Pfc. Vanessa Donham is not only interested in breaking glass ceilings, she wants to shatter them.
Donham recently completed training to become a Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician. A position often filled by men, Dunham's duties will include but not be limited to setting up mechanical equipment, connecting wires and other conduits, while working with alternative and direct current and other modes of power.
"I absolutely love it. Although physically demanding, it's an amazing career path with the growing demand in our progressing society. I would highly encourage other women to pursue this industry. That is if they aren't afraid of heights", Donham laughed.
After suffering intense physical injuries and health issues, Pfc. Donham began to heal at Joint Base Lewis-McChord' s Warrior Transition Unit.
Shortly after entering the program, Donham became eligible for the Warrior Transition Unit's Career and Education Readiness Program. Due to her extensive medical issues, she elected to pursue a "Separate from the Army" career track rather than a "Remain in the Army" track. With the help of the Occupational Therapist, she set some immediate and long term career goals.
After discussing several options, Donham was curious about the Career Skills Program opportunities or CSP. The Army CSP program is available to Soldiers within 180 days of separation or, if in a WTU, 85 days past their entry into the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. She then enrolled in the Airstreams Course. The class is part of the continuing education readiness component. The two month course offers a complete complement of safety and technical modules designed to prepare students for most entry-level positions in the wind, oil, natural gas, communications tower, and other similarly focused industries.
Students graduate with 10 separate certificates that include but are not limited to; Authorized Climber & Rescuer, Electrical and Electrical Metering Safety, Capstan Hoist, and American Red Cross.
"As Transition Coordinators, we strive to provide our Soldiers with resources and opportunities to explore traditional and non-traditional career paths. We encourage them to explore these career paths and also encourage them to attend informational briefs and fairs on the Career Skills and Operation War Fighter Program to broaden their prospective on job training, opportunities and availability. Our Soldiers do not know how much is available to them, said Mary Ball, JBLM WTU Transition Coordinator.
"Transitioning was difficult, as it is for the majority of service members when the time comes and they have to hang up their boots and stop wearing the uniform. Its nerve wrecking to have that sense of "what do I do now?", "where do I go from here?" Bonham said.
Donham's fierce determination to excel to new heights began with her Grandfather's fire side chats and a promise to her little brother.
"Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted to join the military. Hearing my grandfather's stories of being a Seabee in the Navy during World War II somewhat inspired me. All of the places he had gone, the difference that not only he made in our country but as well as his comrades and all the other brave men and women that have served, struck me at a young age. My little brother suffers from a rare heart disease that would permanently prevent him from his dream of joining the Army. The two of us were very close and I chose to pursue the military for the both of us".
For now, Donham is focused on excelling in her new career choice, while making other Soldiers' dreams come true. I have a newly profound sense of accomplishment after going through the course. You can do anything you put your mind to. I finally know that even after the Army, I'll still be a contributing member of society, one cell tower at a time."
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