Recently returned Soldiers transition into civilian life through Veterans Opportunity to Work

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/10/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Many National Guard Soldiers face the difficult task of finding a job and transitioning into the civilian world after a deployment. Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria, returned in December after nearly one year in Afghanistan and many face challenges finding and applying for civilian jobs. Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) conducted a three-day seminar at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill., Jan. 7-9 that taught Soldiers interviewing and resume skills to lead to employment.

"Returning from a deployment and looking for work can take an emotional toll in transitioning from active duty to civilian life," said Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Michael Bennett of Chicago, Ill., who facilitated this particular class.

Bennett helps Soldiers in basic resume skills and how to be successful in the interview process.

Sgt. 1st Class Edward Kindred of Rochester, Ill., explained the process of the VOW program. The seminar is run by the Department of Labor and is Department of the Army mandated. This gives precise tools to change a military resume into a civilian resume. The Illinois National Guard brings in a job fair for the returning Soldiers and gives direct contact with people who do the hiring. The job fair provides interview ideas and tips they look for in a resume, as well as, proper dress attire for interviews. An entire day is dedicated to preparing for an interview.

"I am learning how to build my resume and search for jobs in ways I didn't know before," said returning Soldier Spc. Corey Bell of Brussels, Ill., who attended the class on Jan. 9. "It's a good class that teaches me things that I have done right and wrong when it comes to my past resumes."

Bell recommended this class to other returning Soldiers even if they already have a job.

"I would absolutely recommend the class. It can help with present and future jobs," said Bell.

Since the program started in January 2013, 106 Soldiers have completed the program.