of different types of personalities in the military with one common goal in mind. Once you can put aside differences and work together, the task can be achieved.
The hardest part about transitioning to civilian life was missing the sense of belonging that is there every day in the military, especially in a war zone. Everyone has a task to complete. Finding purpose is key.
After his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement, dedicating more than 18 years to protecting his community, including eight years on the Worcester Police Department SWAT team as a sniper. In 2012, he faced testicular cancer. What began as one diagnosis turned into multiple recurrences, surgeries, and rounds of chemotherapy. He was cancer-free for seven years, then was diagnosed with CML leukemia, which he is still battling today.
As vice president of business development at Central Mass Crane and Rigging, Daige has played a critical role in expanding the company’s reach. He is the founder of Thin Blue Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families who are battling cancer. Through fundraising events, community outreach, and direct assistance, Thin Blue Ride provides encouragement, financial relief, and a reminder that no warrior fights alone.
