Month: April 2016

“Make Your Experience Help a Veteran” says Hire Heroes USA Volunteer Anthony Giordano

“It seems obvious to me that those who are willing to put their lives on the line are deserving of all the help the rest of us can give,” said Hire Heroes USA volunteer Anthony Giordano. “Sometimes we can meet someone and in one hour make a real difference in his life.”

As someone who has been making a difference in people’s lives for decades, Anthony knows what it takes to support those who need it: connection.

“When I volunteer I like to actually connect with those I hope to help,” he said. “Hire Heroes USA’s experience is a one-on-one type of involvement where I get to help a specific veteran in a mock interview situation and then chat with the veteran about the type of position that he/she is going for.  Those veterans I have had the opportunity to work with have not had a great deal of work experience in the civilian environment. Since I have had a number of jobs in my life, it’s great to be able to give someone an idea not only of the interview process, but also what the actual job might be like.”

Anthony was an English teacher for 25 years and recently connected with a Hire Heroes USA client who was having a hard time finding a teaching position. During their mock interview, Anthony noticed that the veteran didn’t have a good grasp on grammar rules, even though his grammar was very good when speaking.

“I offered to chat with him over the phone when he has time so that he could strengthen that aspect of the interview process,” said Anthony. “It is going well. He has a family, a job, and is still in the reserves so we try to fit in the phone calls when we can.”

They’ve been in regular contact since February and the veteran says that Anthony has been a big influence in his motivation and confidence.

When asked about what he would share with someone who is thinking about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA, Anthony is clear:

“Think about the last seven days. Was there one hour during that time that, from the comfort of your own home, could have been used to possibly change a life? You have something valuable to offer – your experience – to our veterans. This is a perfect opportunity for those who want to volunteer but might not have a great deal of time to spare or might be homebound. In my case, I am often busy with other projects but this system allows me to help out and not commit to an extensive schedule.”

Anthony has a lot going on so he knows what he’s talking about; he volunteers at his church and at a local library to teach English as a Second Language; he even does some acting in off Broadway theatres in New York City!

“Don’t let your experience die with you,” he said. “Make it help a veteran find a better life.”

Kendra Cullimore exemplifies what it means to be a giver. She is a veteran and Hire Heroes USA alumna who continues to give back to fellow veterans. Kendra began volunteering in August 2015 to share her nonprofit management and social services expertise through career counseling, mock interviewing, and federal resume review assistance. So far, she has mentored over 10 clients and donated over 25 hours of her time. During her mentorship sessions, she gives her time, valuable feedback, strength, positivity, and hope! Today, we turn our spotlight to feature a remarkable woman and “shero” who is passionate about empowering her brothers and sisters-in-arms to succeed in the civilian workforce. Kendra shared her story with us:

“I served in the U.S. Army as a 42A, or Human Resources Specialist, where I was also my unit’s Combat Lifesaver, Family Readiness Coordinator, Women’s Post Basketball Player and Unarmed Combat Champion (both men’s and women’s). I worked with some of the most dedicated and selfless heroes I have ever met.

“I am passionate about helping veterans! I have dedicated nearly two decades to social work and social justice and am fast approaching my graduate degree with a Master’s degree in Social Work from one of the top-three nationally accredited schools, the University of Washington. I just completed my year-long internship at the American Lake VA Hospital, where I counseled veterans suffering from addiction and PTSD. I have networked in veteran communities for the past nine years, ever since I was an (unbelievably scared) transitioning veteran (I know, how could an unarmed combat champ be afraid?).  

“One of the most influential people in my life was my Veteran Transition Specialist (VTS) at WorkSource. He took me under his wing helped me translate all of the skills I gained in the military to civilian terms, and then offered me a job working with him! I spent years learning how to help people find jobs, creating and navigating the dreaded federal resume and, utilizing my undergraduate education in psychology and sociology. I put people at ease and helped them find what their passions were one resume and interview at a time. I get to continue doing this as a Hire Heroes USA volunteer.

“Kristina Pressley, an amazing VTS, introduced me to volunteer opportunities with Hire Heroes USA. I knew Kristina through her business at Torch Fitness, where she routinely and playfully took pleasure in laughing at me trying to get back in shape. We became fast friends, even though she is an Air Force veteran. She told me about Hire Heroes USA’s vision, mission and what she does to help veterans, and she quickly became one of my heroes!

“I have had an array of opportunities to help as a volunteer from federal resume preparation and review, job coaching, sharing technical expertise, conducting mock interviews, to just an occasional pep-talk.  

“The moment that has stuck out to me was a phone interview I did with a military spouse who was starting over after the loss of her child. Through tearful emotion, she explained that her only vocational experience was working with children, and she could no longer cope with working with children, as it was too painful for her. I remember how grateful she was to just have someone willing to listen. When she was able, we then formulated a step-by-step plan for her success.  

“I have learned through volunteering with Hire Heroes USA that there is a skilled and dedicated community that understands the vast needs of veterans and their families searching for employment. This complex, energized, living network of VTS and volunteers stand together and help each other succeed. This is truly what serving our country means. With each veteran I have been fortunate enough to assist, I have seen that through employment comes empowerment and success. All of a sudden being “civilian” isn’t so scary anymore.”

As a part of National Volunteer Week, we asked a few of our volunteers to share why they support veteran employment. Today we spotlight Corey Marshburn, a Hire Heroes USA volunteer since November 2015.

How did you first get involved with Hire Heroes USA? – I did a lot of research trying to find an organization that helps veterans find jobs and there weren’t very many. I finally found Hire Heroes USA and loved that they were based in my home state of Georgia. It was a no brainer!

What inspired you to want to help transitioning military veterans and spouses? I have several family members and friends that have been in the military. My grandpa was my hero growing up and when he passed, I felt a strong need to help veterans to make sure they are able to succeed like he did after he spent his time as a Marine. He was such an inspiration to everyone around him and everyone loved him. I believe that was because he was a Marine, he had a loving heart, and was lucky enough to find a career after his years of service. Since his passing, I have heard one too many times about the struggles our veterans today are facing trying to move into a civilian career. I have such a passion for helping others and striving to help them succeed that I felt this was a way to make a small difference and encourage veterans that they are capable of so many things after their service.

What do you like best about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA? I love speaking with veterans, showing them all the new ways of searching for a job, helping them tell their story… and it finally clicks. They start to see that looking for a job is about selling yourself and telling your story in a compelling way. 

What have you learned from volunteering with military veterans and spouses? Veterans are very well trained and tend to be short and concise with their words. They have been trained to be quick and to the point, but when interviewing we work on how to be compelling. 

What do you do when you’re not volunteering? I recently got a puppy, Sammie Grace, so I’m spending a lot of time trying to train and get to know her. I also enjoying all things Auburn football, playing golf, attending Buckhead Church, and spending time with girlfriends either going to the movies or hiking. 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA?  SIGN UP! I have actually been a huge advocate of getting people to volunteer and recommending Hire Heroes USA to any veteran who needs help finding a job. I ordered one of the t-shirts and try to wear it often and when I’m asked about it, I’m sure to give an encouraging push to sign up. Everything about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA is rewarding and can’t wait to help the next veteran!