*Jehremy Smith, Veteran Career & Transition Counselor | US Air Force, Veteran*

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

My name is Jehremy Smith and I am a Veterans Career and Transition Counselor for Still Serving Veterans. I am a native of Columbus, Ga and come from a military/paramilitary family. I served in the Air Force for 4 years before transitioning out and starting a career path in social services. I’ve worn several hats along the way, mostly in case management and mental healthcare and the path has led me gratefully to SSV.

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

I served in the Air Force as an aerospace maintainer for the C-17a jet aircraft. I am currently in school exploring my passion for the environment and wildlife and working toward a degree in Wildlife management and Environmental Science.

3. What inspired you to join Still Serving Veterans?

I know what it’s like to not know how or what you are going to do once you are out of the military. Not knowing the ins and outs of looking for a job in the civilian world was felt like a giant wall to climb. Learning what SSV’s mission was, inspired me to apply as a VCTC and provide my fellow veterans with the job search and networking skills that I wish I had known about.

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

A typical day for me consists of making intro calls to new clients, immediately providing resume revisions to those new clients, checking in on current clients or meeting with them either in the office or virtually to discuss resume building and job search/networking skills. It also consists of plenty of caffeine.

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

I find that the results of me doing my job successfully to be the most rewarding. The results being the knowledge that one more veteran has the tools for success is one. The experience from doing the job itself is the other.

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

In my experience, one of the biggest problems transitioning veterans face today would be not knowing how to translate their skills to different job titles that fit their work experience.

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

Talking to other veterans about the resources they have used that work for them can put their mind at ease.

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

Outside of work I like to spend time outdoors with my family. I read comics, listen to music and play D&D from time to time. I am a horror movie buff as well.

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

It’s right there in the name. Being of service to others is a calling in my life that I accepted long ago. We’re doing it now and we will still be doing it in the future.