Transitioning JBLM Soldier works as an intern in nearby University Place

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | Sgt. Dani Patton, an intern in the First Corps WorkEx Internship Program and a culinary specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, checks herself in for a waxing appointment to showcase the two facets of her life that have overlapped as part of the internship program at the European Wax Center in University Place, Washington, Oct. 6, 2020. Patton is working as the guest service associate, which entails sanitizing and cleaning the work stations and lobby; counting and tracking the money in the register using a register opening form; and then managing the appointment book prior to the store opening. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen.)  

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

10.07.2020

Story by Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen 

I Corps

Soldier to Civilian: Forging a path to success
U.S. Army story by Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (Oct. 7, 2020) – As the sun peaks through the blinds, the buzz of an alarm vibrates through a dimly lit room, a shadowy figure emerges to silence the illuminated LED clock reading 6:30 a.m. This is a stark contrast to Sgt. Dani Patton’s typical day, where they would be standing in formation and saluting the flag during Reveille at this time.

Now an intern in the First Corps WorkEx Internship Program, Patton prepares to transition out of the Army in November, after spending ten years in the service as an Army culinary specialist. This time can foster feelings of uncertainty or doubt, but the program aims to eliminate this doubt, by offering multiple positions in various companies spanning across 14 states.

Some of the partners include Taco Bell and European Wax Center, who partnered with Pacific Bells, the host of the WorkEx program, to provide a pathway for Soldiers with less than 180 days left in the service to find gainful employment as they transition out.

“We partnered with WorkEx to develop pathways for these Soldiers and create a lifeline that is often absent upon transition,” said Sgt. Maj. Amy Davis, the First Corps culinary management sergeant major. “We wanted to have a program that set-up Soldiers to have a job when they get out of the Army – to help alleviate some of the stress they face during this crucial time in their lives.”

The WorkEx Internship Program not only finds job placements for Soldiers around their respective bases, but also assists in placing the Soldier with a company that will allow them to transfer to their ideal destination upon their Expiration Term of Service (ETS).

“Dani is actually going to Florida after completion of the program,” said Cecelia Cansino, the human resources business partner for Pacific Bells and one of the WorkEx coordinators. “We are really targeting enlisted service members because from my experience most of the programs for transitioning service members are directed towards officers and we want to help the enlisted side transition smoothly as well.”

In a 2019 article published by Forbes titles, “How will veterans be an asset to your workplace,” describes several ways in which veterans are beneficial to an employer’s company to include: leadership, management, problem-solving, along with a myriad of other intrinsic characteristics commonly found within the veteran community.

“With most of my trainees, it’s a super long process. With Dani, she was able to pick it up quickly; it was actually quite amazing,” Ceaira Robinson, Patton’s training manager, said with a wide smile and soft voice. “The discipline she had from the military really carried over to the position and she just seemed so focused in on taking directions and going with it. With her background, I feel this was an easy transition for her.”

Programs like the WorkEx internship are recent implementations to combat the veteran unemployment rates in the country, and they have been quite successful. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the veteran unemployment rate dropped to 3.1% in 2019, which is the lowest since 2000.
These programs provide companies with motivated and qualified employees and allow Soldiers to smoothly transition to a civilian career.


“The Army taught me valuable skills that have directly translated to my position here,” Patton said at the end of her 3-month internship. “In the Army, I was always told that if you take care of your Soldiers, they will take care of you. This is the same concept I have applied as the Guest Service Associate, where taking care of my estheticians has led to them taking care of me and making sure I have everything I need to be successful.”

To get involved with the program, or to discuss the selection process to become an intern, contact Cecelia Cansino at [e-mail] or [phone], or Sgt. Maj. Amy Davis at [e-mail] or [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.07.2020
• Date Posted: 02.01.2021 12:28
• Story ID: 382885
• Location: UNIVERSITY PLACE, WASHINGTON, US