Charles
“I thought that since I have been a manager/supervisor for over 15 years, that I could walk right into that position."
Charles, US ARMY
Empowering Veterans: A Journey of Discovery and Reinvention
In our ongoing mission at Still Serving Veterans to support Veterans transitioning into civilian life, we've had the privilege of witnessing remarkable stories of resilience and renewal. Today, we're honored to spotlight the journey of Charles, a distinguished Army Veteran whose path embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability.
Charles, a seasoned leader with the rank of E7/SFC, encountered familiar yet formidable hurdles upon embarking on his post-military career journey. Like many Veterans, he sought to leverage his expertise as an instructor into civilian roles, particularly in management and supervision. However, the transition proved challenging, with job opportunities seeming elusive despite his extensive experience.
Reflecting on his journey, Charles candidly shared, "The biggest challenge was looking for a job that aligned with what I was doing in the military... I thought that since I have been a manager/supervisor for over 15 years, that I could walk right into that position." It's a sentiment echoed by countless transitioning Veterans navigating the intricate landscape of civilian employment.
Enter Mrs. Kate McCray, a fellow Veteran and expert in all things military transition at at SSV. Through her invaluable assistance, Charles underwent a transformative shift in perspective. Kate illuminated the wealth of experience Charles possessed, encouraging him to embrace his role as a "multi-tool" of skills and capabilities. "She helped me see and realize that I have a multitude of experiences that I didn't know about or didn't think that it was relevant or I have completely forgotten about," Charles expressed gratefully.
The impact of Kate's mentorship was profound. Armed with needed clarity, Charles tailored his federal resume to showcase his military acumen, effectively bridging the gap between his service and civilian aspirations. (I) "Shaped my federal resume to reflect all my military experience and (SSV) gave me examples to write on my civilian resumes. Helped immensely to see what I brought and what I had to bring to the table," he affirmed.
Today, Charles thrives in his role as a Veterans Service Representative at the Veterans Benefits Administration, embodying the ethos of service in a new capacity. While each transition story is unique, Charles faced a common hurdle that should help fellow Veterans navigate the labyrinth of transition, offering a poignant reminder: "Don't give up, be that multi-tool of experience no matter how small it is. Don't undersell yourself and don't oversell yourself,” said Charles.
In Charles' story, we find a resounding theme of resilience and reinvention—a testament to the unwavering spirit of our nation's Veterans. As we continue our mission at SSV, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering Veterans like Charles, equipping them with the tools and support needed to thrive in their post-service endeavors. Together, we forge a brighter future, one veteran success story at a time.
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