Courtesy Photo | Spc. Kimberly Robinson, who is assigned to Company A, WTU, chats with Jerry...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas - Internships, job opportunities and transitioning discussions kicked off Fort Hood Warrior Transition Unit’s celebration of Warrior Care Month, a commemoration of the military’s commitment to the recovery and reintegration for the nation’s wounded, ill and injured service members, their Families and those who support them. The theme for the joint observance is “Show of Strength.”
The lecture focused on Defense Finance and Accounting Services’ “Hire a Hero” internship program, offered resume suggestions and explored the job opportunities within DFAS.
“Soldiers have special skills, including innovation and adapting to change,” said Jerry Christensen, director, DFAS finance operations, who reminded the Soldiers and Family members attending the Oct. 29 transitioning program to not be “bashful” about military service on resumes. “Don’t be afraid to tell people on your resume how fantastic you were during your time in the military.”
DFAS’s Hire a Hero program began in December 2010 at Fort Lewis, Washington. Last year, DFAS was recognized as the No. 1, medium-size agency for hiring veterans with 30-percent disability.
“It’s our way to give back,” he said, adding that a career at DFAS isn’t just about auditing and accounting, but also includes job opportunities in human resources, information technology and contracting.
No one was more surprised that DFAS was more than finances than Brett Lopez, a former WTU Soldier who graduated from Defense Military Pay Office computer intern to civilian employee a year ago.
“I never thought in a million years that I would be working for DFAS, since I was in information technology,” he told the Soldiers, adding that he is very grateful to DFAS and its internship program because it provided him with a seamless transfer to corporate America. “I was real surprised at all the stuff I was still able to do.”
Lopez said his biggest worry about leaving the military was paying rent and feeding his Family.
“One day, you have free housing, free medical care and a paycheck,” he said. “The next day, you are out of the Army, and you have nothing. I’m very grateful for the internship program because it eliminated the stress of leaving the military.”
When former infantryman Robert Wiley found out he was unfit for duty, his heart sank.
“I had this love for the Army,” said the former Soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan and spent 14 years in the Army.
Today, like Lopez, he is now working at Fort Hood’s DMPO.
“I like the fact that I’m still around Soldiers,” he said. “I feel like I can still give back to the Army.”
WTU Soldier Spc. Kimberly Robinson said the presentation opened her eyes to opportunities.
“Listening to today’s speakers gives me hope,” she said. “I didn’t have any idea where I wanted to intern, but after today, I think I know.”
Christensen encouraged Soldiers to have an open mind and at least explore Hire a Hero internship opportunities.
“It’s a good opportunity to start a transition to pick up that skill set,” he said. “If DFAS isn’t what you enjoy doing, it will still help you with your resume.”
For more information about DFAS Hire a Hero program, go to www.dfas.mil/dfas/careers/hire-a-hero.html.
The WTU will be hosting events to commemorate Warrior Care month, including a spouse empowering workshop, a caregiver recognition ceremony, an air-gun competition and an Operation Warfighter panel discussion at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center.
Find out more about Warrior Care Month by going to www.WTC.army.mil/wtc/warrior_care_month_2014.html.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2014 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 147342 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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