Transition summit prepares Soldiers for next step

By Mr. Aaron P Talley (IMCOM)April 27, 2015

Transition Summit 2
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Summit attendees take part in one of the seven workshops offered. Topics included Linked-In 101, Federal Resume Writing, and Boots to Business. The workshops provided a glimpse into the information and resources that are available, either in Vicenza ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Transition Summit 5
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Transition Summit 3
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier speaks with a potential employer from Hilton Worldwide. There were 18 on-site employers at the transition summit, including Vinnell Arabia/Northrop Grumman and FASTPORT, as well as several local employers like the Exchange, Vicenza CPAC, Vi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Transition Summit 4
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Transition Summit 1
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy -- The Vicenza Transition Summit, April 22-23, on Caserma Ederle, brought together industry and military leaders and made them available to Soldiers preparing to leave the service and embark on the next phase of their life.

The two-day event included panel discussions, employment workshops and a job fair. Vicenza Transition Services Manager Christina Overstreet said the purpose of the summit was to motivate and encourage Soldiers and their families to plan and prepare for transition.

"Transition is not an event that occurs at the tail end of a military career, but an ongoing process," she said. "This event connected transitioners with resources, increased awareness and energized our community."

USAREUR Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. William Gayler was a keynote speaker. He also stressed the importance of preparation. "We are all on a finite timeline," he said. "Whether we know it or not, it will come sooner than we anticipate, so being prepared is really critical."

Gayler told the Soldiers attending the event that prospective employers would be well served to hire veterans. "The skills you bring, your talents, your attributes, and especially your character, will serve them and will serve your nation well."

At another hiring summit Gayler attended, he said he was asked what employers should expect when hiring Soldiers. He said his answer was simple.

"You're going to get an individual who understands what it means to be part of a team," said Gayler. "You're going to get an individual that understands selfless service and sacrifice, and (an individual of good) character."

Gayler also pointed out that Soldiers display a good work ethic, as well as a desire to learn and to improve every day. Plus, they have already provided a service to those employers by serving their country.

"Whether an employer gets you now or five years from now, they will reap the rewards of your service to them and to the nation," he said.

The opportunities for Soldiers don't stop just because the summit is over. Overstreet says the Vicenza Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program is available to help Soldiers no matter when they are getting out of the military.

"I hope that the event brought an increased awareness of the valuable resources available within our community through the Vicenza SFL-TAP to assist Soldiers and their families with their successful transition into whatever path they plan to pursue next - employment, education or entrepreneurship," she said. "Opportunities to connect with resources continue even though the event has concluded.

Overstreet added they are already registering participants for training like the 2-day Boots to Business workshop in June and scheduling appointments for VA claims assistance.

Related Links:

USAG Vicenza hompage

USAG Vicenza Facebook page

More photos on Flickr