In this series, we highlight those working in the Veteran and Military communities to help make reintegration and life a little better for everyone. We wanted to ask some of the common questions about how they got to where they are and how they inspire others to do more.
Interviewer: Stacey Ebert, Veteran Support Network
Organization: Marine Corps League Alamo Detachment 315
Title: PayMaster/Adjutant
Why Veterans? I liken “re-entry” to the civilian sector after 31 years of Marine Corps life as a wind tunnel effect! I could hear white noise all around me and felt so overwhelmed. Me!!!! A 31-year Marine. It was difficult. You must learn new processes for your medical, dental, life insurance, purchase a home etc. all while deciding where to reside.
What got you interested in this organization (if you started the organization - what inspired you to do so)? I retired to my Hometown of San Antonio Texas, it is an Air force and Army town. Marines are notorious for their huge Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. But Nov 10, 2016, I could not “find” an event to attend to celebrate with fellow Marines. There were small VFW’s or Marine Corps Leagues, but none held a pageant, dinner, and dancing. My best friend, Retired Sergeant Major Irene O’Neal, and I decided we would make it happen the following year. We joined the Marine Corps League because we knew they already had a huge Marine following and connections. They also had a nonprofit EIN that we could use to hold funds and seek Sponsorship. Today our event is attended by 1000 Marines annually.
What's your favorite thing about working in this field? My favorite thing is we get to see Marines of every era, Korea, WWII, Vietnam ‘Nam’, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan. I know my strengths and I can still use them to ensure we stay connected.
How has community service involvement impacted your life? I am a Servant Leader. I know Robert K Greenleaf coined the term. Before him, the Bible teaches you are taught to know your “gifts”. My gifts are organization, Discernment, Service, and Leadership. I wish to use these gifts not to keep to myself, but to help others.
Why should veterans and families use these services? Many of our veterans are aging. The advent of computers is overwhelming to many of these families. The expectation from Veterans Administration to input and scan documents to someone who isn’t computer savvy can be overwhelming. The other portion of veterans are the young warriors who are not administratively confident. We can all come together as a community and share our strengths. Veterans can see each other in a room and immediately connect. These services help to rebuild a family outside of your active service.
What, in your opinion, is the most important thing soon-to-be-Veterans and their families should consider before leaving military service? There are differing categories of Veterans. My “most important” advice differs depending on that category.
4-year warrior, “Where are you going?” “Do your parents know your plan is to stay with them?”
Flight line MOS’s, mechanics, Artillery, Field Marines, “Where are you going?” “Do you have a resume”? “Do you know how to use military google to tailor your resume?”
Secret Clearance MOS’s, “Have you attended a job fair or been recruited by an industry?” “Who have you connected with on LinkedIn?”
E-6-E-8 (SNCO’s) (Middle management) Does your Spouse know what the plan is? Do you have medical insurance? Life insurance? Good Credit? Prepared to purchase a home? Did you take REDUX/ CSB? Have you prepared a budget? What is your plan? Have you attended a transition class? Do you own a suit? What is your education level? Do you know how to network? What is your LinkedIn profile?
E-9’s /LtCol’s (Upper Management) Have you updated your resume? Does your Spouse know your plan? Who are you networking with? Have you updated your LinkedIn profile? Have you worked to remove the solely military jargon/lingo?
And for all these categories, “Have you copied or scanned your medical record onto a media stick? Have you gotten copies of all of your medical records from your civilian doctors? Be sure to reach out for help to plan your Disability rating strategy.
Anything else you would like us to know about you, your past experiences, or advice for veterans? I would tell them it is okay to feel overwhelmed. It is okay to cry. Find your tribe. Your tribe are your friends that you stay connected with and can sit with and air your real self without feeling like a broken whiner.
You must keep moving. That means volunteer at a food bank, join a Marine Corps League, get a small job while you wait on the job of your dreams.
Why this person: Laura is a fierce supporter of veterans of all ages and at all stages. With over three decades of military experience, Laura aims to arm veterans with skills and a community that continue to stand long after active service has finished. She's a doer, someone who sees a need and works to ensure it gets done. A connector who serves from the heart, Laura is an asset to all who know her.