Looking for VA Job Leads

I spent nine years of active duty in the Air Force and transferred over to Air National Guard. I worked at the U.S. Mint as a diesetter/machine mechanic for 10 years before being called back to active duty for 9/11/2001.

I served for an additional six years of active duty for a total of 25 years in the military before being medically retired. I had kidney cancer in 2005 and now have kidney disease in my remaining kidney. I retired December 2007.

I really was anticipating completing four more years of active duty prior to the Medical Evaluation Board sending me the notification that I will be permanently medically retired. I was devastated. Though I did work a civilian job before going back to active duty, I felt lost after serving six years of active duty again. I had to learn how to write a resume again. I had to hit the pavement again and look for a job. It felt new to me all over again and it wasn't a good feeling. The civilian world doesn't have the connection of belonging like military members do.

To stay connected I thought about being a VA Rep. I filled out numerous job vacancies for a VA Rep in Baltimore, Charlotte, or Columbia,S.C.  with the hopes of relocating to the Charlotte area. No luck. I was told by VA Reps in Philly, that I won't get in the VA job system unless I had a degree. I agree that's the way the job market is going, but don't count me out especially with a VA rating of 80 percent. I am a medically retired Air Force MSgt. I've been a Personnel Specialist, a first sergeant, a union shop steward at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Mint Credit Union, and you'd think I'd have a shot at being a VA Rep with 80 percent disability rating because of my kidney.

The VA Job page posts the statement "Work for the VA"; "Great place to work" and all that stuff and I'm still at my current job as a contractor on Andrews AFB. I'm not doing bad income-wise but still on the low end for the DC area.

For all the other transition center bloggers, I agree that a lot of the VA Reps could use some sensitivity, common courtesy, customer service training and check the attitudes at the door when they report for work. I admit everyone has their day, but those days don't need to be shared with others to bring the world down around you. I am currently enrolled in Strayer University to obtain a degree in Business Administration to further my chances of obtaining a new career. If you know of any job leads (preferable government) in the Charlotte, or Columbia, S.C. area please e-mail me at bowedacious@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

(Submitte by Mr. Terrence W. Bowe, Sr.) 

The VA Can Help You

The best advice I have for someone transitioning out with a disability... Take all of the help and assistance that the VA will offer you.

I'm 28 and became disabled while in the Air Force. It is very difficult when you are enjoying your time in and it ends suddenly. It can be difficult to let it go.

Find other veterans, use them for support. Young and old, we're all in the same boat no matter what our disability. Go to your local veterans hospital or clinic and find a veterans representative and use all of the benefits available to you. That is what they are there for. Also copy your medical records! Once you're out, its hard to get copies.

(Submitted by Mrs. Heather Vandenberg)

Disabled Voc Rehab: Find an Advocate

I too am a Disabled Veteran. I retired in 1998. Due to unclear information that I received during DTAP (Disabled Transition Assistance Program).

I assumed that I was not qualified for Voc Rehab. After several years and several jobs. I went to my local VA office to seek continued benefits for my handicapped son. This is where a diligent and caring representative asked me why had I never applied for Voc Rehab benefits.

She started the process for me and within four months I'm going to attend one of the top 10 state colleges in the nation. I'm not going to tell you that it was all that easy. I had a myriad of paperwork, several testing sessions and interviews that I had to attend. But it was well worth the efforts! My best advice is to set your sites on your goal, commit to achieving it, seek assistance where needed. And most importantly, find someone who advocate for you!

(Submitted by Jory Authement)

Disabled Vet Help with Voc Rehab

I am a disabled veteran who recently completed the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The VA not only paid my way through college, but they paid for me to attend a "high cost" university. This did not come easily, however. The VA misled me, failed to cover all health care costs, and provided incomplete guidance. Fortunately, there are little known statutes the VA must follow with respect to its conduct. After holding various VA offices' feet to the fire, I was able to push through the process and graduate in the top 10 percent of my graduating class, from one of the top universities in the nation.

Following this process, I have come in contact with numerous disabled veterans who have been unable to navigate the Voc Rehab system, or have been simply unable to get accepted, in spite of a disability rating and unemployed status.

I am in the process of assembling numerous guide tools to help veterans succeed in their pursuit of a rewarding career following the completion of an undergraduate education. Unfortunately, these tools are not yet published, online or in paperback. For that reason, I have set up this blog.

Should any reader have any question regarding the process or entitlements relating to obtaining a four year degree, please ask. This help is free to all who inquire.

(Submitted by Mr. Benjamin Krause)

Choosing Military- or Employer-Provided Insurance

I was in the Army for just over 21 years, stationed down in Biloxi, MS at Keesler AFB. I got my retirement orders in February of 2005, with a retirement date of Dec. 31 2005. With taking leave and PTDY, I was gone the end of September.

As soon as I got my orders, I started pushing hard on my job searches and sending out my resume. I am a Frequency Manager and that was what I was shooting for. I found there were no GS openings so I started hitting the defense contractors sites e.g. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and so forth.

Boeing had a position and I applied for it. They called me to set up a phone interview in June and I found out I got hired. The first thing they asked was how soon could I start and I said the end of September. Then Hurricane Katrina hit and threw a few wrenches in my works but everything worked out.

I think the hardest part of transition was understanding the benefits that the companies offer. After 21 years of never having to worry about medical insurance, I was forced to make a choice between three different version of their plans. Yeah, we had the option of Tricare Prime, but honestly Boeing had a better plan. Then there are the investment/401K plans, the vacation and sickdays. I went from earning 2.5 days a month to earning 1.5-plus hours a week.

I would suggest that before you get out to bone up on civilian medical plans in general, learning about co-pays and what is and isn’t covered. One more thing. When it comes to salary, whoever mentions money first loses. Always make a counter to their offer. They will let you know if they can or can't. Do research as best you can about what the median pay for you skill will be in your new location. I went from living in Biloxi, MS to living in Seattle, WA -- a big change. Don’t just counter with a single amount, come back with a range. If you would settle for 66K, then counter with 65-67K. Give them an option to choose and don’t sell yourself short.

(Submitted by Brian Gilman)