Success Statements

“After leaving the military, the biggest issue that I ran into was adjusting to the lack of structure in the civilian job market. In the service, everything is clearly defined: You’re told where to be, what’s expected of you, and everyone wears the same uniform, issued by the government. In civilian markets, you must decipher what the job is from a litany of fancy job description statements. Once hired, I often felt looked down upon by nonmilitary members who saw my discipline and structure as intimidating or rigid. But for me, the hardest challenge was learning to be patient with those around me. Over time, I found myself learning to work with my peers in a better manner once we both expressed expectations toward each other and understood the institution’s ground rules.

My journey to employment has been a roller coaster. I initially talked with a rep in the summer of 2024 when I was working with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. At the time, I was happy with work and expressed this to the rep that I talked with over the phone. Months later, in the spring of 2025, I received a follow-up call from Kristal Watts asking how I’m doing. She was warm and just wanted to see how things were progressing on my end, but as it turns out, the day that she called me was a week before I was to be let go from a trade job I was working at the time, doing insulation of homes with a local company. I talked with Ms. Watts for a while and told her that I was interested in talking with her more about things the next week, after I had a chance to assess what was going on with my current job.

I heard from Kristal Watts the next week on a Friday, and as it happens, it was immediately following being told that I was let go from my current position and was at the lowest point in my life. I was introduced to Volunteers of America. They provided me with housing so I would no longer live in my car. They introduced me to Operation: Job Ready Veterans (OJRV), where I was able to receive help with updating my resume. I told her that I would be happy to work with her and needed her assistance in modernizing my resume. Additionally, I was more than happy to get some coaching from her on what kind of jobs she thought I might be good for after examining my resume. Kristal Watts’ help and mentorship were more than just help for me while I was unemployed. Her compassion and periodic checkups helped keep me from depression and kept me motivated to pursue my employment desires.

As a result of the assistance I have received from OJRV and Kristal, I am more confident in myself and feel ready for my upcoming job as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. The support I received has helped me feel good about my future endeavors.

The world may beat you down, but determination and positive encouragement will bring you to self-fulfillment and success. Thanks to OJRV, I am able to live that success. When you’re six feet down and contemplating life, just know that any direction you go will lead you to success and freedom.”