From time to time we have the opportunity to share success stories from those who have participated in our programs. We can showcase how well our programs are doing and encourage those who may need guidance as they transition from active duty.
Below is a letter from one service member who participated in the Department of Defense Operation Warfighter (OWF) program. At the end of her internship, she secured a position as a training manager with United States Transportation Command. If you have a success story about your participation in the OWF program, we would love to hear from you, too. Just send us an
EMAIL or contact your
OWF Regional Coordinator today!
I am emailing to say thank you and thank Operation Warfighter for helping me during my transition out of the military.
During my transition, I came across Operation Warfighter through my Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC), Mrs. Jennifer Welch. At this time, my life was in shambles and I was living in the unknown for 3+ years. My RCC and I discussed the program and she put me in contact with Mr. Hall. From there, it seemed as if life was starting to begin again, the hopes of my future looked to be promising.
Mr. Hall began enrolling me into the program while gathering my interests, what companies I would be interested in working for and truly getting to learn about me in hopes to match me with what would be best for me and my transition. While awaiting my chain of command's approval, Mrs. Welch and Mr. Hall was in contact with services on the base while doing outreach. During this time, it was determined the Airman Family Readiness Center (AFRC) was dealing with a hiring freeze and manning shortage that was causing some difficulties with day to day operations. Upon further discussion, they discussed the possibilities of getting an intern to assist in their time of need and my time of transition. They appeared to be open to the opportunity of an intern working with them and shadowing their day to day operations. I came onboard as an intern from April 2017-October 2017, learned so much and made lifelong friends. This experience regained my confidence and hopes for the future. I learned how to dress outside of uniform, how to interact as a civilian again, the various services and organizations available to support all service members, and the list goes on and on. Most of all, it gave me a chance to know all will be well when I hang up my uniform and rest my boots.
Now, I am a GS employee working within USTRANSCOM (USTC) and enjoying the work I do every day!! As a way to say thank you to Operation Warfighter, I will like to extend an invite to pay it forward and attempt to bring an Operation Warfighter member onboard as an intern to assist with training our service members and teams on Patient Movement. This is the best way to help someone else during their transition.
For more information on the Operation Warfighter program, visit:
http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/carecoordination/operation-warfighter/