Featured Veteran Stories

Cassidy, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, recently transitioned from military service and returned to her hometown of West Branch, ready to start the next chapter of her career. Like many veterans, Cassidy had a wealth of skills and experience but wasn’t sure how to translate them into the civilian workforce. That’s when she turned to Michigan Works! for guidance.

Upon visiting Michigan Works!, Cassidy was introduced to Veterans’ Career Advisor Bridget Baker, who quickly stepped in to help her navigate her new career path. Bridget worked closely with Cassidy to revamp her resume, highlighting her military experience in a way that employers would recognize and value. Through their discussions, Cassidy discovered a passion for healthcare and was eager to pursue a new role where she could continue serving others.

With Bridget’s assistance, Cassidy enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course through Michigan Works! The training provided her with the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to enter the healthcare field with confidence. After completing the program and earning her CNA certification, Cassidy didn’t have to wait long for an opportunity — she was soon hired at a local nursing home.

Today, Cassidy is thriving in her new role, providing compassionate care to residents and making a meaningful impact in her community. Her journey from military service to healthcare professional is a testament to the power of perseverance, support and the resources available to veterans through their local Michigan Works!. With the right guidance and determination, a successful civilian career is within reach for all veterans.

Frank Peasley, a Navy veteran who served as a Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons and Navigation Systems Technician, found himself in a difficult situation after being laid off from a job he held for over eight years. Thrust into an unfamiliar job search, Frank turned to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for guidance. Recognizing his needs, he was quickly referred to Veterans’ Career Advisor Brandon Latusek, who began working with Frank to develop a strategy for his job search.

Brandon focused on helping Frank craft a strong resume, while Jessica Villet, a Michigan Works! Career Navigator, provided essential transportation assistance, supplying Frank with bus passes so he could attend interviews and appointments. Recognizing the challenges Frank faced with limited transportation options, the team sought ways to address these barriers.

Pat Muoio, a Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER), joined forces with Brandon and the Michigan Works! team to pinpoint Frank’s employment goals. Together, they began advocating for Frank at several companies. One of Frank’s preferred employers was Home Depot, but the job required weekend shifts, and public transportation in Otsego County doesn’t operate on weekends. The team knew they needed a solution.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, Pat and Brandon reached out to veteran organizations to explore possible support. AMVETS Post 114 quickly stepped up, purchasing Frank a new bicycle, helmet, and lock. Jessica then securing front and rear lights for the bike to ensure Frank's safety. With his transportation needs addressed, Pat leveraged his connections at Home Depot, ensuring Frank’s application received priority consideration. Thanks to this coordinated effort, Frank was quickly hired.

Frank’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork and veteran advocacy, with Michigan Works! and VES going above and beyond to help him overcome his challenges and secure meaningful employment.

Addison connected with Veterans' Employment Services through her local Michigan Works! Service Center when she needed help finding a job. At the time, Addison had an outdated resume and was looking for mental health services.

She worked closely with Veterans' Career Advisor Brian Zarzycki, who provided her with connections to Macomb County Community Mental Health and helped her update her resume. Within a few short weeks of service, Addison was ready to begin working with her Local Veterans' Employment Representative on applying for a Customer Experience Associate position with the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

After Addison's application, her Local Veterans' Employment Representative followed up with the Recruiting Manager to advocate for Addison. That personal connection worked, putting Addison's resume at the top of the pile. The coordinated effort by VES staff, along with Addison's dedication, allowed her to connect to resources and land a job in just two months!

Addison is now working as an Inventory Control Associate at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Army & Airforce Exchange Service. She is incredibly grateful for the support she found through VES and her local Michigan Works!.

When Nicole Owens, a dedicated veteran, needed support with her job search, she stopped by her local Michigan Works! Service Center, where she was able to connect with Veterans' Employment Services. Nicole began working with Veterans' Career Advisor Bill Mourufas to update her resume to highlight her unique skills and military experience, learning essential job search strategies and intensive career coaching that prepared her for successful interviews. 

Nicole’s perseverance and dedication paid off remarkably fast. Within just one month, she secured a coveted position as a Customer Service Quote Coordinator at EMP, a leading company in the industry. Her new role not only utilizes her skills but also provides a platform for her to thrive professionally.

Bill also helped Nicole to pursue her master's degree in Business Administration by utilizing funding from the Veteran Readiness & Employment program. This degree will allow Nicole to take on more responsibility, manage larger teams and projects, and be better equipped to implement strategies that enhance customer relationships.

Nicole’s success story exemplifies the power of tailored support and the determination of our veterans. Veteran Employment Services staff are committed to empowering veterans like Nicole to achieve their career aspirations.

Donald Reed's path to employment began when he reached out to VES in late September. He needed VES’ support to address the significant barriers he faced, including accommodations for his physical restrictions.

Donald connected with Veterans’ Career Advisor Timothy Sherman to discuss his goal to find a job that pays at least $15 per hour and accommodates his physical and scheduling needs. Timothy and Donald also met regularly to work on his job search skills.

Shortly after, Timothy learned about an opportunity with Allied Universal Security, a company aggressively hiring veterans in Wayne County. Recognizing this as a great fit for Donald due to his past security experience and accommodating nature of the job, Timothy helped Donald tailor his resume for the position.

Timothy then worked with his VES colleagues who had contracts with Allied Universal to advocate for Donald and promote him as a strong candidate for the position. Within a few short weeks, Donald was offered the position and began working full-time earning a competitive wage.

Donald is delighted with the position, as it meets his physical needs and offers a flexible schedule. He plans to work in this role until his retirement in the next few years.

When Kevin, a veteran, needed help with his job search, he stopped by his local Michigan Works! Service Center for support. After being identified as a veteran, Kevin got connected to Veterans' Career Advisor Timothy Sherman who worked with Kevin to identify any barriers to employment. 

Timothy quickly discovered Kevin had previously been incarcerated and was unsure how to search for jobs due to his weak computer skills. Together, Timothy and Kevin worked to identify Kevin's employment goals and updating his resume to target it towards his preferred career.

Within a few short week, Kevin found a job with ATCO Industries where he was employed for two weeks before being laid off due to a union strike. Kevin found himself again working with Timothy to find a new job.

With the support of other VES staff, Timothy helped Kevin apply for and accept a position with Cochran Bros. Distributors Inc. Kevin is now very happy working full time earning a competitive wage. 

U.S. Navy veteran Hamp McGowen had been out of the workforce for years, but reached out to his local Michigan Works! when he decided to return to work. Being out of the workforce for over ten years, Hamp faced a unique set of challenges with resume writing, job searching and interview skills. But with the combined efforts of Northwest Michigan Works! and Veterans’ Career Advisor Ken Rapelje, Hamp was ready to take on the job market with confidence.

Ken worked with Hamp to narrow down the types of jobs he was interested in and discovered Hamp's interest in continuing to serve his community. Once Hamp was job ready, they worked closely with the Local Veterans' Employment Representative Pat Muoio to start advocating for Hamp and assisting with the application process.

With Hamp's experience, attention to detail, and interest in serving the community, the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) was on the top of the list of companies to target. BATA is committed to providing essential transportation to the community they serve and have a huge veteran employment focus.

BATA ensure their veterans receive the recognition they deserve with military centric pins they can wear in uniform, recognizing them in veteran ceremonies as well as displaying pictures of their veteran employees in honor of their service. BATA also offers discounts to veterans due to their respect and admiration of those who served. 

They were also recognized by VES on December 4, 2023 with a Certificate of Appreciation for their commitment to hiring and retaining veterans. It's no surprise that this was the company Hamp decided to continue his career with! 

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an active member of the Army National Guard, Lane Mathew's story isn't just about service to the country; it's about the relentless pursuit of a fulfilling career after the military.

Lane's ten years of combined service in the Marine Corps and the Army National Guard are a testament to his unwavering commitment. After serving as military police, he took his dedication to the streets of West Branch as a police officer. However, Lane knew his journey didn't end there.

Seeking a new career path, Lane visited Michigan Works! Region 7B where an Employment Services Specialist who connected him with Veterans' Career Advisor Bridget Baker.

Bridget was more than an advisor; she was Lane’s guiding force during this period of his life. She delved deep into Lane's experiences, helping him see the value his military and policing skills bring to the civilian job market. Together, they revamped his resume, turning his military and law enforcement experiences into compelling narratives for potential employers.

The collaboration paid off. Lane landed a role that seemed tailor-made for him - Apprenticeship Coordinator. In this role, Lane isn't just bridging gaps between veterans and the workforce, he's creating pathways. He's now at the forefront, establishing Registered Apprenticeships with local businesses, helping others find their way just as he did. His role also allows veterans to utilize their GI Bill benefits, bringing opportunities closer to home.

In his new position, Lane serves as the vital link between the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship and employers across multiple counties. He's not just a coordinator; he's a catalyst for change, a veteran helping veterans’ transition smoothly into civilian life.

U.S. Navy veteran Ammie, who served for 21 years, faced unique challenges aligning her skill set with employment opportunities in Ogemaw County after retiring from the military. Ammie stopped by her local Michigan Works! Service Center to get support. 

There, and Employment Services Specialist connected her to West Branch-based Veterans’ Career Advisor Bridget Baker. Bridget helped Ammie identify industries and companies where her skills could be effectively utilized. Their discussions covered various aspects including Michigan Works! opportunities, interview questions, and bridging the gap between her military experience and prospective employers.

Additionally, they collaborated on updating her resume, fine-tuning online job search techniques and conducted mock interview sessions to better prepare her for actual interviews.

Working closely with Bridget and the Local Veterans’ Employment Representative Pat Muoio, Ammie successfully secured a position as a Career Navigator at Ogemaw Heights High School through Michigan Works! Region 7B. She was able to lean on her previous experience of managint the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship Program for the Navy.

Sabrina, who is a disabled Army National Guard veteran, visited her local Michigan Works! Service Center when she became unemployed earlier this year. With the help of Michigan Works! staff, Sabrina was connected with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Paul Burke when she let staff know she is a veteran.

After determining the best way to serve Sabrina, VCA Paul provided her with information about various resources she could benefit from, including FAFSA, E-Benefits resources, Registered Apprenticeship programs, and Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) for her job search needs.

Together, they also worked to update Sabrina's resume and practice interview skills. Then they worked together to explore local opportunities. Within a few weeks, Sabrina had applied to a position she was interested in at Travel Lodge, interviewed for the opportunity, and was offered the job!

And to ensure her needs were being met, her local Michigan Works! was able to provide her with financial assistance to help her get to work until she received her first paycheck.

Katherine, a military veteran with extensive years of service, faced unique challenges as she sought to align her skill set with potential employment opportunities. To navigate this transition, she reached out to Matthew Mendez, a Southfield-based Veterans’ Career Advisor.

Matthew helped Katherine identify industries and companies where her skills could be effectively utilized. Their discussions covered various aspects, including addressing her age, handling interview questions, and bridging the gap between her military experience and prospective employers. They also explored strategies for navigating potential scenarios where a much younger generation might be her supervisor.

Matthew and Katherine also worked on updating her resume, fine-tuning online job search techniques, and conducting mock interview sessions to better prepare her for actual interviews. Working closely with Matthew and program partner Javone Bane from Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Katherine successfully secured a position as an Administrative Assistant at JML Adjusting Services, with a competitive wage.

Katherine expressed her deep gratitude to Veterans' Employment Services and all those involved for their unwavering support in securing her financial future. 

Before completing his service with the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan Murray successfully completed a DOD Skills Bridge program in welding and obtained multiple welding certificates.

When Nathan was ready to find a new job, he started at his local Michigan Works! in Marquette. There he connected with Talent Specialist Danielle Mickelson who, after finding out Nathan was a veteran, connected him with the appropriate resources. 

Danielle explained the comprehensive range of career services available, including career planning through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant. She facilitated the completion of a Military Service Questionnaire and ensured seamless communication with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Aaron Lindholm. 

Under VCA Lindholm's expert guidance, Nathan not only received comprehensive job search training but also benefited from resume refinement, resulting in his job-ready status. Following this preparation, he was referred to Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle for dual case management. Both VES staff members embraced a people-centered approach to provide Nathan with tailored and effective supportive services, ensuring his path to success.

Nathan diligently submitted multiple job applications and successfully secured interviews with various employers. Throughout each interview process, LVER Kettle proactively advocated for him. Ultimately, Nathan received an official offer for a production technician position at Superior Extrusion. A few weeks later, Nathan accepted an additional role as a general worker at K2 Insulation, which is closer to his home and allows him to work the day shift. 

Thanks to the seamless teamwork between Michigan Works! and VES staff, Nathan secured meaningful and suitable employment. His new positions not only align with his desired schedule and income expectations but also serve as a supportive bridge for his transition from military service to a fulfilling role in the civilian workforce.

Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Fred Pittman partnered with Veteran Services Specialist Matt Urhammer from Peckham, Inc. in February 2023 to help Peckham fill their job openings with veteran talent.

Shortly afterward, LVER Pittman was receiving regular job updates that he passed along to the rest of the VES staff. So when Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Rayetta Wyatt verified that veteran James Shotwell was job ready, she quickly referred him to LVER Pittman. Guided by Pittman, James expressed interest in the Millett Forklift Operator position at Peckham, Inc. and successfully secured the job in Lansing.

Matt's commitment to advocating for veterans was evident throughout the process, and LVER Pittman believed Peckham, Inc. deserved recognition for their support. As a result, LVER Pittman presented a well-deserved Certificate of Appreciation from VES to Matt and Director of Workforce Planning, Alex Modlin, in Lansing. The event was also attended by Lansing-based VCA Deb Bohanon.

VES is proud of this strong partnership is thankful for Peckham, Inc.'s continuous support in hiring and supporting Michigan veterans. The partnership between Peckham and VES promises a brighter future for veterans.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Avery Bielen stopped by U.P. Michigan Works! for support on his job search. Once he was identified as a veteran, Talent Specialist Andrew Bowe provided him with priority of service and determined that he was eligible for Veterans' Employment Services (VES).

Andrew introduced Avery to Veterans' Career Advisor William Mourufas, and together they completed a person-centered comprehensive assessment and created an action plan to help Avery reach his employment goals. After working together on Avery's resume and improving his job search skills, Avery quickly began receiving calls or interviews. 

Avery participated in several interviews, and after careful consideration, he eventually accepted a position as a Customer Service Manager with a newly opened U-Haul business in Sault Ste. Marie that offered paid training and significant opportunities for growth.

Despite the challenges of a complicated and competitive job market in rural areas, Avery's determination allowed him to secure gainful employment just fifteen days after entering case management with VES. He is extremely satisfied with his new job and appreciative of the efforts made by VES to protect and enhance his health, safety, and economic security.

Navy veteran Trisha Bednarczk successfully completed her master's degree in project management through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. She was referred to Veterans’ Career Advisor (VCA) Paul Burke for assistance finding a job.

Together, Trisha and VCA Burke developed a targeted employment plan that included crafting a tailored resume. Once Trisha was job ready, VCA Burke referred her to Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle.

Trisha actively applied for job referrals provided by LVER Kettle and maintained regular communication with both her and VCA Burke regarding her applications. At the same time, LVER Kettle advocated for Trisha with employers, resulting in her being offered interviews for the five positions she applied for!

After completing all five interviews, Trisha received immediate job offers for three of them. Ultimately, she decided to accept the Project Manager position at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which was a perfect fit for her recently completed degree and offered her a competitive wage.

Throughout the process, VCA Burke and LVER Kettle employed a people-centered approach to Trisha's case, leading to multiple interview opportunities. Additionally, they provided Trisha with thorough interview skills training, significantly enhancing her chances of securing a position.

Trisha expresses deep appreciation for the assistance she received from VES and is thrilled about her new employment opportunity.