Retired military chief opens Rising Eagle Construction, hires veterans to give them jobs

WASHINGTON (7News) — In the five years since retiring from the military as a Chief Warrant Officer, Cory Graves has built a thriving business, and in the process has changed the lives of more than a few that needed a chance.

“When I got out, I knew I wanted to work with my hands again and I wanted to help people, and build teams, so I was looking for something to fill all those bills," said Graves.

He started two construction companies, Restoration 1 and Rising Eagle Construction. Graves started with just one employee and now he has 45.

“My operations manager is a Marine, [and] one of my warehouse reps is Army," said Graves.

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Graves shares that more than a few of his workers are retired military. His companies restore homes and businesses that are left damaged by water or fire, but he also has remodeling jobs that his teams enjoy tackling.

“My goal was to have seven trucks and now we are up to 20 and I’m blown away every day," said Graves.

Among his workers is Ferozudin Mateen who worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan as an interpreter. He was on the front lines with U.S. Special Forces and was constantly in danger from his fellow countrymen who targeted anyone helping Americans.

“I have lost lots of my friends, some of my friends are still in Afghanistan they don’t have a good life there and they are hiding themselves," said Mateen.

Mateen is now the warehouse manager and is happy to be able to provide for his wife and children.

“Life is better here and, of course, that is my home and I miss my childhood and lots of memories, but having a good life is here and the most important thing is the future of my kids, this is the land of opportunity,” Mateen said.

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Graves said Mateen is one of the best hires he’s made and admires his work ethic and upbeat personality.

“He’s indispensable. 'Does it make you feel good putting folks like that to work?' That’s what it's all about. That is what I want to do to give access and opportunity to people that might not have those opportunities. That is my mission," said Graves.