Veterans helping veterans: Carrie Headworth’s mission with Michigan’s VES program

Michigan is home to more than 480,000 veterans, each bringing unique skills, discipline and leadership to the state’s workforce. One of those veterans is Battle Creek resident Carrie Headworth, whose journey from the Air Force to Veterans’ Career Advisor with Michigan’s Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) shows why personalized support is so essential for those transitioning to civilian life.

Carrie grew up in a family with a deep military tradition. Her father served 20 years in the Army, and four of her five siblings also served. Inspired by their service, she enlisted and served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1989. Navigating the military as a woman during that era was challenging, but Carrie’s determination and resilience helped her thrive.

When her time in service ended, transitioning to civilian life brought a new set of obstacles. Moving from Texas to Michigan, balancing family responsibilities and navigating an unfamiliar job market made the shift difficult. Carrie faced barriers familiar to many veterans: translating military experience into civilian credentials and understanding a rapidly evolving workforce.

Those same challenges ultimately inspired her to join VES, where she now helps other veterans overcome the very obstacles she once faced.

“Leaving the military can feel like starting over from scratch,” Carrie said. “I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be. Through Veterans’ Employment Services, I help veterans see that the skills, discipline and resilience they developed in service are exactly what they need to succeed in the next chapter of their lives.”

VES is a program run by veterans, for veterans, providing guidance and opportunity at every step. The program ensures veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses receive the support they need to secure meaningful employment through services such as comprehensive career assessments, personalized Individual Employment Plans, resume-building, interview coaching and access to high-demand training programs.

Through VES, Carrie helps veterans recognize the value of the skills they already possess while guiding them through a structured roadmap for civilian employment. She works with veterans who may have been out of the workforce for years, face disabilities or are navigating housing challenges by providing one-on-one support to ensure a successful transition.

“Every veteran’s path looks different, but they all share the same drive to serve and succeed,” Carrie said. “Helping them rediscover that sense of purpose and watching them realize they still have so much to give is what makes this work so meaningful.”

In 2024, VES supported more than 6,000 Michigan veterans, transitioning service members and their families, connecting them with high-demand careers in fields like manufacturing, IT, construction and public service. Carrie’s work embodies the program’s mission: turning military experience into opportunity, ensuring veterans’ talents are recognized and strengthening Michigan’s workforce and economy.

Explore the resources and guidance VES offers and start your next chapter today. Visit Michigan.gov/VES.