MilitaryStars Blog

Support the Troops, Support the Transition

Over the past two years, the state of Illinois has been working to improve the career options of its veterans; an update is available here.  I critique the mainstream media for its treatment of veteran-hiring topics and will continue to.  I will note, however, that a series on veteran employment problems by the Sun-Times News Group spurred the Illinois government into creating new veterans benefits described in the link.  That's fantastic, but, according to a state veterans official, too many veterans in the state still have no idea what programs are available to them (including nationwide ones such as MilitaryStars).  No matter where you live, military or civilian, one of the most helpful things you can do to really support troops as they return to civilian life is to share these critical resources with them.   

Soldier, Educator: Finding Your Calling

Here's proof that it's never too late to answer your calling, and also proof that while your MOS can have as much or as little to do with your civilian career as you choose, your service makes you stand apart when that calling comes.  Carol Albanese was a supply specialist in the Army.  At age 34, she has earned a college degree with honors and is helping to keep struggling middle school children from dropping out of school.  She's also on her way to a Masters degree.  This spirit has carried her through her whole life - she joined the Army to prove an uncle wrong - and we know many of you have the same spirit as well.  No matter where you are in life, it's never the wrong time to use it to the fullest.

NFL's West Point Pick: Just Like You

It's not a job that many of us will ever get, but how can I not pay special attention to this soldier's success story: 2LT Caleb Campbell, Detroit Lion.  Hopefully he inspires you - the thing to remember is that each and every one of you inspire us every day.  As our sales force reaches out to corporate America and all levels of government, we do our best to show them that all of you are this inspiration, that all of you belong on every team.  Campbell notes that he feels his selection will bring good PR to the Army, and he's right; everybody is talking about it.  Remember that after the NFL draft buzz dies down, we will always be here every day running PR for all of you!  We're your biggest fans - have a great week.

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Baltimore!

Tomorrow is Part 2 of our hiring event spectacular - we haven't been to Baltimore in a while and are very excited to be coming back!  Like today's LA event, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Career Expo features a full spectrum of opportunities, from information technology to customer service to being your own boss, plus a strong healthcare presence across the Mid-Atlantic US and overseas positions with multiple employers.  Investigate every option or you'll never know what kind of potential you truly have!  We do - thanks to each and every one of you who have committed to be there, and best of luck.   

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Los Angeles!

Huge thanks to all of you ready to come to the LA area tomorrow for the first of our two-day, two-coast extravaganza of opportunity!  El Segundo is known as a hotbed of the aerospace industry, and our Western Regional Career Expo will feature elite employers from the industry.  Joining them will be houseshold names from Coca-Cola to Staples to the Secret Service, and chances to excel for those in the know (like you) across industries from real estate to private security, IT to construction and carpentry.  Give them your best like we know you will!

Help a Former Marine Prof Support Veterans at Work

A former Marine has asked for help from his community, in a way that represents everything I believe in and throw my support behind here, so I'm helping him put out the call.  Tom Lifvendahl is a Vietnam era combat veteran and a professor at a Milwaukee university.  He is seeking funding and volunteers for a research project asking a vital question: "To what extent are businesses integrating veteran knowledge into organizational learning?"

In the link above (Small Business Times), Lifvendahl spells out the positive impace officers can have on management.  He calls attention to the unique, often trying, experiences of Guard members and Reservists balancing civilian careers, noting that while organized support is great, real opportunities are better - couldn't agree more.  Furthermore, he takes the words out of my mouth asking how often we read negative stories of the modern veteran experience, and how little the positive is shown.  Everyone who says that civilian employers just don't understand the military needs to know that Lifvendahl is ready to devote his academic career to helping erase that problem.  For that, he gets my thanks, and hopefully the support of many more! 

Veterans in Law Enforcement Share Stories

Here's a great look at why police work is such a natural fit for transitioning veterans.  It's also a perfect example of why I get offended when I read other pieces online saying that veterans have no worthwhile jobs to come home to.  The guys in this story are proudly serving the communities they grew up in - keep that in mind if you're absolutely against relocating.  If you're willing to relocate (and everybody should be), law enforcement careers are everywhere, from local departments to federal agencies (including some you wouldn't expect, like the IRS) to private security.  They practically demand many skills acquired through military service and the same spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood.  It's not for everyone, but it is a career path to be proud of while so much of the world says that none are available for veterans.

Loan Aid For Veteran Farmers and Entrepreneurs

It's been great to see all the positive coverage given recently to programs helping veteran business owners.  This one does the same while also giving aid to another group that's great to see: veteran farmers.  Appropriately, the initiative is launching straight from the heartland, in Missouri.  The state has proposed other efforts for its veterans recently and will be the site of our Midwest Regional Career Expo in June.  Hope to see some of you there - have a great week!    

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Atlanta!

Atlanta is the place to be tomorrow for the best in veteran hiring opportunities, and many of you seem to agree - thank you for registering to be there!  Also making the commitment are terrific employers who value your service and the qualities it brings to you as a potential employee.  Something I read way too much in the typical no-jobs-for-military story is that veterans are only being hired for this or that, very specific and often insulting jobs.  Try telling that to the Secret Service, Pfizer, Staples, the IRS, and every other employer who is ready to hire veterans in Atlanta tomorrow.  They honor your service with opportunity, and we are honored to help.  Thanks and best of luck!

The Importance of a Veteran Career Mentor

Frank Borelli is the editor-in-chief of Officer.com, a tremendous online resource center for police officers.  He recently posted a great editorial on mentoring that draws on what he learned on the subject through the military, while at the same time showing how well those lessons apply to life in general:

"In fact, three of the best lessons I ever learned from my military experience carry over to virtually every facet of life. They are:

• Just don’t quit.
• You don’t have to like it; you just have to do it.
• Focus on the mission; ignore the distractions."      

Borelli feels that society is suffering from serious decline in mentoring and I agree with him.  The saddest thing I read from many stories of veterans' employment struggles is that the civilian world lacks the bonds of the military.  The civilian career search is a perfect example of a situation where having a mentor can benefit a young veteran tremendously.  Many local organizations are pitching in around the country to do this; that's exactly where it needs to start, with fellow veterans who know the area and the routine.  I spotlight as many as I can here and will continue to do so, while always encouraging everyone who can to join the mission.