ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Knowing what resources are available to help you gain a foothold in life: Essential.
Having them all in one location on the same day: Priceless.
Employment, education and health information drew veterans, Soldiers and Family members to the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center Nov. 13 for the Resource Showcase event highlighting organizations and programs in place on post and in the community to help improve their quality of life. The APG Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program hosted the event.
Along with several APG organizations, local vendors displayed programs and opportunities geared toward veterans and transitioning Soldiers.
On-post participants included Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic; the Army Substance Abuse Program; the Army Wellness Center; Chapel Programs; the Veterinary Treatment Facility; the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center and the Education Center.
At the CPAC display, Linda Uniakowski and Angela Francis provided condensed briefings about obtaining federal employment, touching on Veterans Preference guidelines, the application process, spouse hiring and disability issues.
Spiritual wellness was the focus at the APG chapel display where Gerri Merkel, religious education coordinator, distributed pamphlets and information about chapel programs.
"Spiritual wellness is foundational and adds balance to your life," Merkel said pointing out the chapel program's compatibility with the Army Ready and Resilience (R2C) campaign for Soldier's, civilians and Families.
"It enriches your life and helps you deal with an unsettled world," she said.
Off-post vendors included the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; the Maryland Small Business & Technology Development Center; Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves; Hero2Hired; the Startup Partners Inc., Veterans Entrepreneur Program; Acet (Adams Communication & Engineering Technology); the Small Business & Technology Development Center Network; IKEA; First Command Financial Planning; Montgomery County Police; VET Center Harford County Outstation; Suppari Solutions; University of Maryland University College; Bellevue University; Stratford University; Central Michigan University; and the Florida Institute of Technology.
Attendees viewed current and future job openings with IKEA, Acet, H&R Block and the Montgomery County Police Department.
"This is a great part-time job for spouses," said Marilyn Howard, ACS ERP manager, regarding the H&R Block display where recruiters interviewed for receptionist positions. "As the ERP manager, I make sure spouses know about these and other opportunities," Howard said, noting that the company is hiring now for the upcoming tax season. Learn more at www.hrblock.com/jobs.
At the Acet display, Chad Sillery, program development support officer, said the current need is for software engineers and program managers with experience in the APG community. Job seekers should access the Acet website at www.adamscomm.com and fill out applications even if no positions are listed, Sillery said, to be included in the company database for future job openings.
Human resources generalist Lana Watters was looking to fill positions at the IKEA distribution center in Perryville, Md.
"The positions are in a warehouse environment and has great benefits," Watters said, adding with the largest solar panels in Cecil County, the building is environmentally friendly.
"Plus, we're a very diverse company," she said.
Applicants can apply online at www.IKEA.com.
Carl Peters, Hero2Hired employment transition coordinator and regional manager, teamed with Dan Borleis of ESGR to talk about H2H program components like the Mobile Job Store, Facebook integration and nationwide hiring events as well as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in which H2H assists unemployed Reservists with job placement assistance.
"We don't miss a chance to put out information and advice to folks about what we do," said Borleis.
Small business entrepreneurs were not overlooked.
Albert Henry, senior business consultant, with the Maryland Small Business & Technology Business Center Network (SBTDC), said the organization assists in developing strategic methods and processes to help build businesses through helpful advice and proven results.
"We're just here to let people know we provide this service," he said. "It's virtually cost free."
The SBTDC has six regional offices; the nearest, Northern Region, covers Carroll, Cecil and Harford counties. Call 410-836-4237 or visit the website at www.mdsbtdc.org.
Army retiree Michael Roberts and his wife, Paulette, were happy to show how the SPI Veterans Entrepreneur Program helped get their business up and running. They displayed their Squirrel Brand Oil products, which began as a series of flavorful treats for Family and friends and developed into a business with coaching from VEP. An intense, 10-week program designed to help maximize veteran's success in the small business arena, the VEP offers courses with teachers, coaches, mentors and investors at the Battelle Eastern Science and Technology Center in Aberdeen.
"We define their target audience, ensure exposure to investors and address global market options," said SPI president Angela Corrieri. "They put in the time and effort and now it's paying off."
To request an application, email VEPapplication@startuppartnersinc.org. For more information, visit www.startuppartnersinc.org.
Every attendee had a reason for visiting the showcase.
Army Reservist Tom Bucci said he was looking to market himself for future employment after leaving the service.
"I'm hoping to stay in management as an operations specialist but I'm also looking for opportunities in heating, air and electrical maintenance. I feel I have phenomenal skills," he said.
While signing up for a health evaluation at the APG Army Wellness Center display, retiree spouse Emma Fenner said she was curious about new services for beneficiaries.
"I've been here most of my life and I appreciate APG facilities," she said, "But I've never seen some of these things and I'm very impressed with the displays."
Recently retired Army Capt. Sean Sullivan, a native of upstate New York, said he's hoping to stay in the area.
"In terms of opportunity, this is the place to be," Sullivan said, adding that support from the APG Civilian Personnel Advisory Center has been "phenomenal."
He said CPAC personnel walked him through the process of applying for government jobs online at https://www.usajobs.gov and that he receives weekly emails and updates from the office about job fairs and openings.
"I came from Fort Stewart, Ga. where there is 10 times the population and 10 times the amount of Soldiers transitioning," Sullivan said. "Here you get one-on-one assistance which is pretty amazing.""Overall, I think they do a really good job," he said of the CPAC office. "I think you can always improve communications between employers and those in the job market, but still there are lots of opportunities for veterans in this area."
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