*Corey Hopkins, Veteran Career & Transition Counselor | US Navy, Retired*

1.Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

An Army Brat, raised in New Market Alabama graduated from Buckhorn Highschool, Calhoun CC and from University of Alabama. Have three children ages 25, 19 and 17. I enjoy Pickle Ball and working at my nature preserve. Retired from the Army in 2022 after 20 years of service.

2. What is your military background? And did you attend any additional college or educational courses?

I joined the Army in 2002 as a combat medic and after 6 years I commissioned through OCS as an Artillery Officer. I served all over the world, Germany, Iraq and Saudia Arabia as well as several duty station in the U.S.

3. What inspired you to join Still Serving Veterans?

Have always enjoyed being in a position to positively affect people and SSV is a great place to do just that. It such a unique place to work. We are actually helping people change their life for them and their family.

4. What does a typical day look like for you at SSV?

Most of the day is spent calling and talking with clients about their job searching strategy and their thoughts on transition. Conversations can lead to a variety of topics from the struggles of finding a job, their career in the military, family to their prior military career. In addition to speaking with clients I update and do resumes, conduct virtual meetings with clients. Sometimes attend career fairs and other public engagements. Also, talking with co-workers about their day.

5. What do you find most rewarding about your work here?

Being a sounding board for people that need someone to vent the job-hunting frustrations too. A lot of times, people just want to have someone that understands their frustrations and challenges. Going through the process of first introductions, follow through with resumes and job searching strategies and ultimately finding a new career. I also enjoy hearing positive feedback from people that I played a roll in them finding a career and help improve their life.

6. In your experience, what’s the biggest challenge veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?

Loss of Identity. Once a career in the military is over, re-inventing yourself and finding a new career that provides a similar purpose can be difficult. Often times a person has spent several years in the military progressing through the ranks and creating a path. Then one day, you are no longer in the military and have to answer the question of “what do I want to do now”, which can be the most difficult question to answer.

7. What advice would you give a veteran who’s hesitant to seek support?

Take the leap of faith, never know where its going to lead you.

8. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I enjoy cooking, working on my nature preserve, church, reading and spending time with family.

9. Finally, what does “Still Serving Veterans” mean to you?

Means an opportunity, each day, to have a positive affect and interact with my fellow veterans. It means having a purpose or calling to continue to serve. Also provides me with an identity of being apart of an organization whose mission is to help Veterans and their families.