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    Army program assists junior Soldiers connect with experienced mentors

    Army program assists junior Soldiers connect with experienced mentors

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lance Pounds | Spc. Steffen Hill, assigned to 464th Military Police Platoon, discusses the career...... read more read more

    VICENZA, Italy – The first We: Mentor mentorship luncheon meeting was held Feb. 11, at the Army Community Services building on Caserma Ederle. The luncheon offered a relaxed setting for more than 30 people interested in becoming a mentor or mentee.

    The We: Mentor program is sponsored by the Female to Female initiative, known as F2F which launched in the Vicenza community December 2012, along with the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention and Total Army Sponsorship Programs.

    The F2F program provides single female Soldiers the opportunity to expand their relationship base beyond their unit to a much larger network of potential mentors, meanwhile helping to improving their resiliency and reducing isolation. The initiative has since evolved, opening its doors to all who seek mentorship.

    “Luncheons present a great opportunity for Soldiers and mentors to find their perfect match,” said Michelle Demarais, a Garrison SHARP victim advocate and host of the luncheon.

    “We plan to offer new key speakers at each luncheon,” added Michelle, a native of Redding, Calif.

    Col. Rosemary Murphy, U.S. Army Africa’s chief clinical operations officer and chief nurse was the event’s key speaker. Murphy related her personal experiences in earning a college education, rank advancement and balancing work and home life.

    To prepare for the event, Murphy, a native of Millis, Mass., said she reflected on the insight and coaching she received earlier in her career.

    “Sometimes support and encouragement happens when you least expect it,” Murphy said. “I have had discussions about raising children, financial considerations, promotions, specific job positions and most importantly ensuring that I find balance in my life.”

    Through her experiences, Murphy shared some lessons learned, and in turn, encourage mentees’ educational, professional and personal growth.

    “Take advantage of all educational opportunities given to you,” advised Murphy. “Education and degrees are not always an easy path, but once achieved, it is something you take with you to your next position and can open doors where you least expect it.”

    “Inform yourself about your profession and take the hard jobs early in your career,” added Murphy.

    Lastly, Murphy advised potential mentees to accept setbacks with grace because everyone makes mistakes and it’s important to learn from their mistakes.

    According to Demarais, finding the balance between work and family is one of the most commonly talked about difficulties for career mothers.

    Murphy said keeping up with her own expectations meant working harder and sometimes putting in unbelievable hours to achieve success. For the most part, she said that worked for her until she became a mother.

    “I thought that balancing both career and motherhood would just be one more challenge in my life,” said Murphy. “As time went on, I found it more challenging than I had expected.”

    “It seemed like time and energy were my enemies,” said Murphy.

    Murphy said finding childcare gave her time and the flexibility to accomplish her tasks, both professionally and personally.

    She also commended her husband, Col. Edward Stevens, the Public Health Command District-Southern Europe commander, for his assistance and understanding in the scheduling of day-to-day activities, which made achieving her goals possible. Stevens is a native of Hattiesburg, Miss.

    Murphy and Stevens, sitting side-by-side, took turns sharing the advantages and disadvantages they have experienced as a dual-military family.

    “One advantage is having the ability to be stationed with my husband,” said Murphy. She further explained, when one of them received orders the other was able to follow to the same duty assignment, which inadvertently leads to one disadvantage of being dual-military family.

    “We have not always ended up in positions we both wanted,” said Murphy. She added that they overcame this disadvantage by taking turns in the main effort role and the supporting role.

    Following the key speaker’s comments, attendees enjoyed refreshments while using the remainder of their time for introductions and casual conversations.

    Attendee, Spc. Steffen Hill, assigned to 464th Military Police Platoon, discussed potential career advancement opportunities with Capt. Rich Demarais the USARAF Surgeon Directorate.

    The two found much to talk about. Hill, a native of Redford, Mich., and is newcomer to Italy. Demarais, a native of Gilbert, Ariz., was eager to share some of his Army experiences since his commissioning more than 10 years ago. Additionally, he shared some ideas of places and things to do in Italy.

    Connections made during the luncheon may lead to mentorship or possible friendships. Attendees unable to find a mentor or mentee match can continue attending the luncheons until they find the match.

    According to event organizers, We: Mentor mentorship luncheons provide an atmosphere conducive to professional and personal growth through sharing lessons learned by senior leaders and experienced civilians for those who would like to benefit from it.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.13.2015
    Date Posted: 02.19.2015 04:13
    Story ID: 154813
    Location: VICENZA, IT
    Hometown: GILBERT, AZ, US
    Hometown: HATTIESBURG, MS, US
    Hometown: MILLIS, MA, US
    Hometown: REDDING, CA, US
    Hometown: REDFORD, MI, US

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