army veterans

veterans in business

Episode 28: This Army Vet Applied to 400 Jobs with Zero Callbacks, but Here’s How He Finally Landed His Dream Job; Chuck Kluball, Military Relations for Home Depot

https://www.swordandthescript.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bab_028_chuck_kluball_home_depot-scaled.jpg After Chuck Kluball transitioned out of the Army, he spent months applying for jobs and sending out resumes. In fact, he says he submitted about 400 applications and received no responses. Zero. Home Depot was at the top of his most wanted list and he sent some 40 applications to positions there and had the same result: No call backs. No interviews. And no job offers. Still, he preserved, and he obviously is working for Home Depot today. On this podcast he explains what the experience taught him, how he finally landed a job, and shares advice he has for veterans seeking jobs in business. Links discussed on the show: Chuck Kluball on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-kluball/) Home Depot Military careers (https://careers.homedepot.com/career-areas/military-2/) Vetlanta (https://vetlanta.org/) and Vetlanta on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetlanta/) DoD Skillbridge (https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/how-to-apply.htm) LinkedIn Group: DoD Skillbridge Community of Practice (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12257076/) https://www.swordandthescript.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bab_028_chuck_kluball_101.jpg

Boots About Business

enMay 19, 2021

home depot

transitioning veterans

veteran jobs

veterans in business

Episode 19: She Left the Army, Married a Soldier and then Discovered Military Spouses Need Career Help too; Jaime Chapman on Careers for the Spousal Community

https://www.swordandthescript.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bab_019_Jaime_Chapman.jpg When Jaime Chapman married into the Army, she experienced firsthand how difficult it is to find a job or maintain a career. While she did find work as a DoD contractor running programs for veterans in transition, the contract nature of the work meant her employment was subject to budget constraints. Despite three promotions, when she was laid off for the second time, she decided to become an entrepreneur out of necessity and started a staffing agency. She started out writing resumes for transitioning Soldiers, but then with her personal and professional experience, realized a better niche was helping military spouses. Today, she’s helped thousands of military spouses find jobs and careers and she shares what she’s learned in this episode. Links to resources discussed on the show: Jaime’s talent acquisition and recruiting business focused on military spouses (https://jchapman.com) For employers: Military Spouse Employment Partnership (https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/) (Military OneSource) For service members and spouses: USO Pathfinder Program (https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-pathfinder-transition-program) (career counseling, professional development and transition assistance) Hire Heroes USA (https://www.hireheroesusa.org) US Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce (https://milspousechamber.org)

Boots About Business

enJanuary 06, 2021

army

transitioning veterans

military spouses

E29: "Unapologetically: I Am A Man" by Cornelius Maxwell (AUTHOR INTERVIEW)

In today's episode, touching on culture, politics, success, personal development, motivation, and living a life of service- Cornelius Maxwell shares his recently released book of poetry entitled "Unapologetically: I Am A Man."

Cornelius is a motivational speaker, a veteran advocate, and business consultant. His advocacy began after serving 8 years and 3 combat tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the United States Army.

Living by his own words: "Leaders seek the opportunity to serve others and lack the expectation for others to serve them" - he is truly an inspiration to those fighting for justice and equality in a backwards world.

Connect with Cornelius online:

Instagram: @poetic_man27
Website: https://www.mr-maxwell.com/

Lovely Books

en-usDecember 18, 2020

Episode 10: Entrepreneurship with Training Wheels: Bill Williams on Helping Veterans with Franchise Ownership

https://www.swordandthescript.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bab_010_bill_williams.jpg He was certain he’d drafted for Vietnam in the next 90 days. Rather than wait for the notification, he decided to shape his destiny and volunteered to join the Army. That was many years ago, but today, Bill Williams helps veterans shape their destiny when they decide to leave the service and transition back to civilian life. He runs a small company that helps "corporate refugees" and veterans, especially retiring military, move into franchise ownership. He calls franchises, “entrepreneurship with training wheels.” See the show notes online at www.bootsaboutbusiness.com. Links: Bill’s business: Axxiom Franchise Advisors (https://axxiomfranchiseadvisors.com/) Find Bill on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjwilliams/)

enAugust 19, 2020

Episode 8: Leaving the Army and Starting a Business During a Recession: Brian Butler of Vistra Communications

https://www.swordandthescript.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bab_008_brian_butler-scaled.jpg By any measure, Brian Butler was having a successful career in the Army. He served in Desert Storm, was chosen to work on the Homeland Security Council in The White House (where he worked on preparing for a pandemic no less!), and was selected for promotion to colonel (O6). And yet, after 22 years in uniform, he decided to do something else. So, he opened a business. That happened to be during a period of time we come to describe later at The Great Recession. Today he’s the CEO of Vistra Communications – a mid-sized marketing and communications firm near Tampa, FL. On this episode, he tells us about the highs and lows of business and offers his advice to veterans that are considering opening their own shops. Show notes online at www.bootsaboutbusiness.com. Links: * Connect with Brian on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/babvistra/) * Visit his business: Vistra Communications (https://consultvistra.com/) * Read more about his business story: How this Army veteran's business survived launching during the Great Recession (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vistra-communications-army-small-business-201910079.html)

enJuly 15, 2020

Episode 25: Hotel Tango: Spirits Distilled With Discipline

Disabled Veteran Travis Barnes, his wife Hilary, and some friends started Hotel Tango in 2014. To honor Travis’ military service, they named their distillery based on the NATO phonetic alphabet - Hotel for Hilary, Tango for Travis. Surrounding themselves with exceptional people at every level, they focus on crafting equally exceptional spirits. Spirits that reflect Travis’s exacting standards. Spirits that are fit to serve and made to share. In this episode, we interview Ginger Barnes (Vice President of Operations) and Kelsey Strohmeyer (Brand Manager) at Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery. They share the story of the company, the culture there, and the amazing work that the company did to produce sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special Guests: Ginger Barnes and Kelsey Strohmeyer.

enJune 11, 2020

Episode 24: Understand Your Value as a Veteran and Go Beyond Roles to Find Purpose

In this episode Douglas interviews Gulf War Enlisted Veteran, John Qualls. John has had an incredible career launching and leading several technology startups. His most recent company is Purposely (https://purpose.ly), a platform to empower employees or individuals to optimize their talents. Talent optimization is one of the most critical factors that will determine if your business is able to reach and exceed your desired business results. While most business strategies focus on technical and functional aspects talent optimization should be a central part of your business strategy. With talent optimization, use a human lens to convert your business strategy into a compelling story that will engage employees. Having found his strengths and blazed a path in the technology industry, John is now sharing his wisdom with other people and then putting the tools in place to help them. We discuss how critical this is to both individuals and to companies - especially in times of economic challenges. Special Guest: John Qualls.

enApril 07, 2020

Episode 23: HVAF Of Indiana: Housing, Support, And Advocacy For Veterans And Their Families

HVAF was first incorporated as a Far From Home Chapter in June, 1993. In 1995, the organization completed its first housing project, establishing a residence for five homeless veterans. The project became the first transitional housing unit for homeless veterans in Indianapolis. In 1998, the organization adopted the name Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HVAF). In April, 2000, HVAF developed its Veteran Services Center, extending supportive services to homeless veterans and their families. The center provides food, clothing, furniture, household items and personal hygiene supplies. In 2005, the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation became HVAF of Indiana, Inc. HVAF operates 13 distinct transitional housing properties including substance abuse and addiction counseling services. In September 2011, HVAF opened another apartment complex that houses 51 veterans, bringing HVAF’s total bed capacity to over 200. Still, the need for services greatly exceeds even this capacity. HVAF of Indiana houses, supports, and advocates for all veterans and their families to help them achieve the best possible quality of life. They fight veteran homelessness in 5 ways: 1. Housing - they operate 13 distinct housing properties across Indianapolis. 2. Employment - they have employment specialists who help veterans hold employment. 3. Pantry - they stock and provide clothing, hygiene products, and food items all year. 4. Advocacy - they engage in activities to raise awareness in the community. 5. Outreach - Every day, workers go into the community to help those in need. If you're a veteran, a supporter, or a company in the region that wishes to help, please connect with HVAF of Indiana. They have opportunities to donate funds, donate pantry items, or even donate time to assist in the upkeep of the housing and assistance in their other work. Special Guests: Andrea DeCamp and Robert White.

enMarch 18, 2020

Book: Migrating to Prison: America’s Obsession with Locking Up Immigrants

Migrating To Prison

César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández is a professor of law at the University of Denver and an immigration lawyer. He runs the blog Crimmigration.com and regularly speaks on immigration issues. He has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, the BBC, and many other media outlets. A native of McAllen, TX, a city at the heart of the American immigration debate, he now lives in Denver.

He is also the writer of the book Migrating to Prison: America's Obsession with Locking Up Immigrants. This book, as you will hear me say a lot of times during the episode, sheds a light on an issue everyone is familiar with-- yet few understand the huge implications it can have on someone's life: Immigration Policy.

Professor Garcia Hernandez take an historical approach to understand immigration policy and, more specifically, the incarceration of immigrants. As he argues, this is not a new issue and the past can teach us a lot about how we got to the point where roughly 400,000 people—from babies to the elderly—now spend some time in prison.

In this episode we talked about many aspects of immigration policy, such as the power a passport can have in how one’s life takes shape—from having a stable life to being the reason of being incarcerated; The Industrial Prison Complex; Obama’s administration and its impact on the surge of immigrants being incarcerated; Trump’s influence in opening the Pandora’s Box of immigration policy; The Cold War and its repercussions on immigration reform, and much more.

I am certain that you will find this episode as relevant as it can get when it comes to issues we face as a society. Even though we hear all day long about immigration, few truly understand how complex this issue is, and, perhaps most importantly, why we need to talk about it more. The reason is: people. At the end of the day, human beings, such as you and me, are being locked up and facing unimaginable amounts of adversity.

What’s more, the government and the public can do something about it, only if we all internalize that this issue is more than just policy and a hot-topic as it can result in finishing with one’s hopes for a better future.

I have many thoughts about this issue, but I won’t say them right now as I can’t wait for you to listen to a true expert on this issue: César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández. I will write a blog about what my thoughts on this issue, which you can find at throughconversations.com

Enjoy.
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Links to his work:

Website: http://crimmigration.com

Twitter: @Crimmigration

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HIGHLIGHTS

(3:30) Why is this issue relevant?

(5:45) The Power of a Passport.

(8:30) Jerry’s case - - A US army veteran who got deported.

(15:25) Can we divide people into two boxes? One labeled as bad and the other as white? No. Why, then, we treat immigrants as good immigrants or bad immigrants?

(19:32) The truth behind Obama’s administration and Immigration policy.

(21:50) Tump and Immigration.

(22:55) Industrial Prison Complex.

(26:40) Are inmates paid-workers?

(28:38) Would the Industrial Prison Complex change for the better if the government takes full control of prisons?

(31:20) Who really is migrating to United States, rightnow?

(34:30) Racist Bias affects minorities when it comes to incarcerating immigrants.

(37:35) Inequality, Law and Imprisonment.

(40:45) Nixon’s role in the expansion of the immigration prison system.

(43:50) Soviet Union and Prison Reform.

(45:36) What can we do about the Industrial Prison Complex?

(48:15) The path going forward and Mexico’s role in US Immigration Law

(51:15) Can the public create change when it comes to Immigration Policy?

(53:00) The solution: Eradicating the Industrial Prison Complex.

(55:05) Final Remarks and where can we find more about Professor García Hernández’ work.
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Thanks for tuning in for this edition of Through Conversations Podcast!

If you find this episode interesting, consider subscribing to it. Also, you can share it with anyone who comes to your mind.

Instagram: @through_conversationspodcast

Twitter: @ThruConvPodcast

Website: throughconversations.com

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Through Conversations

enFebruary 20, 2020

Episode 22: WGU Indiana: Affordable, Fully Accredited Online Degree Programs for Active Military and Veterans

On this episode, we interview Alison Barber Bell, Chancellor of WGU Indiana, and Andrew Nagel, Registered Nurse and Graduate of WGU's Nursing Degree Program. We discuss WGU's unique non-profit, accredited online degree program and how it's especially good for active duty military, transitioning military, veterans, and their families. WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), College of Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). WGU Indiana has helped 7,500 Hoosiers achieve their dream of completing a college degree. Another 5,900 students are currently enrolled. Facts about WGU Indiana: In 2010, Western Governors University was approached by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels about creating a state-based model for the university. Indiana became the very first state model and the first state-endorsed online university, creating positions for a local chancellor and local advisory board. * WGU Indiana serves more than 520 active-duty military members, veterans or military family members. * WGU Indiana is a nonprofit, accredited, online university that serves students from all different backgrounds * WGU Indiana is currently serving about 5,600 Hoosiers – a 166 percent increase in enrollment since 2011. * WGU Indiana has awarded degrees to more than 7,500 Indiana residents. * WGU Indiana serves students who are not well-served by traditional colleges and universities; 72 percent are classified as underserved in one or more of four categories: ethnic minority, low income, rural residents, or first-generation college students. * As of 2018, 86 percent of WGU Indiana’s students work full-time jobs while pursuing a degree. * According to a recent Gallup-Purdue index, which provides insight into the relationship between the college experience and outcomes, WGU consistently scored higher than the national average when measuring school compatibility, mentorship, challenging curriculum, cost-worthiness and more. WGU Indiana’s tuition fees are nearly half the national average. Tuition is about $6,500 per 12-month year for most programs, and it is charged at a flat rate, which means students can complete as many courses as they are able in any term, at no additional cost. On average, WGU graduates increase their pre-enrollment income by $12,600 within two years of graduation and by $18,400 within four years. With an average cost of $16,500 for a bachelor's degree, most WGU graduates see a positive return on their investment within two to three years. Special Guests: Allison Barber Bell and Andrew Nagel.

enDecember 30, 2019

Episode 21: SSGT Joe Biggs Discusses His PTSD Journey

Joe Biggs is a combat veteran of the United States Army, twice awarded a Purple Heart while serving several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Post-retirement, SSGT Biggs is a political investigative reporter who has a huge following online. This isn't an interview about politics, though. Joe has been transparent about his post-combat struggles with post traumatic stress disorder. Since the holidays are often a struggle, I asked Joe to share his story as well as his advice for other veterans, family members, and friends. Please take the time to listen and share this podcast. Special Guest: Joe Biggs.

enNovember 21, 2018

Episode 20: Eleven Fifty Academy: Turning Veterans into Developers

In a previous episode (https://www.veterancast.com/9) about the Eleven Fifty Academy, we interviewed Marine Veteran John Qualls about the opportunities for Veterans in the technology industry. Since that time, the Eleven Fifty Academy has historically acquired approval from the federal government for GI Bill usage. We returned to the Eleven Fifty Academy to speak to David Whitt, the first GI Bill graduate of the Eleven Fifty Academy, and Shawn Gardner, Eleven Fifty's Executive Vice President of Business Development about turning Veterans into Developers. We discuss how training in development is a perfect career path for Veterans to enter the technology sector - either as a coder, project manager, or other supporting leadership position. We also discuss the incentives for Veterans to move to Indiana to take advantage of this opportunity. Within just a few months, academy training in the technology field can open job opportunities that pay well above averages for Veterans. And within a few years, those careers drive some of the highest incomes under demand in the country. Special Guests: David Whitt and Shawn Gardner.

enOctober 29, 2018

Episode 19: The American Warrior Initiative Ensuring Your VA Loan Benefit

In this episode, we speak to Angela Allen. Angela is the daughter of one of the first 100 Navy SEALs, Howard Wesley Allen. Howard was a Navy Frogman in the Korean and Vietnam war. He also assisted with the Mercury Missions. After losing her father at a young age, Angela dedicated her life to volunteering and assisting Veterans however they needed. Listen to her unique story in this episode. As well, we discuss VA Loans in great detail. This is an incredible benefit that goes unused by 94% of Veterans! The benefits of a VA Loan include: * 100% financing * No monthly private mortgage insurance required * A limitation on buyer's closing costs * The loan is assumable, subject to VA approval of the assumer's credit * 30 year, fixed loan with interest rates similar to FHA rates * Seller can pay up to 4% of the Veteran's closing costs and even pay down the buyer's debt to help lower their debt-to-income ratio * You can have less than perfect credit Angela will share her story, discuss the American Warrior Initiative, and let us know all the updates regarding upcoming VA Loan program changes. Special Guest: Angela Allen.

enJune 27, 2018

Episode 18: Navy Club Ship 35: Keep the Fleet to Keep the Peace

On 18 June 1938, at a Navy Veterans Reunion in Quincy, Illinois, a new and powerful organization, the Navy Club of the United States of America, was launched. On that day, a Constitution and By-Laws was adopted to govern this unique and distinguished group, speaking the language of the men who go down to the sea in ships. The original organizational committee drew up a broad administrative charter that envisioned a new concept in collectively bringing together the many private Navy Clubs and Navy Veteran Organizations that had sprung up across the country, and by so doing, give each member and prospective member, a powerful voice as a Nationally Recognized Organization. With the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard men and women of the United States formed together in one great powerful service organization, it was concluded that there should come a more extensive and widespread observance of NAVY DAY, now celebrated on the 13th of October each year, a watchful eye on all legislation and laws that concerns a strong United States Navy and National Defense, a guarantee that our Navy will always be kept at such strengths that there will be no more "Pearl Harbors", a more powerful influence on American thinking on the importance of a "First Class Navy", a better and more informed medium through which the Navy Department can convey its problems to all American citizens, and to join together all sailors, marines and Coast Guard personnel into a closer comradeship. Special Guest: Geoff McCuen.

enJune 05, 2018

Episode 17: Marine for Life Network

Marine For Life is an extension of the Marine ethos “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. Marine For Life is a continuation of the Marine Corps’ strategic engagement with Marines and their families across the continuum of the Marine For Lifecycle - commencing with their transformational entry into the Corps, symbolized in their earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, through their transition to Veteran Marine status and the return of these quality citizens back to their communities. Marine For Life Network connects transitioning Marines and their family members to education resources, employment opportunities, and other Veterans services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military service. Special Guests: Andrew Janovicz and Nathan Bibler.

enMay 21, 2018

Episode 16: Project Healing Waters: Rehabilitation of Disabled Veterans With Fly Fishing Outings

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is unique in that their volunteers are teaching classes on an on-going, long term basis. It is much more than a one-time fishing trip. Their program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes for participants whose skills range from beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience. All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are also provided free of charge to participants. Special Guest: Chris Jackson.

enMay 11, 2018

Episode 15: Purple Heart 3 (PH3): Veteran Owned, Veteran Employed, and Veteran First Security Company

On this week's Veteran Cast, we are joined by Michael Fickert, Senior Project Manager of Purple Heart 3, a Veteran Owned & Veteran employed security company out of Indianapolis. Michael joins Veteran Cast to talk about his background in the Army, and then trying to find his purpose again after transitioning into the civilian world. Purple Heart 3 helped Michael find that purpose, and his passion for the organization & their mission is prevalent when he talks. PH3’s main mission is to ensure that the suicide rate among returning combat veterans is reduced. Special Guest: Michael Fickert.

enApril 17, 2018