CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. – On Oct. 20, 2012 the Minnesota National Guard Soldier Services Section held a Joint-service Pre-retirement Seminar for those that will soon make the transition from service member to civilian.
The Minnesota National Guard holds the annual seminar for National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers. This year 151 service members and spouses attended. The training focused soon-to-be retirees on learning benefits upon retirement as well as the physical and mental shift from full-time service to life outside the military.
“You’ve been on missions, kicked in doors, gone places and seen things, but now where are you going to find that kind of excitement?,” said Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain Col. John Morris. “You have more to give, re-tool, re-gear, re-fit and find another way to be a part of your community and be active.”
Morris also emphasized the role of military spouses play in supporting their service members. “The military isn’t all that they are, it’s just a part of them,” he said.
Renee Chase, Employer Partnership Office of Minnesota spoke to the group on the reality of service members seeking employment in the civilian job force. She stressed with service members the importance of utilizing their transferable military skills and accurately depicting them on their resume.
Sgt. 1st Class Charles Kuether attended the event with his fiancée Cristal after being encouraged by his unit to learn more about the transition.
“This is great. It’s a lot of information that helps,” said Kuether. “All of the information will make it easier… when the time finally comes.”
For information on Minnesota National Guard retirement services informational briefs and meeting go to http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/retirees/retirement_services.php or call 651-282-4116.