military transition news – january/february 2015, energy and healthcare careers

January - February 2015militarytransitionnews.com

The Essential Military-to-Civilian Transition Resource N E W S

C i v i l i a n J O B S . c o m ’ s

Careers for the New Year: Energy and Healthcare Spotlights

Canine Angels:Dogs HelpingVeterans........page 15

Spouse Series:Think Twice About That Photo....................page 2

Job Fairs:Put Your BestFoot Forward............ page 14

Finance:3 Financial Habits for 2015...............page 6

Transition Talk:Public vs. Private Companies....................page 3

by Heidi Lynn Russell Contributing Editor

If you are a veteran seeking a civilian job in 2015, the Energy

industry offers a variety of career choices in the new year and beyond.

For example, employment in the oil and natural gas industry is expected to grow “faster than the average for all occupations” through 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Up for grabs are numerous job opportunities that have matching skill sets to many military service occupations, say recruiters at leading companies.

“It is here in the United States that advanced exploration and production technologies have perhaps had their most dramatic effect in increasing oil and natural gas supplies. This growth brings tremendous job opportunities at a time when a large number of servicemen and women are leaving the military,” says Mark J. Szabo, Talent Acquisition Team Lead for Baker Hughes. The company, based in Houston, Texas, provides technology- and service-based solutions that enable oil and gas companies to bring safe, affordable

energy to the world.Economic trends are positive as

well. Oil prices are likely to increase over time, as they have in the past. In addition, future demand for energy will likely cause natural gas prices to increase before 2022, according to the BLS.

“These expected price increases will support current and future exploration,” the BLS says. That, in turn, will fuel the need for geological and petroleum technicians, who are sometimes involved in ongoing production processes, such as monitoring a well’s productivity. They provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as minerals, oil and natural gas. Employment of these technicians is expected to grow by 15 percent during the coming eight years.

Oil drilling operations will also become more complex, requiring more petroleum engineers. Job prospects are also highly favorable, because many engineers are expected to retire between now and 2022, the BLS says. Employment for them is projected to grow by 26 percent.

Additionally, BIC (Business & Industry Connection) Magazine

has reported that a “growing supply of highly-affordable natural gas from shale formations” is boosting the petrochemical industry. Major investment activity is taking place on the Texas Gulf Coast, in areas such as the Houston Ship Channel, resulting in the potential creation of thousands of jobs if pending projects receive the green light from the EPA.

Szabo notes, “Some of the hottest opportunities include shale plays (a shale formation containing significant accumulations of natural gas and sharing similar geologic and geographic properties) at Permian, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Barnett, Marcellus and Huron.”

Strong Military Skills for a Strong Market

Recruiters in the oil and gas industry say many veterans waive lucrative career opportunities, erroneously thinking their military experiences and skills aren’t relevant.

But they couldn’t be more wrong. Michelle Williams is Halliburton’s Manager of Employer Branding and Supplier Management. Halliburton, one of the world’s largest oilfield service companies based in Houston,

offers a broad array of services and products to upstream oil and gas customers worldwide.

“It’s a strong market specifically here in the U.S. and for Halliburton. As it relates to veterans, we’ve seen a lot of success for them when we look at the roles of military and our needs,” Williams says. “A lot of positions are out in the field and require different hours, schedules, commutes, and we’ve seen that someone coming with a profile from the military is used to that type of work and environment. It’s not as big as a shock for them as it is

for others, and they transition well.”Halliburton hired about 21,000

employees worldwide in 2014. “We’re looking at 2015 to be just as strong,” Williams says.

“If you have technical skills centering around mechanical and electrical experience, you’ll have success translating those into roles within our industry, whether it’s in the field, at the rig site, or places where we manufacture our own equipment,” Williams says. Some specific job examples at Halliburton

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Lucrative Careers Await in the Energy Industry

Boots to Stethoscopes:Healthcare Industry Spotlightby Janet Farley Contributing Editor

You’re transitioning out of the military and you need a

job, stat. While the thought of leaving

the known for the unknown may cause your heart to palpitate and your blood pressure to rise, you can get a grip on things if you sit back and relax. Breathe

deeply. Breathe slowly. You don’t even have to stick out your tongue.

You just have to research the possibilities, and there are many of them in the world of civilian healthcare.

The Future’s So Bright…If you were a betting man

or woman, you would want to consider placing your money on

the healthcare industry. In 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, jobs in this industry hit the trifecta by making the highest paying, fastest growing and most new jobs projected lists.

Add to that the encouraging news that there is a genuine desire of many employers today to hire our nation’s finest and their spouses into their civilian ranks.

Finding Your Fit in the Healthcare Industry

If healthcare is already a part of your military role, you certainly have a leg up in making a smooth transition. Depending on what you do and where you want to do it, you may need to upgrade from your military credentials to civilian ones.

To find out more about civilian certifications pertaining to your specific military career field, check out

Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (http://www.cool.army.mil), Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (http://www.cool.navy.mil) or the Community College of the Air Force (http://www.au.af.mil/au/barnes/ccaf/index.asp). If you cannot access the Army and/or Navy COOL sites from your home computer, try accessing them from

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N E W S2 Jan/Feb 2015

Spouse Series:Smile for the Camera … and Your Career

by Janet Farley Contributing Editor

There are no bad pictures; that’s just how your face looks sometimes.

— Widely attributed to Abraham Lincoln

You may not find any comfort in these words whether honest Abe in fact said them or not, but one thing is certain: Pictures don’t lie. And professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, are filled with profile photos gone horribly wrong. Don’t let that happen to you. Remember, the goal is to make a good and lasting impression, not just a lasting one.

Trish Alegre-Smith, professional photographer and owner of So Your Life Images, creates standout visual content for websites, social media and print at www.soyourlife.com. She is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and a military spouse. She offers these five tips for making the most of your online photo opportunity:

1. Take a professional photo and avoid avatars.

“If your intent is to be discovered by potential employers or clients, then it’s very important to have a photo,” Alegre-Smith says.

Having one accomplishes several things. “Your photo allows you to connect with

others that you have just met,” she says. “This is especially helpful for those who are better at remembering faces over names. It can also be useful to have one when you are trying to reconnect with former classmates or colleagues.”

“Your photo helps jog others’ memories and provides some assurance that your profile is really yours,” she says.

2. Use a headshot and avoid group shots or abstract representations of yourself or your work.

“This helps your image stand out when it’s viewed on a mobile device. You can use wider shots in your status updates or in a SlideShare that show you at work in your office, with a client or at a conference,” Alegre-Smith says.

“If you are an artist, you can include your self-portraits or examples of your work in a linked portfolio,” she says.

3. Please, don’t take a selfie. “Selfies are never a good idea,” Alegre-

Smith says. “It’s difficult for you to see what your picture really looks like as you’re taking it. Lighting and facial features are

almost always skewed as you work to keep the camera at the right distance from your face while trying to press the shutter button. Always find someone else to take your photo.”

4. Live and post in the professional present.You looked thinner and younger five years

ago. You totally rock that to-die-for sexy outfit. You know how to party with the best of them. You love cartoon caricatures. You think of yourself as a rock star, complete with star-studded shades. You have a really cute dog that appears to love you. A lot.

Think like Queen Elsa from Frozen and just let it go. Keep your professional networking profile photos just that – professional and current.

“You’re trying to make professional connections over social ones,” Alegre-Smith says. “Always ask yourself if your photo is how you want other professionals to see you.”

5. Don’t be cheap. Hire a professional or persuade a highly skilled amateur.

“Professional photographers use lighting, posing and other techniques to help you look your best,” Alegre-Smith says. “For my clients, I also keep retouching to a minimum — I want them to look great but still match

what they look like in real life. And choose your photographer with care. “Always look at the photographer’s

portfolio to see if you like the photos and if that’s how you’d like to be portrayed,” she says. “A professional photographer has many advantages, but you can find good amateur photographers, too.”

According to Alegre-Smith, professionals should be licensed and insured. They should be able to clearly specify in writing ahead of time what you’ll receive, what you’re guaranteed and what the price will be for those rendered services.

She also suggests you clarify how the photographer may or may not use your photo for commercial reasons in his or her business.

“A written agreement is always a good idea, even from a friend and even if no payment is exchanged,” she says.

Janet Farley, a workplace and career strategies

expert, is the author of Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist Works, 2013). Follow her @mil2civguide on Twitter.

IT’S YOUR MOMENT OF TRUTHChoose the National Guard and you choose an education to match your intellect, as well as service to your community, State, and Nation. Choose the Guard, and you choose to make a difference in your life … and in the lives of others.

• MONEY FOR COLLEGE

• LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• CAREER TRAINING

• PART-TIME SERVICEPrograms and Benefits Subject to Change

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N E W SJan/Feb 2015 3

by Michael Arsenault Vice President of Candidate Services

Bradley-Morris answers questions from transitioning military job seekers.

Q: I will be transitioning out in the next year, and I’ve had a lot of friends tell me I should work for a “start-up.” What benefits would I gain from working with a company that may be in its formative stages and, barring that, is it better to work for a public or private company?

A: There is no “right” answer to this question, unfortunately. The fact is that start-ups, private and public companies all offer their own unique advantages as well as differing levels of job security (we’ll save the subject of nonprofit companies for another day).

Public companies are owned by shareholders/stockholders, so their finances are public. Usually, these are well-known brands, and it may be an attractive proposition to say that you work for one of them — a “résumé-builder” that may be a feather in your cap going forward.

At some point in history, a public company was viewed as a more stable career than a start-up or private company. However, macro-economic trends can impact your job at a public company even if you are performing at a high level. If a public company is unable to meet share price projections due to these trends, it can result in cost cutting measures and/or mega-mergers, both of which could lead to wide-spread job losses as associated outcomes.

Private companies don’t have the same kind of public financial scrutiny and can operate within their own profit goals and corporate goals. Typically, they have a smaller group

of owners and/or investors and can vary in size from mom-and-pop shops to multinational firms. Many times, a private company can be a great option for a military-experienced job-seeker, especially when they are looking for a top performer to bring new leadership to a team. Promotion opportunities can come quicker as there may be less bureaucracy than at a public company. However, some private companies are family-owned and there may be a ceiling as to how high you can go in the company if only family members occupy the highest leadership roles, for example.

Start-ups are usually very fast-paced with shifting priorities and intense cultures. Working long nights and weekends if you want to keep up is not uncommon. You will be expected to deliver from day one — there probably won’t be any training wheels. If you thrive in this type of environment, the rewards can be considerable in terms of added responsibilities, growth and potentially lucrative stock options when and if the company “goes public” and becomes traded on a stock exchange. But the Amazon.com successes are few and far between. Most start-ups don’t make it out of the start-up phase, so don’t make a potential big pay day the main reason to take a position at this type of company.

The bottom line is that any type of business can offer a rewarding career, but there are no guarantees for long-term stability whether the company is public, private or a start-up. So consider each opportunity for the right balance of compensation, culture, responsibility, geography and growth, and trust your gut.

Mike Arsenault is Vice President of Candidate Services at military placement firm Bradley-Morris, Inc. He can be reached at (800) 330-4950 ext. 2105 or by email at marsenault (at) bradley-morris.com.

Transition TalkPublisher Jake HutchingsManaging Editor Kathy ScottArt Director Alec TrapheagenAssociate Editor Anthony MorrisContributing Editors Janet Farley Heidi Lynn Russell Tom WolfeDirector of Technology Don NowakExecutive Consultant Marla SmithConsultant Brett ComerfordConsultant Jim IrwinAccount Representative Stephanie Brinkley Account Representative Tucker HarrellAccount Representative Garrett ReedAccount Representative Dan Rinaldi

Military Transition News is published by:CivilianJobs.com1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Suite 300Kennesaw, GA 301441-866-801-4418

Reproduction or use without permission of any editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to our readers and is not an endorsement of products or advertising claims. Opinions expressed in articles are the opinions of the contributors and do not necessarily express the opinions of Military Transition News or its staff. Subscription rate: $12 per year (6 issues). To subscribe, call 1-866-801-4418.

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Military Transition News and CivilianJobs.com are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI), the largest military-focused placement firm in the U.S.

Cover top right photo: Navy Lt. Kimberly Edgel, left, and Christian Baldeviano examine a positive malaria blood smear at Naval Medical Research Unit 6 in Callao, Peru, Jan. 17, 2012. U.S. Navy photo.

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a DoD computer or visit to the education center on your military installation for more information.

If you are not exactly sure how your military job title translates into a civilian one, you can plug in your MOS/MOC into any number of online translators such as the Feds for Vets (https://mst.vaforvets.va.gov) or the O*Net Military Crosswalk Search (http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/). Some employers even tailor similar tools on their websites to match job openings within their organizations.

You can also contact healthcare professional associations such as the American Medical Association (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama), American Nurses Association (http://www.nursingworld.org) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (http://www.aama-ntl.org/) to find out more about the civilian employment requirements in your area of expertise.

If the closest you’ve come to working in healthcare while in uniform was sitting in the clinic’s waiting room, never fear. There are still a surprising number of possibilities for you to consider. To identify some of those jobs, consult the examples that follow.

Breaking into a whole new career field means you must have realistic expectations and be able to clearly identify your transferable skills. Don’t sweat it. Everyone has to start somewhere. In this case, and assuming you aren’t going to school full-time, get your foot in the door where you can and do your best regardless of how entry-level the job may be.

And don’t forget the power of karma here. Remember to appreciate the grunt work as you begin your journey so you will one day be grateful when someone else does that same grunt work for you.

Finally, network with other healthcare professionals. Seek out some of the healthcare industry-related companies found on the Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military® list (http://www.CivilianJobs.com/MVE.htm) such as DaVita Healthcare Partners who hired more than 359 veterans last year, 30 of them into leadership positions.

Highest Paying Healthcare JobsIt should come as no surprise that

surgeons and physicians claim first place on the list of highest paying occupations with an annual salary range of $148,160 to $172,330.

If you’re ultimately targeting this upper echelon of the healthcare industry, then prepare yourself for many years of school.

Occupational examples include psychiatrists, family/general doctors, prosthodontists, dentists, pediatricians and nurse anesthetists.

Fastest Growing Healthcare Jobs You don’t have to spend years in college

and medical school to work in healthcare. Some of the fastest growing jobs don’t necessarily require a degree (see chart to the right).

If you want to research any of these occupations in more detail, visit the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/) or Explore Health Careers (http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/careers/careers).

Medical and Health Services ManagementYou don’t have to wear a white coat,

administer CPR or change bedpans to work in healthcare. You can leave the hard work of patient care to others and focus instead on medical and health services management. PowerPoint warriors of the military, rejoice!

Healthcare executives or administrators wear the polished suits as they plan, direct and coordinate all medical and health service-related matters. The median annual wage is about $88,580 per year and employment is expected to grow by 23 percent. Entry-level positions usually require a bachelor’s degree.

Other management-related job titles include community services liaison, hospital

administrator, operations director, clinic manager and market development manager.

Attorneys, insurance advisors/agents, field service technicians who service medical equipment, pharmaceutical sales agents and benefits advisors can also find a comfortable home in the healthcare industry.

There now. That didn’t hurt one bit, did it?

Janet Farley is a work place and careers strategist and the author of several job search books to include Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist/EMC, 2013). Follow her on Twitter @mil2civguide for news you can use in your own transition.

“Boots to Stethoscopes: Healthcare Industry Spotlight” continued from page 1

Job Title Annual Salary Growth RatePersonal care and home health care aides $19,910-$20,820 48-49%Occupational therapy assistants $53,240 43%Genetic counselors 56,800 41%Physical therapy assistants $52,160 41%Physical therapy aides $23,880 40%Physician assistants $90,930 38%Occupational therapy aides $26,850 36%Medical secretaries $31,350 36%Physical therapists $79,860 36%

Most New Jobs Expected Not surprisingly, these titles make the most new jobs expected list:

Job Title Annual Salary Projected GrowthPersonal care aides $19,910 580,800Registered nurses $65,470 526,800Home health aides $20,820 424,200Nursing assistants $24,420 312,200Medical secretaries $31,350 189,200Nurses (LPN/Vocational) $41,540 182,900

Lilly is the Natural Next Step for Many VeteransProvided by our sponsor

Lilly celebrates a long history of commitment to veterans and supporting the military,

both in the workplace and in the community. In May 1876, Colonel Eli Lilly founded what would later become the global research-based company Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly is the only major U.S. pharmaceutical company founded by a U.S. military veteran.

As a company founded by a veteran, support for members of our military is part of the DNA at Lilly. Lilly offers an environment that is supportive to members of our military. The Lilly commitment to our military includes career opportunities, veteran community programs, volunteerism and other aid.

As a global healthcare leader, Lilly gives military members an opportunity to transition their skills and strengths to important work in the private sector. Lilly employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities.

The efforts of Lilly and Lilly employees have been recognized with a number of awards, including the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 2013 Pro Patria award. The Pro Patria award is presented to employers who demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make

it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. Additionally, ESGR recently recognized Lilly’s Scott Lindsay with the individual Patriot Award for his support of employees like Army Reservist Julia Sweet.

To further the Lilly commitment to veterans, The Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) was formed in 2009. The VLN is committed to bringing together the community of veterans at Lilly and to enhancing the leadership culture at Lilly through its mission to:

• Foster relationships with the military and veteran community in Indianapolis

• Provide networking and educational opportunities to the veteran community

• Support alignment with corporate objectives regarding effective partnership with military stakeholders

• Support veterans in transitionThe VLN also has helped supervisors

understand and appreciate the talents that former and current military service members bring to the company through an event called “Boss Lift,” which gives supervisors and senior leaders the opportunity to experience military service through simulation and experiential learning.

In addition to supporting military service, Lilly has supported numerous programs that address the needs of veterans and those

currently serving in the military:• Lilly has supported the National

Coalition for Homeless Veterans and HVAF of Indiana, Inc., to help stem the epidemic of homelessness among veterans. Lilly employees have initiated special projects at HVAF facilities, and the company has provided financial support to programs that provide veterans with support and housing.

• For more than fifty years Lilly has been a top level sponsor of the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (DAV WSC) and was an integral part of its founding. The DAV WSC annually provides rehabilitation efforts in outdoor sports for seriously disabled veterans at no expense.

• The Lilly Foundation has supported construction of the Operating Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom Wing at the Indianapolis V.A. Hospital, provided funds for National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program and for the Indianapolis Indians’ Tickets for Troops program, and provided a grant to Give an Hour and the American Psychiatric Foundation.

Members of the military are encouraged to explore Lilly’s career opportunities and the advantages of working for a company that is focused on making life better for people around the world. Lilly offers competitive salaries, training and development, health, and many other benefits. Available opportunities can be viewed at Lilly.com/careers.

Lilly currently provides time off for military duty and military family service member-related leaves, including military leave duty such as involuntary or voluntary activation, training, military family leave and military family member-related leave. Additionally, Lilly works with employees serving to ensure that benefits, pay, years of service to the company and other details are handled in a manner that supports the employee’s ability to serve while maintaining his or her future with Lilly.

“We recognize the strengths that veterans bring to our company —

characteristics such as leadership, discipline, adaptability to change

and a mission-driven focus. These are attributes that make a difference

in the military, and they are essential to our company as well.”

- John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D.,

chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lilly


A natural next step.

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At the heart of the military are values like leadership, motivation and dedication. And it’s no coincidence those same values run deep at Lilly. Not unlike the military, we’ve built a tradition of continuous growth and a commitment to making life better. So when you’re looking to take the next step in your career, consider a path that already feels natural. Learn more about career opportunities at lilly.com/careers.

Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com


3 Financial Habits to Start the New Year Off Right

by Ashley Feinstein Financial Writer

The start of a new year is a very exciting and pivotal time. We tend to reflect on

what we accomplished and experienced in the last year and then get to decide what we want to achieve in the year ahead. It’s a time for dreaming, goal-setting and creating new habits. One area in particular where we often seek to improve our habits is in our financial lives. While financial wellness is a large component of our overall wellness, it’s even more important when in a time of transition. These three financial habits will help you start the year off right by helping you build a secure foundation, increase your peace of mind and stay on track for your biggest savings goals.

1. Create and Adjust Your Civilian BudgetI believe everything starts with a

good old-fashioned budget. We have to understand what money is coming in and what expenses are going out before we can create a sustainable financial life. When transitioning from the military, putting together a civilian budget is even more important because the military has provided many benefits that will no longer be available to you. It’s important to account for these extra expenses. Two of the most significant changes will probably be housing and tax costs. You will want to do some research and estimate housing costs in the location where you plan to live so you can budget accordingly. You will no longer receive tax-free housing benefits. There are certain mortgage benefits available to those transitioning from the military. For more detail on those benefits and to see if you qualify, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/. You will also want to incorporate any other tax changes into your civilian budget. Not only will you be using post-tax dollars for housing, you will now also be subject to state income tax, which will vary depending on which state you live in.

Putting together a draft or first cut of your civilian budget is a great start, but

I find that it typically takes about three months of refining and adjusting before you have a realistic and comprehensive budget. I recommend keeping a money or spending journal once you transition to track what you’re actually spending in your new lifestyle. It can be very eye opening because most of us don’t spend what we think we spend. Once you have your money journal as a reference, you can adjust your budget accordingly. You can make a habit of revisiting your civilian budget anytime you experience a significant change in your income or expenses.

2. Check in on Future GoalsYou might be saving for a down-payment

on a home or a car, putting away money for your children’s education, or planning for retirement. With your comprehensive and accurate civilian budget you can now look to these big financial savings goals to figure out how and by when you will achieve them. For example, if you need $20,000 for a down-payment and are able to save $5,000 a year after your expenses, you will achieve your goal in four years. If you want to achieve your goals more quickly than your current budget allows, go in and adjust it. What can you cut or get for a lower cost? Are there any items that aren’t adding much value to your or your family’s lives? Cut them out. Make it a habit to check in on your goals every quarter to stay on track with your plans.

Retirement is another important savings goal for many transitioning military members. After your transition, you’ll want to get in the habit of contributing to your retirement savings and may want to participate in your new employer’s retirement program. 401(k) plans are common as far as company-sponsored programs go, and there are two major types to consider:

• Traditional 401(k): Contributions are pre-tax from your salary and lower your taxable income. These contributions, in addition to any employer match, will grow tax-deferred and then distributions are taxed in retirement.

• Roth 401(k): Contributions are after-tax from your salary. Neither investment earnings nor distributions are taxed in retirement.

Find out if your employer offers a 401(k) matching program and, if so, make sure to maximize it! Your employer will contribute to your 401(k) to match what

you contributed up to a certain percentage. This scenario, courtesy of Wikipedia, serves to illustrate a “100% of the first 6%” scenario:

“For example, an employee whose annual gross pay is $50,000 contributes $3,000 (6% of gross pay) would receive a $3,000 employer contribution. If the employee contributed more than $3,000 the employee would not receive additional employer contributions. If the employee only contributed $2,000 (4% of gross pay), they would only receive a $2,000 employer contribution leaving $1,000 of potential employer contribution on the table.”

As always, you should check with your civilian employer’s benefits department regarding the specifics of that company’s particular matching plan.

If you qualify, you can also contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA to boost your tax-advantaged retirement savings even further or in place of a company-sponsored 401(k) program. If your company offers a defined-benefit plan or pension, make sure to understand your eligibility and the vesting options. If you leave before your options fully vest, you will most likely not receive full payments in retirement. Make a habit of checking in with retirement planning calculators every six months or so to confirm that you are contributing enough on an annual basis to reach your retirement goals.

3. Plan for the UnexpectedOne of the greatest things we can do

for our financial health is to plan for the unexpected. While we can never anticipate the personal and financial ramifications of emergencies or loss, we can put plans and safeguards in place to make them as manageable as possible.

The first way to do this is by creating a transition fund that will later become an emergency fund. A transition fund is 3-12 months of living expenses that provides financial protection for any lapses in work or emergencies that may come up as you transition. Once you are comfortably transitioned, the 3-12 months of expenses will serve as an emergency fund to protect you and your family in case of any emergencies that may come up. Make sure to keep these funds in an easy-to-access, liquid vehicle such as a money market fund or a high-interest savings account. You want to be able to access this money in a pinch without incurring any penalties or fees.

When coming up with your transition fund, make sure to factor any moving expenses that you will incur into your calculation. For most service members, leaving the military is an authorized government expense. Allowances and benefits vary by service branch, type of discharge and type of separation, but you may be eligible for various benefits. If you don’t have enough savings to cover 3-12 months of living expenses, use your new civilian budget to start saving for your transition fund each month or paycheck. Have the allotted money set up to transfer automatically into your savings or money

market account so you can see it grow toward your goal transition fund amount.

When it comes to larger life emergencies, such as your and your family’s health and protecting your children, you will want to consider various insurance options. While on active duty, the military offers a maximum of $400,000 Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance with an additional $100,000 option available for spouses. Note that your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance will expire 240 days after you leave the military, so plan accordingly. Your new employer may offer a life insurance plan, but make sure to understand what you’re receiving with the plan and that it’s enough for your family’s needs. Supplemental life insurance may be a good option. You also have the option to convert your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance policy to a Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) policy, but premiums will increase over time. Make sure to compare prices and coverage before committing to any life insurance plan or combination of plans.

In addition to life insurance, you will also want to protect you and your family with health insurance. Just like with life insurance, review your options and compare prices before making a decision to commit to a plan. If neither you or your spouse have employers that offer health insurance coverage right away, consider signing up for the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), which provides up to 18 months of insurance after your transition. Don’t forget to account for health-related expenses in your civilian budget despite having health insurance. You may now be responsible for paying policy premiums, co-payments and deductibles. Many employers offer a health savings account (HSA) benefit or flexible spending account (FSA) where you can contribute tax-free money to cover health-related expenses. Estimate your medical expenses for the year and contribute that amount to the plan to maximize the tax benefit. Maximize your healthcare benefits where possible.

Once you have these plans for the unexpected set up, you will want to monitor and check in with them on a regular basis. Make it a habit to revisit your life and health insurance plans each month to make sure your needs haven’t changed and that there are no significant changes to the policies.

Ashley Feinstein is a certified money coach and founder of Knowing Your Worth, where she empowers her clients to redefine success on their own terms by knowing their value and fearlessly going for it. Find out more, check out her blog at KnowingYourWorth.com and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter at The Fiscal Femme.



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are machine operator, electronics technician and warehousing roles.

And if you want to break into the industry and don’t have those skills? There are still opportunities for you.

“Typically, our operator assistant positions or service operator positions get you out into the field on the rig site and don’t require a lot of experience. A lot of it is on-the-job training. In addition, if you’re coming out of the military with specific experience of logistics or finance and accounting, this is a good industry for you, too,” Williams says.

The outlook is also bright at Baker Hughes, Szabo says. Recently, he testified before Congress that the company “has long sought veterans for our field work, where the value of their experience is apparent.” Mechanical assembly, repair and maintenance, field operations, machining and logistical coordination all fit within that category. In addition, the company seeks veterans “for all levels,” including in corporate and enterprise positions.

“My mission, and that of the entire Baker Hughes Military Recruiting Team, is to bring the immense talents and work ethic of our men and women in uniform to bear on energy production. This makes good business sense, and we also believe that welcoming our veterans home to meaningful, well-paid jobs is simply ‘the right thing to do,’” Szabo says.

The top three jobs for veterans currently at Baker Hughes are Field Specialist, Field Operator and Repair & Maintenance Mechanic. Field Specialists form the

operational backbone of Baker Hughes, performing skilled technical services, usually at the well site. They plan daily operations, conduct safety briefings, ensure safety checks are performed on all equipment, lead their teams to execute safe rig-up procedures, ensure the safe operation of all equipment, and supervise the rigging-down of equipment and safe return of personnel and equipment. Field Operators deliver products, services and tools between different sites, as well as safely rig up equipment, operate equipment, load and unload vehicles, perform minor repairs on equipment, and maintain relevant logs and records. And by using hand tools, power tools and electronic diagnostic equipment, the Repair & Maintenance personnel play a vital role in ensuring that support equipment and vehicles are ready for use. They also perform corrective maintenance.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. of Oklahoma City, Okla., is also actively seeking veterans. It’s the second-largest natural gas producer and the 11th largest producer of oil and natural gas liquids in the United States. In 2014, Chesapeake hired more than 75 employees who self-identified as military members or veterans, and veterans make up approximately eight percent of total employees. Chesapeake’s largest need is for petrotech professionals working in technical functions and/or leadership positions (post-training). Engineers and geologists, two examples of petrotech careers, are critical to the success of Chesapeake.

“Our veterans share their technical training and leadership skills with our company, and we support their transition to civilian life with careers that offer growth

and advancement opportunities. Beyond the experience veterans bring to the workforce, they also work with integrity and respect, and put safety first. These are values that are core to Chesapeake,” says Chris Doyle, Senior VP, Operations, Northern Division.

To get noticed by recruiters, Szabo suggests you dig deep into each company’s mission, its work culture, the type of service it provides, where it operates, the type of jobs currently open and what those jobs entail.

“The oil/gas industry is very large, and like the military, uses very specific terminology and acronyms that can be confusing. The more familiar you are with the industry, a particular company and the terminology, the more educated and articulate your responses will be during an interview,” Szabo advises.

“Transitioning service members should also attend both on and off-base job fairs to get in front of recruiters looking for them. They should build professional networks (e.g., LinkedIn, RallyPoint, etc.) and attend military-specific job fairs to become visible to employers. If you are not visible, you cannot be found.”

Military-Friendly CulturesOne way to gauge whether an oil and

natural gas company is “military-friendly” is to look at the in-house programs offered to employees who are veterans that foster their career advancement and help them make the transition into the civilian workplace.

Halliburton offers the Veterans Leadership Forum, an employee affinity group with about 500 members. “A lot of their focus is on what they’re doing in the community related to supporting veterans,” Williams says,

adding that people can sign up for mentoring opportunities through the group.

Chesapeake Energy offers CHK Troop Connect, an affinity group established in 2011. It provides veterans with an online social network, community-service projects, and networking and military-appreciation events. The company also hosts an annual Veterans Day celebration at its Oklahoma City corporate campus.

“Veterans have an innate desire to continue to improve and to advance. This personality fits well with Chesapeake’s culture. Employee development is a major initiative at our company. We want to take great employees and make them even better, positioning them for promotions and leadership opportunities,” Doyle says.

And Baker Hughes’ Veterans Resource Group supports veterans transitioning from active duty and connects them with mentors within the company.

“This program has been enormously popular since its launch in 2013. Twenty-five chapters have already been established in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, and many more are underway in places like California, Colorado and North Dakota,” Szabo says. “It will come as no surprise that these local chapters, once formed, turn their focus almost instantly to making a difference in the lives of other veterans in their communities.”

Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment and business issues.

“Lucrative Careers Await in the Energy Industry” continued from page 1


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by Janet Farley Contributing Editor

If you’ve ever bought something cool at the local “big box” store, purchased a last

minute gift online or received mail order medication, it was probably made possible in part due to supply chain logistics. Thanks to recent advances in this area, an impressive system of near space age warehousing and distribution now drives much of the global economy.

In a modern automated warehouse today, technologically advanced robots are hard at work, efficiently selecting items from stacks and rows of countless other items. Goods are placed on conveyor belts, whisked away via high-speed internal transport systems and sent off for rapid shipping to arrive at their destinations in record time.

If you happen to possess technical expertise, leadership skills, a team-oriented mindset and the whole idea of automated warehouse processes catches your attention, then you might consider looking for your next job at Swisslog North America. They specialize in designing and creating cutting edge logistical systems, and they’re hiring.

Taking Care of BusinessesSwisslog North America finds itself in

the right place, at the right time as more companies today turn to automation and systems integration in bottom-line focused efforts to more effectively manage their inventories, move their stock quickly and ensure customer satisfaction.

Headquartered in the Oakland Industrial Park in northern Newport News, Virginia, Swisslog offers consulting, design, implementation and lifetime customer support for “best-in-class” integrated systems and services for warehouses and distribution centers .

“We are in charge of complex and sophisticated systems and we keep those systems up and running by monitoring them on a 24 hour basis,” said Bill Leber, Director of Business Development.

Some of the companies that they keep things up and running for are Target, Walmart, Publix, Cargill, Baxter Healthcare and Glaxo Ontario.

A few examples of how they accomplish these technical feats include the following:

- Through Click&Pick, an adaptable modular concept used within e-commerce and omni-channel sales, they help businesses fulfill customer orders up to five times faster than doing so manually.

- With Inventory, Forklift and Tracking

Systems (SmartLIFT) - think of a forklift fitted with an indoor GPS - they aid businesses in decreasing operating costs and enhancing real time inventory accountability.

- They work with food processors, retailers and distributors in streamlining their logistics with high-bay-temperature-controlled warehouses.

“Food, as you might suspect, has an expiration date. You have to keep it moving,” said Leber.

Finding the Right People for the JobKeep it moving. That is exactly what Swisslog North

America does whether they are working with retailers, pharmaceuticals or food distributors. They keep things moving and they know if anyone can keep things on task, it is someone who has served in the military.

“The military hiring pool is attractive to us. They are attuned to our needs,” said Leber.

This is good news for service members who might be interested in working with Swisslog North America.

“Since 2011, we have doubled our workforce from 70 employees to 140 and we are looking to continue that expansion in the future,” said Leber.

“Those who are coming out of the military have the relative experience and discipline we seek in our employees. They understand that everything interacts with something. They are used to following a protocol and they know how to effectively communicate with others,” he said.

What kinds of positions are they looking to fill?“It varies. We want to hire engineers who

focus on pure coding while others focus more on automation, marrying equipment to computers to controls. We will also want to hire field service technicians who will be more concerned with fixing the hardware as needed,” said Leber.

In efforts to identify and hire the best people for the job, Swisslog North America has partnered with Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI), the nation’s largest military placement firm.

“Since June 2004, we have placed 27 candidates with Swisslog,” said JT Blum, the BMI account representative for the company.

“They hire all kinds of positions but primarily field service engineers who are the face of the company with their customers and who fix the robotics when needed,” said Blum.

“I like to say that if R2D2 (from the movie Star Wars) lost his job, he’d go to work for Swisslog,” said Blum.

What does it take to stand a chance with this cutting edge company?

“If you want to work with this division of Swisslog, you have to be unbelievably smart and know technology that people have never seen before,” said Blum.

“Technology-based leaders and engineers having nuclear and/or fire controlmen experience are usually excellent candidates,” said Blum.

Skills are certainly one piece of it, but according to Blum, there is more.

“You have to have a high level of confidence and yet still be able to show humility. It’s very possible that as a field service technician, you will have to walk into a company’s boardroom and brief their chief executive officer about the situation you’re trying to fix,” said Blum.

To excel in a job with this company, Blum suggests you enjoy finding ways to make things work in a technological sense and you know what to do when things don’t always go as planned.

“In the world of robotics, Murphy’s Law is alive and well,” said Blum.

In other words, contingency planning skills are a big plus in this business.

From Military Job Seeker toService Manager

In October 2010, then-Navy LCDR Ned Hazlett attended a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) class in

preparation for his retirement after 20 years of service as a Naval Flight Officer.

It was during the TAP class that Hazlett learned about BMI and how the leading military placement firm could help him quickly and efficiently find a civilian job in line with his vast experience and technical abilities.

“A BMI representative came to our TAP class and told us what they could do for us and that the best time for us to connect with them would be when we were within 90 days of being able to start a job,” said Hazlett.

“I was still a few months away from that point so I thought I would wing it on my own for a while and see how things worked out,” said Hazlett.

By mid-January 2011, Hazlett had not secured employment or had any promising leads so he contacted BMI.

“I figured if nothing else, I would get some good tips on how to interview for jobs and get my resume scrubbed,” said Hazlett.

Hazlett ended up getting much more out the deal.

“Working with BMI, I found it easier to get my name out to potential companies who might be interested in my skills,” said Hazlett.

After attending a Bradley-Morris ConferenceHire® hiring event in the Hampton/Norfolk area, he was hired by Swisslog North America as an account manager and was promoted to service manager in 2012, having responsibility for over one half of the service department.

In November 2013, he was promoted again. This time, he was responsible for the entire service department.

“Swisslog definitely promotes from within,” said Hazlett.

“I enjoy my job. It’s a good fit for me professionally and personally,” said Hazlett.

From the Other Side of the DeskIronically, Hazlett now finds himself on

the other side of the interview desk working with BMI, not as a candidate, but as the employer. He has been pleased with the caliber of candidates he meets though that relationship.

“When BMI gives me a stack of 10 resumes, I know without a doubt that those 10 candidates are all equally qualified to do the job. I wouldn’t have those resumes in my hands if they weren’t,” said Hazlett.

“Now, whether I select you for a follow-on interview comes down to one thing. It comes down to how you interact with me as a person,” said Hazlett, who offers job seekers some more good advice.

“BMI sets you up to succeed. You just have to listen to the advice that they give you. They know what they’re talking about,” said Hazlett.

“Be flexible. If you are applying for a job as a field service technician, that means you’ll be travelling anywhere been 75% to 80% of the time fixing equipment for our customers,” he said.

“Understand that frequent civilian business travel is very different from the type of travel you may have experienced during deployments. It’s a different mindset but it still has its challenges that you have to deal with,” said Hazlett.

“Don’t over exaggerate the skills and experiences on your resume. In our company, we have people who have served in uniform before and we understand the way things work in the military. We know what to look for in the resumes and we know when someone is overstating things,” said Hazlett.

“If you’ve never interviewed before, it can scare you out of your mind. Practice interviewing for a job before you actually have to do it,” said Hazlett.

Hazlett also advises job seekers to follow the basic rules, stated or not.

“We want to hire people who carry themselves well and who can follow the simple rules,” he said.

“If your BMI rep tells you to show up to a job interview 10-15 minutes early, dressed for success in a nice suit, do it. Don’t show up late, in blue jeans, a purple shirt and tennis shoes,” he said.

Make no mistake about it. Swisslog North America places great stock in hiring someone who has the best technological skills. They won’t, however, pass on you if you happen to be the best person for the job.

“We’d rather hire a technician having the right soft skills set and then teach them what they need to know,” said Hazlett.

“Character counts,” he said. As it should.

Janet Farley, a workplace and career strategies expert, is the author of Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist Works, 2013). Follow her @mil2civguide on Twitter.

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Time For Your Annual Tune-up!

by Tom Wolfe Career Coach and Contributing Editor

Performing planned or scheduled maintenance is part of the daily routine

for many military personnel. We learn very quickly that proper and timely upkeep on equipment and systems will go a long way to reduce downtime. It also leads to stellar scores on those pesky operational readiness inspections. A funny thing happens when we focus on and discover the value of planned maintenance — it carries over to our personal lives: Getting your car’s oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. Draining your garden hoses before the first winter frost. Scheduling your annual physical. Replacing your smoke detector batteries. Getting a flu shot in the fall. See what I mean?

Although you are probably very good at applying the principles of planned maintenance in your military occupation and your personal life, some of you may have neglected to do so in another critical application — career transition.

Preparing for and accomplishing a successful military-to-civilian career transition requires hours of physical and mental preparedness. No matter how much we do to get ready for and execute this process, mistakes and disappointment are inevitable. Successful job hunting and interviewing is more than just preparation and perseverance; it is also about control. If you don’t perform up to your potential in an interview because of something you could have controlled, you may beat yourself up. On the other hand, if you fail for reasons out of your control, that is called life. Since your degree of operational readiness is within your control, you must pay attention to this critical mission.

Let’s say that you were military-to-civilian “mission ready” in 2014. Does that same status apply in 2015? Maybe yes, maybe no. As we kick off the new year, make sure the answer is “yes.” Here are 10 tips for your transition tune-up:

1. Review your network. Does it need a jump-start? Has it gone stale? Did you give up on some of those contacts? Did any of them ask you to reconnect after the first of the year? Seek to make some new connections through alumni associations, professional societies, job fairs, networking events, friends, family, social networking, neighbors and church. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. Remember: Who you know and who they know can have a big impact on developing leads and getting your foot in the door.

2. Personal appearance. Military personnel are known for excellent grooming and pride in appearance. Do you live up to that expectation? Take a look in the mirror. Would you hire that person? Would you even want to meet that person? Evaluate your haircut, facial hair and fingernails.

3. Your résumé. Have you tweaked your résumé recently? When was the last time you had a fresh set of eyes review it? Does it reference the year 2014? Maybe that needs to be changed to 2015. Does it require any job title and description updates? Are your achievements up to date? Did you receive any awards or accolades at the end of 2014 that should be added? Are your address and phone number still accurate?

4. Interviewing attire. Has your suit been cleaned recently? Do you need to update your interviewing attire? Does everything still fit well? Maybe a new suit is not in the budget, but a new shirt and tie or blouse will spruce up or modernize an old suit. Also, take a look at your shoes. Do they need to be polished? Are the heels and soles in good shape? Are the laces frayed?

5. References. Review the people on your list of references. When was the last time you checked in with them? Do they know your search

has started and continues? Has their contact information changed? Have they changed their preferred method of being contacted? Do they remain willing to act as a reference for you? Do they need any information from you that will assist them in giving a reference if asked?

6. Online presence. Google yourself. What comes up? When was the last time you did some housekeeping on your social networking pages? Do you have a Facebook page? Will it make a potential employer more or less interested in you? Inventory your online photos and make sure you’re comfortable sharing them with a boss and co-workers. Do you have a presence on LinkedIn? You should because it’s a powerful job search tool. In addition to crafting a LinkedIn profile that represents you well, identify and join any special interest groups (including CivilianJobs.com, publisher of Military Transition News) that have the potential to expand your network.

7. Reading. What books are on your nightstand or in your e-reader? Are you keeping up with trends in your industry or specialty? How about special interest groups and postings on social media sites? Do you read business periodicals, professional publications or trade journals? How about job hunting and career transition guides? Looking for a great place to start? Check out my book: www.out-of-uniform.com.

8. Physical fitness and wellness. Job hunting is a stressful time in your life. It requires a lot of mental and physical energy to support it. Do not neglect your personal needs. Take 30-60 minutes each day to move your body. Walk, run, jog, bike, swim, stretch or even dance. The physical and mental benefits of this short break in your daily routine are equally important.

9. Give back. It’s very easy to get tunnel vision during a job search. It’s perfectly natural to focus on selfish issues. It’s also easy to get down on yourself when things are not going well. You need to shake it off. Physical activity will help, but so will volunteerism. Get involved in community service. Most people feel better about themselves when they are helping others. Although it should not be your sole motivation, volunteering is also a good way to expand your network.

10. Refresh. For many companies, a new year also means a new budget. Maybe a company you’ve had your eye on couldn’t fund a key job last year but now it’s a possibility. Just because a company couldn’t hire you in 2014 doesn’t necessarily mean 2015 is out of the question. Follow up on previous interviews. Re-apply at the company’s website. Review past correspondence to see if additional follow-up might help.

In summary, simply apply the Five P concept to your military-to-civilian career transition — prior planning prevents poor performance — to enhance your readiness for success. GOOD HUNTING!

Tom Wolfe is a Career Coach, Columnist, Author and Veteran and can be found at www.out-of-uniform.com.

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Transitioning A to Z: “U” and “V”In the upcoming issues of Military Transition News, we will be listing everything a service member needs to know about transitioning, from A to Z.by Military Transition News Staff

This month, we tackle “U” and “V”.

“U”: UnifiedAccording to HealthStatus.com, moving

and job loss are two of the top five stressors for an individual. Military transition not only weighs heavily on the Soldier, Sailor or Marine, it also affects the people he or she loves the most. It doesn’t take much to imagine the scenario played out when an entire family is dealing with such upheaval and how it impacts the psyche of the service member.

Take a deep breath. Not just you, but everyone in the household. If anyone knows the adversity that life can bring, it’s the families

of the U.S. Military. But you’ve undoubtedly witnessed examples of how clear thinking and an ability to stay focused on a task can assist in overcoming difficult obstacles. In addition, keeping communication lines open and collectively taking small steps toward a successful transition are key. When the entire family can exhibit these qualities, then staying Unified as a unit will make the transition manageable.

“V”: VolunteerVolunteering comes naturally to veterans

- you volunteered to serve your country after all! It’s the nature of the service member.

When transitioning, Volunteering is also a great way to network and meet potential

job leads. In addition to doing work that’s close to your heart, consider volunteering for positions that might be strategic in terms of your professional goals with an eye to assisting in an introduction to a decision-maker.

Volunteer at a local theater to usher for a special event; volunteer to lead a committee for a relevant civilian professional association; volunteer to give out water at local runs; volunteer to help an association put on a parade or craft fair. There are so many ways volunteering can help build your network. A day out volunteering can be strenuous, but hard work diminishes stress, which could help put you in the right frame of mind for your civilian job search. And it might result in great networking contacts, as well.

career coach’s corner


Date: January 5, 2015 Location: Fort Hood SFL: TAP Mini Job Fair - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier & Family Readiness Ctr.; Bldg. 18000 Sponsor: POC: Robert Schumacher - (254) 288-0827; [email protected]

Date: January 16, 2015 Location: West Point Mini Job Fair 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sponsor: POC: Rachel Coleman - SFL TAP: (845) 938-0634 or Ellen Stoneham - ACS: (845) 938-5658

Date: January 21, 2015 Location: Ft. Hood SFL: TAP Triannual Mega Winter Job Fair 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Club Hood Catering and Conference Center, Bldg. 5764 Sponsor: POC: Robert Schumacher - (254) 288-0827; [email protected]

Date: January 23, 2015 Location: Ft. Carson SFL-TAP Mini Job Fair / 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Transition University, Mekong St., Bldg. 6237 Sponsor: POC: Lyle E. Dickason - (719) 526-0410; [email protected]

Date: January 27, 2015 Location: Ft. Benning / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ft. Benning Conference Ctr. Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

Date: January 27, 2015 Location: Patuxent River NAS MD 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. / Bay District Vol. Fire Dept. Social Hall, 46900 S. Shangri-La Dr. Sponsor: POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone, www.JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473; [email protected]

Date: January 29, 2015 Location: Andrews AFB Joint Base Andrews Chiefs Group Job Fair / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - The Club At Andrews, Bldg. 1889, Arnold Ave. Sponsor: POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone, www.JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473; [email protected]

Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Ft. Hood Job Fair 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier & Family Readiness Ctr., Bldg. 18000 Sponsor: POC: Robert Schumacher - (254) 288-0827; [email protected]

Date: February 5, 2015 Location: Ft. Leonard Wood Hiring Fair / (call for time) - 6836 Iowa Ave., Bldg. 1067 Sponsor: POC: Beverly Rowe - (573) 596-0175; [email protected]

Date: February 10, 2015 Location: Ft. Stewart 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Stewart Club Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

Date: February 12, 2015 Location: Fort Bliss / 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - TAP Center Bldg. 503A, 1st Floor Open Area, Pershing Rd., Fort Bliss, TX Sponsor: POC: Zulemma Carranza, M.A./LNO - (915) 568-4210; [email protected]

Date: February 19, 2015 Location: Ft. Belvoir-Springfield 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, VA Sponsor: POC: Janet Giles, Jobzone, www.JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or (540) 226-1473; [email protected]

Date: February 24, 2015 Location: JB Lewis-McChord 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - American Lake Conference Ctr. Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

Date: March 3, 2015 Location: Ft. Carson / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Location TBD Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

Date: March 11, 2015 Location: Ft. Bragg / 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ft. Bragg Club, NC Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

Date: March 24, 2015 Location: Ft. Lee / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. The Regimental Club Sponsor: CivilianJobs.com - (866) 801-4418

LARGEST MILITARY FOOTPRINT

Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) is the largest military-focused recruiting firm in the U.S. that for over 20 years has specialized in placing prior military job seekers with Fortune 1000 companies.

CivilianJobs.com helps military-friendly companies who actively recruit candidates from the military by offering cost-ef-fective and customized solutions to meet their hiring needs.

Military Transition News is a bi-monthly publication providing military job seekers with relevant career and transition advice. It is distributed in print and online to over 500 military bases.

HireMilitaryBlog.com is a blog dedicated to educating and assisting employers (HR Recruiters) with sourcing and hiring candidates with prior-military experience.

MilitaryResumes.com provides professional resume writing and consulting services for transitioning military, veterans, and their spouses seeking a civilian or federal career.

Essential Events and Travel, Inc. provides expert event planningservices for corporate events and meetings. We excel in managing specialized events.

MilitaryTransition.com is a blog devoted to providing transition assistance information and tools to service members transitioning from the military to a civilian career.

N E W S

For more job fair dates and locations,go to CivilianJobs.com

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Job Fair Calendar


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Vet’s Best Friends:Service Dogs

James Cadieux is a decorated Vietnam-era veteran with a message for other veterans

with disabilities: “If you have a chance to have a service dog, it will change your life forever. Guaranteed.” Cadieux and his service dog Cruiser, a chocolate lab, are constant companions, and the two have become a familiar sight around Myrtle Beach, S.C. They celebrated their first anniversary as a team in November 2014.

“He saved my life,” Cadieux says. Before Cruiser came along, Cadieux lived alone and rarely went out. He was sedentary and had little interaction with other people. Now, Cruiser accompanies him to doctor appointments, on long walks on the beach and around town. “He’s taken me out of depression and made my physical life better,” Cadieux says. Cruiser gives him the confidence to connect with people. “He stands in front of me to make sure I’m safe,” Cadieux says. Since they’ve been together, Cadieux has lost 65 pounds and has been able to stop taking many of his medications.

Cruiser came to Cadieux via Canine Angels, a Myrtle Beach-based non-profit organization founded by Rick Kaplan, a retired businessman, in 2011. “I came from a dog family,” says Kaplan, who won his first prize for dog training at the age of 7. While running his highly successful jewelry business, Kaplan pursued his passion on the side — working with rescue dogs that end up in shelters because they had poor training, or no training. “Giving the dogs some basic education enables them to find a home,” he says.

As an 18-year-old, Kaplan had a strong desire to follow in the footsteps of his family members who had served in the military. When he tried to enlist during the Vietnam War, however, he was disappointed to learn that he was not eligible. He never lost his desire to find a way to serve. “I’ve had a remarkable life,” Kaplan says. “The chance we get as Americans is paid for by everyone in uniform.”

As a retiree, he dedicated himself to working with rescue dogs in his new community. He recognized that there were many dogs with the potential to become service dogs. Through Canine

Angels, Kaplan has found a way to repay those who have served.

Canine Angels serves the local Myrtle Beach community and the surrounding area within an hour’s drive. Since 2011, 50 veterans have been matched with service dogs of all breeds, genders and sizes. A tiny Yorkshire terrier was matched with a 32-year-old who had become a paraplegic after being struck by a drunk driver. “The dog sleeps in the crook of his neck and wakes him up from nightmares,” Kaplan says. “She gets someone if he needs help, reminds him to take his medications and picks up things he drops.” The dog has helped him regain his independence and transformed his family life. He now brings his Yorkie to schools and speaks to students about driving and drinking and how life can be changed in an instant.

Further north, American’s Vet Dogs

in Smithtown, N.Y., was established as an independent non-profit in 2006. The organization has its roots in another organization, the Guide Dog Foundation, founded in 1946 to serve World War II veterans who had been blinded or were visually impaired due to combat-related injuries. After the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Guide Dog Foundation spun off America’s Vet Dogs as a separate 501(c)(3) dedicated to veterans, and expanded the scope to provide service dogs for a wider range of disabilities.

America’s Vet Dogs has its own breeding program and rarely uses shelter dogs. “Dogs that are bred through the program, we know their temperament, we know the history, the health, how successful they’ve been,” says Andrew Rubenstein, Director of Marketing. Puppies begin their training in a somewhat unusual setting. “We have a prison puppy program that we launched about three or four years ago,” Rubenstein says. The organization works with prisons in Maryland, Massachusetts and Connecticut. “Puppies are brought in and the inmates help train the dogs,” he says. “They have the time to really dedicate a lot of time and effort into the training, the raising, the obedience of the dogs.”

When the dogs are a year-and-a-half old, they return to the main campus in Smithtown where they go through official training. Each dog is specifically matched with a veteran who has applied and been accepted to the program. “If we have a veteran who needs a dog for balance issues, that dog will be specifically trained to work with that veteran for balance and whatever else they need help with,” Rubenstein says. The matching process is very detailed, taking into consideration the height of the veteran, how fast or slowly they walk, if they live in the country or the city, if there are other pets in the house or children at home, lifestyle and work situation.

There is no cost to veterans for this program. All expenses are paid — even transportation. “We’ll fly them to our campus in New York,” Rubenstein says. “We have a 17-room residence hall and a dining room with a chef that cooks three meals a day.” The veterans are there for two weeks and go through an intensive training program. They learn about canine care, dog habits and how to work with their dog.

America’s Vet Dogs works with veterans from all eras. “We’ve had World War II veterans, Korean War veterans, up to current conflicts,” Rubenstein says. “We accept any veteran that has been honorably discharged, whether they were injured in combat or injured when they got home.” The organization is national and works with veterans from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, offering guide dogs, service dogs and hearing dogs. They are working on launching a PTSD pilot program in the near future.

Canine Angels offers dogs to veterans and first responders at no charge. For more information, visit www.canineangelsservicedogs.org.

For further information about America’s Vet Dogs, visit www.vetdogs.org.

To learn about other programs, visit Assistance Dogs International, www.assistancedogsinternational.org.

Cruiser and Cadieux


TRANSITIONINGFROM ACTIVE DUTY?

800-237-8279 • AFReserve.com/Continue

The Air Force Reserve offers great part-time opportunities for people transitioning from active duty. It gives you the time and financial support to further your education, or begin a civilian career, while continuing your military service toward retirement. As a Reservist, you can continue to do the extraordinary and maintain the camaraderie experienced while serving in the military.

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