Podcasts about aafmaa

Building wealth is a financial buzz phrase we hear a lot. We all want a build-up of wealth, but how do we get there, and what does that path look like for service members and their families? In this episode, Jerry Quinn, shares actionable insights for military families looking to build wealth and achieve financial success, what wealth-building means, and practical strategies for saving, investing, and navigating tight budgets. Jerry is a Colonel in the Army Reserve who has spent more than 30 years working in banking and insurance, specifically on military and veteran financial, housing, and career matters in those industries over the last 15 years. He is the Chief Operating Officer of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). Established in 1879, AAFMAA now has $23 billion of insurance in force. Since 9/11 AAFMAA has provided more than $1 billion to military and veteran families of the fallen. At AAFMAA, Jerry oversees all aspects of AAFMAA Life Operations, including financial education, member benefits, survivor services, and life insurance. https://milmo.co/podcast/building-wealth-for-military-families For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Welcome to the Milspouse Transformation Summer Series.  Each week, we focus on one particular area of our life that will help us truly live a life that we're excited about, one with more meaning and less overwhelm. The topics in this series are based on the 10 focus areas of the growth wheel, a free life assessment tool available in the Milspouse Transformation Guide.   This week's episode is about managing our finances, both what we can do to stretch our dollars today, and what we can do to set ourselves and our families up for long-term success. This week's guest is Jerry Quinn, who served for over three decades in the military and now serves as the chief operating officer at the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. Better Together, Christine   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Milspouse Transformation Guide Connect with AAFMAA AAFMAA.com   Other Financial Resources https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/tools/military-relief-organizations-and-emergency-financial-help/ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/financial-counseling/ https://milmo.co https://usaaef.org/credit-debt/debt/debt-destroyer/time-for-debt-destruction/   2024 Milspouse Transformation Series Ep 207: My Favorite Tool for Self-Discovery & Life Transformation Ep 208: How To Actually Rest Ep 209: Let's Talk About Military Spouse Wellness Ep 210: How to Fuel Your Body On A Budget Ep 211: How Spirituality Affects Military Spouse Mental Health Ep 212: What's So Important About Home Ep 213: How to Make Your Military Marriage Stronger Ep 214: Parenting Tips for Military Families Ep 215: Building Authentic Friendships as a Military Spouse   RESOURCES Work With Me Join The Free Community Free Clarity Workshop What Matters Most Worksheet Clarity Course Leave a Show Review. Pretty Please!

Send us a Text Message.Marc Lopez joined the Army 20 years ago and started his career in the intelligence field as a linguist. He transitioned over to become a warrant officer and is now a cyber warfare operator who is preparing to begin a SkillBridge program before he retires. When two of Marc's closest friends retired three years ago, he was inspired to begin preparing for his own retirement to ensure a successful transition. Using his background in intelligence, Marc decided his first step was to create notes. He uses Microsoft OneNote to organize his notes and has created tabs for every facet of his transition including his family, LinkedIn and informational interviews. With so many job opportunities in the cyber field using very different titles than the military, Marc knew he needed to better understand civilian terms. He leveraged LinkedIn to find veterans in the cyber field and then set up calls to learn about the various roles and the day-to-day responsibilities. He began to build a glossary of terms that helped him understand the civilian equivalent of cyber roles in the military. From his informational interviews, Marc found several mentors that helped him answer important questions to narrow his focus. With retirement right around the corner and over 2+ years of transition preparation, Marc has taken advantage of several resources such as the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, Veterati, ACP, FourBlock and TAP to ensure a smooth transition. He took nuggets of information from each resource and began to find common threads. Resources like this podcast don't change the fact that the transition journey is full of curves and unexpected challenges, but they do help service members prepare for the unexpected. The genuine connection and relationships that Marc has built with other people continues to enrich his life. Marc has conducted over 50 informational interviews in 3 years. He learned quickly that a customized note through LinkedIn got better results than a generic, template introduction. Before sending a connection request, he took the time to study the person's profile and included any commonalities in his customized note. Marc prepared for each informational interview by having questions prepped and staying within the allotted time frame. Knowing your worth in your chosen industry is important. One of the best ways to assess your worth is through informational interviews. Once you've built rapport in the interview, share your experience and any education or certifications you've completed. Ask the person what level they think you are at and what salary range you can expect. Salary.com, Glassdoor.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are excellent resources as well. Remember that salary isn't just about the pay. Benefits can play a significant role when deciding to accept or pass on a job opportunity.The average adult changes careers 7-9 times in their life. It's okay to make a change or pivot completely. Companies have come to expect applicants to have many prior job experiences. If you find that you've made a wrong decision on a job, figure out how you can gain value from the experience and make a plan on how to find a better fit. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.We are excited to host Marine Corps veteran, Eric Infanti. By all accounts, Eric had a smooth transition into the corporate world, where he worked for 5 years. When his health began declining, Eric began a healing journey that included 2000 hours of yoga teacher and meditation training. He earned a dual master's degree in Buddhist psychology and Ayurvedic medicine and is now a PhD candidate with the study on the role of extreme peak flow states on resilience and professional outcomes. When Eric first transitioned from the military, he was able to use his experience and the education he received while serving in the Marine Corps to land a role in IT. After taking time off to heal, Eric knew he needed to upskill and learn current IT best practices. He sought out low cost or free programs to gain new certifications. He utilized the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), ACT Now Education and Boots to Books.Eric went from running marathons to not being able to move in a short amount of time. After visiting close to a dozen doctors without getting a diagnosis, he went to a naturopathic physician who diagnosed him with late-stage Lyme disease. Eric dove into the world of alternative health and found that yoga relieved his symptoms. From yoga, he dove deeper into Ayurvedic medicine, ancient texts and meditation. It was on the plane coming back from a 2008 trip to India where he started writing his first book, Marine on the Mat. Eric continued a career in alternative health until the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic had a negative impact on his healing business, and Eric knew he needed to shift back into IT. He relied on his network and found mentors that helped him find a role within the IT community that fit his personality. Today he is the UX/UI Design Manager for Combined Arms, a nonprofit dedicated to veterans' well-being. Eric uses both his healing background and IT knowledge in his design work. He manages his stress through spiritual practices and finds his creativity from the still space of his meditations. He has written 12 books on subjects relating to alternative health and UX design. One of the core values to every veteran is their resiliency – the ability to handle whatever comes their way. Eric encourages veterans to not give up. You can choose how you manage the stresses of life. Some choose alcohol, rage or video games to cope with their stress. Eric chose athleticism and taking care of his inner self through breathing and meditation. For people who haven't been practicing self-care and find themselves in an acute situation, Eric advises them to stop and take a break, start a healing practice and seek medical and psychological help if needed. Breath work meditation is simple, effective and can be done anywhere. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Eric at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericinfanti/Explore Eric's books at  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KHHN4S Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we get back to the basics with best practices for crafting a resume. Certified resume writer and career coach, Lori Norris, shares 5 elements that a resume must contain as well as the role that AI can play during the job search process.1. Focus. Every resume, from the very first line, must clearly present a focus. There is no such thing as an effective generic resume. A resume that tries to appeal to everyone appeals to no one. Many transitioning veterans mistakenly believe the first thing they should do is write their resume. Finding your focus is the priority. If you start your transition 18-24 months out, then take the first 6 months to research and conduct informational interviews to determine your focus. Informational interviews are invaluable as they will help you start to translate your military skills into civilian terms. After you've gathered intel and feel confident with the skills that you need to showcase for your career field, then start crafting a tailored resume. Remember, the focus of your career drives everything in your military transition job search efforts. A targeted resume will set you apart from the crowd, especially in a tough job market. The resume is about where you're going, not where you've been.2. Your Unique Value. Employers want to know how you are going to make them money or save them money. How are you going to earn the salary that they are going to pay you? Translate your skills to show the employer how you are going to make them money and/or save them money. It's impossible to showcase your unique value without having a focus. Your resume is not about you. It's about what you can do for the organization. 3. Measurable Accomplishments. Use metrics and numbers to give the reader scope. Numbers also help to break up words and help the reader to continue absorbing the information on your resume. Numbers help to keep the eye engaged.4. Translated Terminology. Most people reading your resume will not speak military. Even if the recruiter works with veterans, they may not understand the nuances of terminology in all the different military branches. Make the effort to explain what you do. Translating military terminology also shows the company you are willing and ready to change and adapt to the civilian sector. Help the reader see the value of your military experience by translating military terminology. 5. Examples and Stories. A resume is not a job description or a list of all the things you have ever done. It's a narrative that explains your accomplishments and the improvements that you made for your previous employer. Give examples of your skills and abilities. Thinking through stories also helps you prepare for the interview process.AI should be used as a tool. It is not a replacement for writing a tailored resume in your voice. AI's content was first created by scanning the internet. As we all know, information found on the internet is not always factual. Use AI as an assistant when conducting research.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Lori at AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.If you are a transitioning service member, it's always helpful to hear the role that time has in the transition process. The transition process doesn't end when you land your first job as a civilian. There is so much wisdom to gain from listening to other veterans' journeys as they progress through various jobs and companies. On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome back Ray Jokie. Ray first appeared as a guest on Season 1, Episode 38 and shared his struggle with finding a new identity after retiring from the US Air Force. He is currently working as Lockheed Martin's Military Relations Lead and Talent Acquisition Program Manager. This episode contains content related to suicide.Ray struggled deeply after retiring from the military and had suicidal ideations. While wrestling with his emotions, he gained perspective and was able to grow as a human and view his situation through a different lens. For Ray, not having the guidance and structure of the military sent him into a tailspin. After finding a new purpose to live, his depression subsided. Finding purpose doesn't have to be tied to a job. Work to live, not live to work. Ray has found that by focusing on the positive in every situation and by finding a new purpose, he has been able to successfully navigate his way out of his depression. If you are struggling right now, it doesn't mean that something is wrong with you. There will be days that focusing on the positive will not come naturally. You are not alone.Ray has built his program at Lockheed Martin from the ground up. He hired a contractor and engaged recruiters who had previously gone through the SkillBridge program at Lockheed. He continues to develop his team and revolutionize the way the veteran community is valued. As a recruiting professional, Ray talks with thousands of people every year, reviews resumes and conducts interviews. Ray encourages people to make sure their resume reflects the value they can bring to a company. Don't bring uninvited bias by including college graduation dates or a home address.On the resume, don't just say what you did, frame it to show your value to a company. Consider highlighting how you reduced process time, saved costs or generated revenue. Ray suggests using a targeted approach to networking. Find people in the roles that you want and network with them first. When engaging with recruiters on LinkedIn, keep your message brief and state how you can bring value to their company. Don't be afraid to follow up with someone if you haven't received a response in a reasonable amount of time. Know that recruiters talk to one another and share candidates and information. Ray endorses the STAR method during interviews. Over the years, Ray has noticed that veterans don't typically lack confidence. It's important to show your qualifications without being overly confident. Be able to read the room and adjust your delivery if needed. Use stories to showcase your value. A confident person knows their value while an arrogant person believes they are better than everyone else. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with RAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.We are excited to welcome back Chris Dreisbach for his fifth appearance on the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. Chris retired in 2020 as a Senior Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force. Now in his sixth role since his retirement, Chris continues to share the lessons he's learned along his path. Chris reflects on his previous roles and discusses the challenges he experienced. In his first role as a maintenance manager, Chris assumed the job would be similar to his military experience in aircraft maintenance. In reality, the job required long hours to fulfill the production goals of a 24/7 facility. Chris lasted 3 months before moving into a remote, entry-level data analyst role. While in this position, Chris took his time to find a better fit in the warehouse industry. Utilizing his experience in quality assurance and interest in safety programs, Chris found a role that better suited his background. While working as a Safety and Training Manager, Chris took on more responsibilities hoping to get promoted but instead his company took advantage of his work ethic and continued to stretch him thin without additional compensation. Chris realized that he needed to shift his military mentality if he was going to find success in the civilian sector.Chris remarks that this is the longest he's ever lived in one place, and he finds himself getting antsy – almost like he's ready for new orders. The military transition is a process, and it may take years to feel settled into a new rhythm. After applying the lessons that he learned in his previous jobs, Chris is finding success in his current role working remotely for a tech company. His scheduled hours work well for his desired work-life balance, and he no longer tries to take on additional responsibilities. Like many other veterans, Chris' networking skills led him to this role. He reminds others that networking doesn't have to be deliberate – for him, his opportunity came organically from a conversation that occurred months prior. In the 4 years since his retirement, Chris has learned to find ways to authentically connect with others. As an avid listener to the podcast, Chris credits the information he learned from the episodes with Misty Moreno, Keith Cassant and Sarah Bumgardner to help him change his mindset to better function in the civilian sector. Keith says he was fully prepared to be unprepared for retirement. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chris was unprepared to leave the military when he did. Thankfully by the time he retired, he and his wife had learned how to be financially responsible and had been living within their means. Looking back, he realizes that he had a solid foundation to retire even if at the time, he perceived himself as being unprepared. It's important to take an honest look at finances and expectations with your family before separation or retirement. It's also equally important to make wise financial decisions before exiting the military. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-dreisbach/Download the AAFMAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.We welcome Ethan Shipp. Ethan began his career in the United States Air Force as an EMT but has since retrained as an information systems technician. Although he is still serving, he used his tech skills to create a resource designed to empower and inform service members about the many different SkillBridge programs. Ethan started Rate My SkillBridge after doing research for his own SkillBridge program and identifying an opportunity to help others make informed decisions during their career transition. About two years prior to his separation date, Ethan began researching SkillBridge programs. He joined The SkillBridge Network on Facebook and was intrigued by a post written by a service member who had flown back to the US from overseas to intern for a company that used them for free labor. Ethan realized the need for a rating system to protect service members. He went to work creating a website using WordPress and released it one month later. The site gained an enormous amount of traction in a short time and Ethan knew he needed to rebuild the platform and advance the website. Service members can now create accounts and personalize their dashboards. Ethan is not charging service members for this resource. He is currently funding the website by himself. Ethan's website is offering service members an invaluable resource as they move toward career transition. Some service members rely on their SkillBridge company to offer them a job after the internship phase is completed. While the goal of the program is just that, there are some instances where that may not happen. Ethan encourages service members to apply for multiple jobs and not rely solely on SkillBridge. Ethan also encourages people to have multiple opportunities lined up. It is possible that a company will cancel the program if a job opportunity is no longer available. This may happen due to the economy or company restructuring.Ethan has noticed a recent trend of people working more hours than allotted by the program. Working long hours is unfortunately not just an issue with the SkillBridge program. As a salaried employee, it's important to assess the employer's expectations versus your own expectations. For many veterans, working extra hours may not be expected but they feel a sense of responsibility to keep giving. Companies will take advantage of that work ethic. For SkillBridge companies who are operating against SkillBridge policies and parameters, Ethan believes that the DoD is beginning to take action to protect service members. For service members, it's important to make your issues heard through resources like Rate My SkillBridge.Ethan is currently stationed in Italy and wants to continue living overseas after his separation. The job search process outside of the US can be very different. One example is the curriculum vitae (CV). The CV is typically only used in the US for doctors, lawyers and professors. However, it is the standard for most every profession outside of the US. While the typical resume in the US is no longer than 2 pages, the CV is a comprehensive document that may be several pages long. LinkedIn is used by overseas companies, so plan to have an updated profile. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.On this solo episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, Lori shares the challenges that she and her family have been going through over the past few months. During this time, Lori has struggled with burnout, a feeling that most everyone has experienced at one time or another. Feelings of burnout are especially prevalent among job seekers. Lori shares her thoughts on when and how to take a break from the job search process. Your body communicates with you. If you are consistently waking up in the middle of night and your mind is racing because of your stressors, it may be time to make some changes. For transitioning service members on terminal leave and new veterans, finding a job is one of the biggest stressors of the military transition. There will be a time when finding a job is your full-time job. It can absolutely consume you. Lori recommends creating a schedule that allows you the freedom to still enjoy life while methodically pursuing job opportunities. Schedule a block of time for networking, another for researching companies and another for targeting your resume. Take a break and get out of your house. Interact with people and schedule down time.Your eating habits may be affected by your stress. While some people may skip meals entirely, others overeat or choose to eat foods that are full of empty calories. Healthy food will fuel your mind and body and keep you from experiencing sugar highs and lows. Even with healthy eating and sleeping habits, you may still notice that your body feels zapped of energy. Without truly working through your stress and anxiety, your mind is still working 24 hours a day, even when you are sleeping. Again, your body communicates with you and may be telling you to hit the pause button. Burnout can cause negative feelings such as cynicism. Step back and evaluate what you're doing, how you're doing it and if you need to change direction. If the job search process is making you feel withdrawn and isolated, Lori recommends reaching out and connecting with people. Let people help and support you. Don't take a vacation from the people that you love and don't take a vacation from the things you love to do. We all need a break from time to time. It's impossible to give 100% all the time, without stopping. Take time to connect with your family and the people that love you. Give yourself time to recover, refresh and rejuvenate. We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts on the show. We want to know what content is meaningful and ways we can improve. Drop a message to Lori – her contact information is below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Lori at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

Send us a Text Message.In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we are pleased to host Sarah Bumgardner. Sarah is a military spouse and a certified financial education instructor who has worked with AAFMAA since 2010. She is currently the Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement and supports both AAFMAA members and the entire military community. Sarah became a military spouse when her first husband became an officer in the US Marine Corps. For 10 years, Sarah lived the mil spouse lifestyle of raising kids, traveling and moving. When her husband transitioned out of the military, their marriage didn't survive. Several years later, Sarah remarried an army retiree. Sarah reflects on the transition her family experienced when her husband separated from the military after 10 years of service. While there was excitement for the next chapter, she and her husband experienced a sense of loss in their identities and the loss of the military community. Many times, spouses have different ideas about what life looks like after the military. It's important to communicate during the transition process and take time to reconnect and reestablish roles in the home. For those that serve less than 20 years and who don't have the buffer of a pension, finding the next job is a huge stressor. As a mil spouse and in her current role, Sarah has learned that finding the next job doesn't mean the transition is over. It's a long process that involves finding a new purpose, for both the veteran and mil spouse. Sarah encourages active-duty service members to acknowledge that their military spouses are also going through a transition. Although it looks different, they are also losing their identity, community and sense of purpose as well. Children will feel a change in the new daily routines that occur after leaving the military. AAFMAA is dedicated to both service members and their families. We are grateful to have them sponsor the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. In addition to offering the military community financial and insurance solutions, AAFMAA partners with several nonprofit organizations to help veterans and spouses find mentors to help them navigate the transition including finding a new purpose and getting a job. Military spouses can sometimes feel disconnected from the transition process. Sarah encourages every mil spouse to attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) with their service member. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Sarah at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bumgardner-cfei%C2%AE-1114aa94/Explore AAFMAA at https://www.aafmaa.com/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we continue our discussion on interview best practices with career strategist, Brenda Mariah. We encourage you to listen to Part 1, episode 158 before continuing with this episode. During Part 1, Brenda explained the purpose of an interview, what every employer is looking for during an interview and how to stay in control during the interview process. On this episode, we dive into the anatomy of an interview.The interview process can be divided into 5 stages. During Part 1, we discussed Stage 1: Making an Entrance. We continue with Stage 2: Questions They Ask You. Most likely, every interview will begin with the “Tell me about yourself” question. Brenda advises candidates to use this question to highlight their qualifications, skills and character. Her formula is 1. I love… 2. I'm proud of… 3. I'm excited to…. First, tell the employer what you love about the role. Second, list some of your accomplishments. Third, let the employer know how you plan to use your skills to improve the organization. This question is meant to be an icebreaker and to give the employer insights about your professional qualifications and skills and how they can benefit their company. Make the answers relevant to their needs. Another popular question is “What are your weaknesses?” Brenda has 3 tips for responding to this question. 1. It should be an actual weakness that you possess. 2. It should not be critical to the job. 3. Explain how you are overcoming the weakness. Stage 3: Question You Ask. At the end of the interview, always be prepared to ask the employer questions. If you are prompted to ask questions, and you decline the opportunity, the employer will assume you do not want the job. Prepare 10 questions for the employer knowing that some of them may have already been answered during the interview and assume that you will have the opportunity to ask 2 or 3 of your prepared questions. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the employer and show them that you've done your research and are interested in the job. Stage 4: Closing. Make sure they know you want the job. Thank them for their time and express to them once again why you would make a great fit. Stage 5: Post-interview follow-up. Did you know that only 1 in 200 candidates will send any kind of follow-up message after an interview? Sending a handwritten thank you, a thank you email or a LinkedIn connection request with a thank you message will help you stand out from the crowd. It also serves as an additional opportunity for you to showcase how your skills can benefit their organization. Don't be afraid to include a plan to follow up on a specified date. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Brenda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachbrendamariah/Explore Push Management Career's Interview Training Program at https://www.pushcareermanagement.com/interview-coachingDownload the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Brenda Mariah. If you are having trouble getting others to see your value or recognizing your own value, this is where Brenda shines. Brenda Mariah, of Push Career Management, is a career-focused speaker, wordsmith, storyteller, encourager, author and strategist. She is the president of the National Resume Writers Association, the past president of the Resume Writers and Career Coaches Association and is certified in interview coaching, compensation negotiation, job search strategy, resume writing, career management, LinkedIn profile development and employment law. Major brands rely on Brenda to provide corporate outplacement services during layoffs and her prior engineering and project management background qualifies her to help even the most technical professionals. While a resume's job is to help you land an interview, the interview is an opportunity for both you and the employer to find out if your skills and personality are a good fit for the organization. During the interview, the employer is looking for the most cost-effective employee, the person who is going to add the most value and bring the most return on investment. This doesn't necessarily mean the employer will always look for the person they can hire for the least amount of money. Employers are asking themselves questions like “Can you do the job?”, “Will you do the job?”, “Are you a good fit?”It's important to bring your personality to the interview. While an interview should be taken seriously, don't forget to smile, make eye contact and engage with the employer. While the resume is fact-based, an interview is more emotion-based. Be confident with who you are and don't pretend to be something you're not. As the interviewee, you have more control over the situation than you might think. According to data, about 40% of your interview success is based on your packaging such as nonverbal communication and appearance. Another 40% is your responsiveness to the questions. 10% of your success is based on your qualifications. Brenda breaks down the interview process into 5 stages. Stage 1 is Making an Entrance. When you enter an interview with confidence, you appear competent. If your interview is virtual, make sure you understand the platform being used. If you are not familiar with certain software, like Teams or Webex, find a demo video online and learn how to navigate the platform. Make sure the position of your camera highlights your face and be aware of what is in your background. Experiment with lighting to ensure shadows are not covering your face. Stage 2 is Questions They Ask You. During your interview preparation, be able to answer why you want to work for them and why they should pick you. Research the company by looking at their website and social media channels. Review your resume and begin to formulate stories to back up your accomplishments. Use the STAR method to ensure you are giving the backstory, the actions you took and what you achieved. Connect with Brenda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachbrendamariah/Explore Push Management Career's Interview Training Program at https://www.pushcareermanagement.com/interview-coachingAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

We continue our discussion with Mary Polanco on Part 2 of this 2-part series. On the previous episode, Mary discusses the importance of taking time for yourself during the military transition process and the reality that separating from the military may cause grief. During this episode, we dissect content from her newly published book, Your Final Debrief, and dive deeper into healthy ways to deal with complex emotions that may arise before, during and after the military transition. Mary believes that questioning your feelings is an important step to understanding the root cause. If you find yourself feeling a certain way, ask yourself where the feeling is coming from and consider the meaning behind the feeling. This type of analytical thinking will help you acknowledge and accept the feeling and move on. Life is full of transitions - whether it's relational or job related. It's important to constantly reflect on where you are, where you've been and how you envision your future. Reflection will bring up feelings, and for many people it's easier to suppress those feelings instead of working through them. As we work through feelings, it's hard to know in the beginning what is really underneath the emotions. Mary attributes therapy, reading, journaling and meditating to helping her work through suppressed feelings from her Air Force career. These healthy actions create space for things to come up, so you can address them and move forward.Leaving the military is a choice for some, but for others it's forced. Some service members get med boarded while others may fail to get promoted. Either way, the last day in uniform can be emotionally charged. For Mary, she was unprepared for the feelings that occurred on her first full day of retirement. She realized she was alone in her decisions. She no longer had someone telling her where to be and what to do. It's okay to be both sad about your military career being over and excited about your future.Mary encourages service members to separate their identity with their service. If you are struggling with this, pull out a piece of paper and write down the question, “Who am I?” For you to separate your service from your identity, you have to have an identity to fall back on – which is the real you! For those serving in the military, it's too easy to put “you” on the back burner. You need to dedicate time to the discovery process of finding out what has been dormant for so long. In her book, Mary suggests 9 questions that could help you rediscover yourself including What brings you peace? What would you do with your time if you had no worries? What is your legacy? Your Final Debrief is a guide that shows you how to invest in yourself. The military will roll on without you. So start preparing for your next chapter. Connect with Mary at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-polanco-mssl-32a1a5176/Explore Your Final Debrief at https://www.amazon.com/Your-Final-Debrief-Military-Post-Service/dp/B0CN69TVWZ Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

After serving 23 years in the US Air Force, Mary Polanco retired from the Air Force. She is the founder and CEO of Live and Lead Well and the author of Your Final Debrief, which she describes as a must-read guide to learning how to break free from the military mindset and craft the post service life you truly desire. During Season 3, episode 128, we talked with Mary about her transition. This episode focuses on content from her newly published book. Mary retired earlier than planned, at the peak of her military career. To those on the outside, it came as a shock. However, Mary had prepared for her transition and done the hard work of self-discovery before submitting her retirement papers. Her hope is Your Final Debrief will resonate with transitioning service members and validate the complex emotions that often accompany military separation or retirement. The first chapter is titled Thank You for Your Service. If you've served in the military, you know that this sentiment can often be uncomfortable. Mary believes it's important for service members to acknowledge their service and the sacrifices they made while wearing the uniform. One of the sacrifices that Mary focuses on is the idea that military service may hinder a person's identity. Have you ever heard someone refer to someone else as ROAD? It stands for retired on active duty. It's a term used to describe someone that is choosing to focus on themself rather than working 24/7 until their last day for the military. This term has a negative connotation in the military. Mary addresses this and why it's so important to take time for yourself before separating or retiring from the military. For those serving in leadership roles, the military has convinced you that the mission will fail without you, right? The truth is the military will go on without you. You are replaceable. It can feel wrong to put yourself before the needs of others, especially if you have a servitude attitude. Know that you will never be able to convince those still in uniform the magnitude of transitioning. It's not your job – your job is to prepare yourself for the next chapter of your life.In Mary's book, she compares her service to a marriage and her retirement to a divorce. She experienced the 5 stages of grief during her transition. Mary believes the first enlistment is the courtship phase. During this time, you are questioning whether to leave or stay for the long haul. For those that choose to reenlist, a commitment is made and there are expectations of your service. The 5 stages of grief are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Grief occurs over a loss – whether it's a person, pet or job.  Mary experienced all of these as she grappled with the idea of retirement.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Mary at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-polanco-mssl-32a1a5176/Explore Your Final Debrief at https://www.amazon.com/Your-Final-Debrief-Military-Post-Service/dp/B0CN69TVWZAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome retired US Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Clarissa Merced. Clarissa used the SkillBridge program to upskill and land a role with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). During her 2.5 years at the VBA, Clarissa realized she needed a job that was more stimulating and rewarding. She got serious about her job search and learned how to translate her military skills and effectively market herself. Her hard work paid off, and she received an offer for a new role that exceeded her previous salary by more than $30K. Clarissa admits she did not utilize her transition period wisely. She relied on her 24 years of military service, education and SkillBridge to carry her into the next chapter. When she finished her SkillBridge internship with the VBA, she went straight into a full-time position working from home assigning disability ratings to veterans. After spending 24 years in the military and being on call all the time, Clarissa realized the demanding environment at the VBA was not a good fit. When Clarissa accepted a new position in the civilian sector, she noticed right away that the environment was better suited to her. She feels heard and valued in her new role and believes her compensation is fair given her experience, education and background. Clarissa is grateful for her role at the VBA and encourages veterans to explore working for the federal government if they are looking for an environment that is similar in nature to the military as far as promotions and paygrades.  As Clarissa reflects on her transition, she wished she would have taken time to decompress and detach herself from the military before starting her post-military career. She went straight from the military to SkillBridge to a full-time role. She would have taken the time to do career and personality type assessments and really put thought into the kind of work environment that she wanted to be in. If Clarissa had the opportunity to transition again, she would have put a greater emphasis on earning the certifications and degrees that would benefit her once she retired instead of prioritizing education that contributed to her success while she was serving.  Working from home has been an adjustment for Clarissa. Many people seek remote roles, especially in the post-pandemic world. While there are many positives to working from home, there can be challenges as well. If you are a people person, you must find ways to interact and connect with your team. Remote workers often need to remind their family members that they are at work and need to stay on task.Clarissa recommends people seek professional assistance if they need help writing a resume or prepping for an interview. Career coaching is a small investment when you consider the impact it can have on the rest of your career. Invest in yourself. Take advantage of free resources and then make an informed decision if you know you need more help marketing yourself. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Clarissa at https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-merced/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we continue our conversation with Dave Schantz, SkillBridge expert. If you haven't listened to Part 1, we encourage you to download Episode 153 and learn more about what the SkillBridge program is and what it isn't. This episode focuses on the employment part of the SkillBridge program. Dave encourages service members to run weekly keyword searches on the SkillBridge locations page to learn what companies are offering opportunities that fit their needs. During this discovery period, service members should be reaching out to the point of contact listed on the SkillBridge location page to learn more about the organization and their program. Google companies and learn about their successes, failures and cultures. When a service member sits down for a SkillBridge interview, it should not be the first time they are learning about the organization. Prepare for the interview like it's a paid opportunity because it is a fully funded fellowship opportunity. During the interview, it would be appropriate to inquire about the opportunity at the end of the SkillBridge internship. The SkillBridge program is not a free labor program. It is by design a train to hire program. If the company cannot answer the question, it is a red flag. Service members should apply to multiple SkillBridge opportunities.Because the SkillBridge program is a popular way to secure employment after the military, many service members have begun to view it as an opportunity to get out of the military 6 months early. Remember that your commanding officer can recall you if needed. Another unhealthy mindset is chasing the SkillBridge opportunity with the longest internship period. Go for the opportunity that is right for both you and the organization to support the level of training that you need in order to get the job that you want. The purpose of SkillBridge is to upskill or retrain service members, whether that takes 6 months or 2 months. Dave encourages service members to start thinking about their military transition as early as possible. Learn about the Air Force COOL program, tuition assistance, credentialing assistance, the GI Bill and the SkillBridge program. For any position that requires a Secret security clearance or less, most recruiters don't look any further than 90 days in advance. 90 days before a service member is eligible to start a SkillBridge opportunity would be an ideal time to start applying to organizations. For positions that require a Top Security clearance or above, start applications 4-6 months in advance.Start preparing for your transition early. Network with companies that offer SkillBridge opportunities. Make a plan that includes applying for multiple SkillBridge opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 Connect with Dave at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-schantz-skillbridge-champion/Explore SkillBridge at https://skillbridge.osd.mil/Join the DoD SkillBridge Community of Practice LinkedIn group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12257076/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline aAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

We are excited to welcome Dave Schantz to the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. After retiring from the US Navy in 2019, Dave built a SkillBridge opportunity at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). Once he learned how to navigate the SkillBridge approval process for GDIT, he took over the program to attract more transitioning service members to the organization. As the administrator for the DoD SkillBridge Community of Practice LinkedIn group for several years, he shares his knowledge of the program for service members, transition counselors and approved companies. Dave has been consulting with companies since 2021 and is now consulting full-time. As one of the premier experts on SkillBridge, he assists companies through the approval process and advises them on how to successfully build out their program. During Dave's last year in service, he reached out to the hiring manager at GDIT to inquire if they had a SkillBridge program in place. Not only did they not have the program in place, but they also had very little knowledge of the benefits of SkillBridge. Dave sold them on the program, and he was selected to start working for them as a training advisor through their new SkillBridge program. After spending 6 months in the role, Dave was hired. Dave volunteered to be the administrator of the DoD SkillBridge Community of Practice LinkedIn group. From 9/2019 to present, Dave has grown the group from 85 members to 37K. Many service members are following Dave's lead on creating SkillBridge opportunities. There are currently 4,400+ SkillBridge approved organizations.The DoD SkillBridge program allows service members to participate in unpaid internships or apprenticeships with an approved organization during the last 6 months of service time. The organization can specify the duration of work from 1 month to the full 6 months with the expectation that at the end of the agreed upon period, there will be an opportunity for a full-time position. The program is designed as a train to hire program. It is not meant to be a free labor program. If a service member wants to participate in a SkillBridge opportunity with an organization that is not DoD approved, the program allows every approved organization to act as a middleman. This scenario could happen for a variety of reasons such as the organization doesn't have time to get approved or the organization lacks the personnel to follow through on the intensive paperwork process.For service members who are interested in SkillBridge, having a translated resume and LinkedIn profile is very important. Because a company is not supposed to be offering SkillBridge opportunities unless there is a high likelihood of a job offer at the end, the hiring manager will most likely be reviewing a service member's resume and LinkedIn profile and conducting an interview. The DoD is making strides toward streamlining the approval process for organizations. With 200K service members transitioning each year and just 4,400+ approved organizations, there is still a lack of opportunity for some who want to participate in the program.Connect with Dave at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-schantz-skillbridge-champion/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome back Dr. Derek Moore. Derek was originally a guest in Season 1 for a Q&A episode. Since retiring in 2021 from the US Marine Corps, Derek's journey has had highs and lows, including a period of unemployment and underemployment. Today, Derek is the Director of the Joint Military Leadership Center at the University of South Florida. One of Derek's challenges during his military transition was relocating from North Carolina to Florida. Derek chose Florida for its climate but was unprepared for the lack of opportunities in his desired field. After experiencing unemployment for 8 months and unable to find leadership roles working with student veterans at area colleges and universities, Derek settled on a position in admissions and recruiting for a local private university. Within 3 months, Derek knew his job was not a good fit for him. It took him almost a year to find his current role. When Derek was unemployed and underemployed, he made an intentional effort to stay in touch with his connections on LinkedIn. He encourages others facing the same reality to remain calm and patient. Consider expanding your job search range to increase the number of job opportunities. In his director role, Derek oversees the ROTC program that includes Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force. He serves as the conduit between the university and the military branches, ensuring that students are successful with both their military and university commitments. Derek uses his military leadership skills and experience in his current role to serve students. Underemployment is one of the biggest issues that veterans face in their post military career. Whether a person is underutilized, undervalued or underpaid, underemployment can be discouraging and frustrating. Keep looking for opportunities that make you feel valued and useful. Sometimes the first job a veteran is offered after leaving the military is a dream job. Other times, that first job is nothing more than a paycheck. There is nothing wrong with accepting a job and continuing to look for a better fit. For Derek, he took his first job without having done the work of translating his military skills on his resume. After seeking professional help on his resume to help him translate his skills, he noticed more employers reaching out to him. If you choose to write your own resume, you must convey the value of what you did in the military to the employer. Derek credits LinkedIn for his large network. Once he got over the initial discomfort of reaching out to strangers to ask for informational interviews, Derek learned how to lean into his network to learn more about careers in higher education. In addition, he created content and commented on posts to share his knowledge and skills. Derek encourages service members to make their education plan while they are still serving. Take advantage of tuition assistance and credentialing assistance. Research the field you want to enter and learn what education you need to be competitive in the job search process. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 Connect with Derek at https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-moore-/DownloadAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lesson Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Todd Nelson. Although not a veteran himself, he has dedicated his career to helping service members navigate their finances as a financial advisor for Edward Jones. There are often unique financial challenges that accompany transitioning service members into their next career. Todd is the host of Transition 30, a network that uses quarterly Zoom calls to connect service members to resources and organizations that support the military transition process.Todd lays out 3 considerations every service member must make as they exit the military. 1) How much money do I need to replace? 2) How much money do I want and how much money do I need? 3) How am I going to get from what I need to what I want? Having mentors and talking to subject matter experts in taxation can become a valuable piece of establishing your financial foundation. The first consideration when thinking about SGLI to VGLI is knowing what your needs are when it comes to insurance. Speak to your spouse, significant other and family members before you start the VA disability process. During the VA process, everything is documented. If you start your insurance research after you have already started the VA process, there may be some exclusions to your policy because of the VA documentation. The second consideration is realizing that VGLI is there for a reason. Sometimes private life insurance companies won't cover you because of your service-related injuries. When it comes to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), it's important to realize that it's a personal decision that should be based off several factors. Research the SBP at militarypay.defense.gov prior to out-processing. During out-processing, you will be asked if you want to opt out of SBP because by default, you are opted into the plan. An alternative to SBP is life insurance. Another priority when transitioning from the military is knowing how your tax bracket will be influenced. Your pension and new job will affect your tax bracket. Start setting money aside for this reality. VA disability payments are tax free. It is a benefit that you have earned and can be viewed as a lifetime annuity. You are guaranteed that income with a cost-of-living adjustment each year. With just a 10% disability rating, you are eligible for a VA home loan. Service members who are separating and plan to file for disability compensation can file their claim before separation through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. The BDD program allows service members to apply for VA disability compensation benefits between 180 to 90 days prior to separation. If your disability rating is 30% or higher, you will have preference when it comes to jobs in the federal government. There are many considerations when it comes to accepting a job offer. Look at the total compensation package, not just the salary. Benefits might include a 401K or a 403b and stock options. You will want to consider starting a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA. Do your research and seek assistance and advice to help you navigate your financial situation.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Todd at https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-nelson-edward-jones/Transition 30 LinkedIn Group: AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, host Lori Norris shares the best ways to help candidates stand out from the crowd during the job search process. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but a candidate who can shift their focus from themself to the needs of an employer will rise above the applicant pool. Whether it's your resume, LinkedIn profile, a networking event, an interview or a job fair, you must have a strategy. A strategic marketing plan begins with knowing the customer. Find out what the customer wants – in the job search process, the customer is the employer. Learn to articulate what skills you have that will meet the employer's needs. Consider some of the most effective marketing slogans on social media and television. Nike's slogan is “Just Do It” – yet at no point do they ever tell you outright to buy their shoes and clothing. The company makes it all about you – the consumer. Try applying this approach to your marketing and make it all about the employer. Avoid writing objective statements in your resume that tell the employer you need a job or using your LinkedIn headline as an opportunity to state you are a transitioning service member looking for employment. Companies hire for one of two reasons: they have a need to fill or a problem to solve. Do your research and figure out what the organization's needs and problems are and then craft your marketing to be the solution to their problem. Put more focus on putting together tailored, quality applications instead of sending out a large quantity of generic applications. Convey your ROI to the company. To define an employer's needs and problems, first conduct a S.W.O.T. analysis. Learn their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and then target your marketing to the customer. Second, conduct research using a company's website, google, corporateinformation.com and glassdoor.com. Use social media to learn about a company's current events. Determine your unique skills and market the benefits that they will bring to the employer. Employers will believe what you can prove through stories, examples and statistics. To help get you thinking about how your skills can be the solution to an employer's problems, try this exercise – Make a list of at least 25 of your skills. Next to each skill, make a statement of its value. In the third column, write an example or story that highlights the skill. This exercise will help you craft quality bullets for your resume and effective talking points for an interview. Download your free skills worksheet at www.nextforvets.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Lori at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we bring you the first Q&A session of Season 4. Taylor Lau currently serves in the US Army and is scheduled to separate in October of 2024 with terminal leave beginning in July. She is currently pursuing Salesforce certifications but is also open to working for a defense contractor. What are the biggest pitfalls that plague transitioning service members as they make their move to the civilian workforce?One of the biggest issues plaguing veterans is believing that people are going to be clamoring to hire you simply because you are a veteran. The fact that you are a veteran is valuable and so are the military training and skills you bring an employer. It is your responsibility to translate your value – your skills – to your employer. They want to know how you can help them and add value to their team. You must translate your skills on your resume, while you are networking and building your LinkedIn profile. Your marketing should be all about where you are going, not where you have been.If a TSM only has enough time to focus on one thing, what would you say that one thing should be?Every transition is unique. With that said, having a focus is key to building a network. Tailoring your resume and creating an optimized LinkedIn profile are equally important. If you find yourself short on time, your first and most important step is to figure out what is next for you - not what is forever. Ask yourself what makes the most sense to target next so that you can leave the military and continue to provide for yourself and your family. Sit down and write a resume and fill out your LinkedIn profile that translates your military skills and showcases why you are qualified for that next role and start applying. Once you land that first job and have an offer in hand, keep networking. Continue to look and apply for jobs and explore any certifications that can set yourself up for the next step.What traits or strengths would you say the civilian world looks for that maybe the military tends to find less desirable?The value of soft skills is often overlooked in the military. There are skills that service members develop such as communication, empathy or getting a team to buy in that are valued in the civilian world. Veterans will often notice the value that civilian coworkers place on a work life balance. As Taylor approaches the end of her career in the military, she is reflecting on her various roles and asking herself what value and worth she can highlight to a future employer. It is the responsibility of the service member to articulate the importance of each military job.Taylor recently made a post where she compared the military transition to walking on a lightly frozen lake. With the reality of a new chapter ahead of her, Taylor realizes that she must confidently keep moving forward. She understands that the uniform she wore gave her extra confidence and that it is now up to her to make a decision on how she is going to portray herself without the uniform. One of the biggest realizations that veterans have after leaving the military is the idea that they have the freedom to change and to pivot. Unlike the military, you have the freedom to change jobs or move locations when you want. The military transition can feel isolating and lonely. While no one else can go through the process for you, there are plenty of rAAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we host Major General Gregg Martin. During his 36-year career, MG Martin commanded the Corps of Engineers Northwest Division and served as Commandant of the Army Engineer School, President of the National Defense University and Special Assistant to the Chief of Engineers. He is also the author of Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness. By 2014, MG Martin had been unknowingly living with bipolar disorder. After several anonymous reports of his behavior, General Dempsey ordered a series of assessments and ultimately relieved Martin of duty. When Martin reported to Walter Reed, he was diagnosed with bipolarism. In 2015, Martin medically retired with no continuity of care plan. Today, the military is not allowing that same scenario to happen for service members being medically retired with mental health issues. The military is making an intentional effort to normalize the conversation regarding mental health and providing education through workshops, training and forums. The military is looking for ways to accommodate and keep service members in the force. After retiring from the military, MG Martin fell into such deep depression that he was checked into an inpatient VA psych ward. After two weeks of intensive care provided by a multidisciplinary team, Martin spent the following four weeks living in a dorm inside of the hospital. Once he began taking a new prescription of Lithium, his symptoms subsided, and he began to regain control of his life. In addition to relocating to Florida, Martin reconnected with his family and maintains regular therapy sessions and daily medication. He prioritizes a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and sleep. MG Martin anchors his life using the five P's – Purpose, People, Place, Perseverance, Presence. For Martin, his new purpose is destigmatizing mental issues and promoting recovery. He surrounds himself with positive and energetic people and chose to relocate to sunny Florida for its health benefits. He perseveres through his challenges and has the presence of mind to get outside of his own thinking and think objectively about his thought patterns. As an advocate for mental health awareness, MG Martin has written over 20 articles that have appeared in publications including Psychology Today, Psychiatric Times, Boston Globe and Soldier Magazine. In addition, he has spoken to over a hundred audiences about mental health. His book, Bipolar General, includes medical research that is woven into his own personal journey with bipolarism.Gregg Martin urges anyone who feels like they may have a mental health condition to seek help immediately. Untreated mental illness can ruin a marriage, career and finances. It can lead to homelessness, addiction, incarceration and even death.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with MG Martin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-f-martin-222735aa/Explore Bipolar General at https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Army veteran Travis Pearce. Travis separated in 2009 with very little notice and without a defined plan. He stepped off an airplane with a cell phone, a duffle bag and his Army training. When Travis joined the Army, he started in EOD and was then reclassed as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. With his GI Bill benefit, he went to college to study engineering. His first job after the military was as a monorail mechanic at the Tampa airport. Today, he works as an engineer for that same company. In 2009, Travis had just returned from a Joint Special Operations in the Pacific when he learned his unit was already prepping for another deployment to Iraq. His commander gave him the option of redeploying or ETSing with an honorable discharge – meaning released from active duty. Because Travis chose to ETS, he did not have the runway to prepare for his transition. Stationed in Hawaii at the time, his belongings were put on a ship, sent to California and then transferred to a truck headed for Tampa Bay, Florida – his hometown.Travis relied on the skills he learned in the Army as a mechanic to help him find a job. Because there is no school for monorail maintenance or repair, Travis played up his ability to adapt to change, learn quickly and be flexible – all skills he learned in the Army. After Travis was offered the position at Alstom, the hiring manager disclosed that his background working on multiple pieces of equipment and managing the accountability of equipment valued in the millions helped him get the job. Alstom is actively seeking talent in a variety of fields.One of the biggest hurdles Travis faced after he separated from the military was defining his goals. Once he began his college studies and shifted his focus to engineering, he determined his focus and the steps he needed to take to accomplish his goals. Travis has been employed with Alstom for almost 14 years. The stability, teamwork environment and benefits play a key role in his loyalty to the company. Alstom gave him flexibility when he was going to school full-time and working full-time to support his growing family. As Travis reflects on his career with Alstom, he attributes his success and longevity to his management's flexibility and support and his willingness to be honest and candid about his goals. Building trusting relationships is key to taking advantage of internal opportunities. Now that Travis has been out of the Army for 14+ years, he encourages all service members to learn about and understand their benefits. Find resources and organizations that can help you navigate the process of applying for benefits. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Explore careers at Alstom at https://www.alstom.com/careers/join-alstomDownload the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

While serving as an active-duty US Navy officer, Jai Salters is also the founder and executive director of ACT Now Education and founder and CEO of his own consulting firm. He has a mission to get 1000 military service members and their spouses employed by the time he retires from the Navy in 2027. He has already helped hundreds of people successfully navigate their transition.When Jai hit the 10-year mark in the military, he made the decision to continue until retirement. Without a college degree or any certifications, he knew his options would be limited if he separated at 10 years. Determined to make the most of his next 10+ years, Jai began researching different education programs and opportunities. He was amazed at the plethora of information and shared his new knowledge with colleagues. ACT Now Education started as a brief that focused on the resources that Jai had discovered. From there, Jai went on to earn 17 certifications, an associate degree and a bachelor's degree. Today, ACT Now Education focuses on upskill and reskill resources. Most resources are free with a handful costing very little. ACT Now serves as an advocate for organizations offering free certifications and partners with organizations like Coursera and Project Management Institute (PMI). ACT Now has developed several cohort-style training programs that provide business suits, resume services, interview prep and access to Fortune 500 mentors. Every Saturday, Jai hosts a virtual meeting that is open to all service members and their families. He brings on guest speakers to help service members, veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. Attendees will leave with a 21-page resource guide and a transition checklist. Last year alone, Jai helped over 150 people get jobs. Many of these people utilized ACT Now Education or learned about different opportunities through Jai's LinkedIn posts. In 2021, ACT Now went online and has grown substantially in the past 3 years. As a nonprofit, the organization relies on the support of companies like Microsoft. Through his networking skills and the success of ACT Now, Jai regularly has employers and federal agencies reach out to him to help fill open positions. Jai's ultimate goal is to revise the TAP program. He envisions modernizing the class and streamlining initiatives like SkillBridge to maximize positive outcomes. He credits organizations like Veterati, The COMMIT foundation and American Corporate Partners (ACP) for providing additional resources beyond those found through TAP.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Jai at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-salters/Explore ACT Now Education at https://actnoweducation.org/Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4vSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

This episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast kicks off our 4th Season! We are excited to host Charlene Wilde who served as a US Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer for six years. As a veteran and military spouse, Charlene is now the Senior Vice President of Operations at American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). This podcast focuses on how she transitioned back into the civilian workforce after an 11-year break and the strategies she used to expand her opportunities at AAFMAA. We are grateful to AAFMAA for sponsoring this episode.  Charlene made the decision to separate from the military after she had her first child. With her husband recently deployed to Iraq and a short 6-week maternity leave over, Charlene persevered as a CBRN officer for awhile before realizing she wanted to prioritize her new role as a mother. Unfortunately, her command and unit were not supportive of military women who wanted to continue serving after becoming a mom. After Charlene separated, she found the support she needed through the military spouse community.  As a veteran and military spouse, Charlene spent a significant amount of time overseas with her husband. At the time, remote work was not as prevalent as it is today. Charlene had the desire to continue learning and serving, so she volunteered as much as she could through military organizations and spouse groups. Volunteering was an opportunity for Charlene to gain new skills - skills that helped her gain future employment. Charlene encourages mil spouses to take a strategic approach to volunteering in order to build a resume. Taking classes or pursuing certifications are also great ways to fill gaps on a resume. When Charlene began applying for roles after an 11-year break, she tailored her resume to focus on her organizational and leadership skills. She took advantage of Fort Belvoir's military spouse employment office and began networking. AAFMAA hired her as a team leader in 2015. Charlene admits that when she first reentered the workforce, she viewed her role as just a job. A year later, she shifted her mindset from job to career. With this mental shift, Charlene began to look for new opportunities to grow within the company.  AAFMAA has a long and solid history of serving the military community. It is the longest standing not for profit association to provide military families with affordable financial solutions, including life insurance, investment management, residential mortgages and Survivor Assistance Services. In addition, almost 40% of AAFMAA's workforce is either a veteran or a military spouse. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 Connect with Charlene at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-wilde/ Explore AAFMAA services at https://www.aafmaa.com/ Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

You MUST enroll in Survivor Benefit Plan THIS year if you are a military retiree and haven't already.  Retired Brigadier General Mike Meese, says this is a one-time allowance Congress has approved. Mike Meese is also President of AAFMAA (American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association) and explains what the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is and how military 401k programs work.  Children of deployed service members should contact AAFMAA.com to get information about their benefits. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features a conversation with BG (R) Michael Meese ‘81, President of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), a not-for-profit, member-owned financial services association that provides life insurance, military benefits counseling, Survivor Assistance Services, residential mortgages, financial planning, investment management and trust services to the American Armed Forces Community.Michael retired from the US Army as a Brigadier General after serving for 32 years. At AAFMAA, Michael oversees all aspects of the Association to ensure the financial security and independence of the American Armed Forces Community through insurance and other benefits. In his career, he served in a variety of strategic political-military positions including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia. Michael was also the Executive Director of the Secretary of the Army's Transition Team in 2005. He is a leader in military and Veterans issues, including chairing the 2016-17 Transition Team for the Department of Veterans Affairs.In this episode of On Point, Michael talks about his time as a student, teacher, and Department Head of Social Sciences at West Point. He explains the importance of empowering people, educating them, and then allowing them the ability to run with what they've learned. Michael also gives insight into being a part of the presidential transition team, and how AAFMAA is working to give needed support to veterans, survivors, and caregivers.--------“You get paid to work out, you get paid to study, they send you to school, you get paid to read and develop professionally. And all of those skills are not there just because the military likes to do it. It's because it makes it a better force. If you have a smart force that's reading, that's studying, that's working out and it's doing all those things, it makes you more effective and it makes the force overall more effective.” - BG (R)Michael Meese ‘81--------Episode Timestamps(02:00) First segment: AAR(04:00) The Service Academy Global Summit(05:50) Michael's West Point experience(07:45) Teaching at West Point(08:00) Cadet walking hours(09:45) Mentorship(13:15) Branching in Field Artillery(17:30) Michael's Army career(23:45) Segment: Sit Rep(26:45) Retiring from the military(28:00) Working at AAFMAA(34:00) Mentorship(38:30) Segment: SOP(40:45) Physical fitness and Routines(41:30) Segment: Giving Back--------LinksMichael's LinkedInWest Point Association of GraduatesOn Point Podcast

Taxes deductions are probably on your mind. You want as many as you can get but which ones can you take. And what deductions should military families know about? In this episode, I talk with military spouse, Sarah Bumgardner, the Member Benefits Coordinator with AAFMAA. We talk about tax deductions and ways military families can be prepared with their taxes. Sarah previously served AAFMAA as a Senior Veterans Affairs Coordinator, SpouseLink ambassador, and as a Relationship Manager for AAFMAA Wealth Management and Trust. Sho notes can be found here: https://laceylangford.com/podcast/tax-deductions-for-military-families

Mike serves as President of AAFMAA, overseeing all aspects of the Association to ensure the financial security and independence of the American Armed Forces Community through insurance and other benefits. AAFMAA is the longest standing non-profit serving the military and veterans. He joined AAFMAA in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and later became AAFMAA's Executive Vice President and Secretary. He is a leader in military and Veterans issues, including chairing the 2016-17 Transition Team for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mike retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General having concluded his 32-year career teaching economics and national security courses while serving as the Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the U.S. Military Academy. He has written numerous articles and two books: the Armed Forces Guide to Personal Financial Planning and American National Security. He served in a variety of strategic political-military positions including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia for a total of 31 months and was the Executive Director of the Secretary of the Army's Transition Team in 2005. He is a graduate of the National War College, U.S. Military Academy, and earned his Ph.D., MPA and M.A. from Princeton University. We chat about: Tactical & Strategic Leadership VUCA - See Ira Wolfe Episode Providing Feedback Gen. Meese's 5 Rules AAFMAA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/responsible-leadership/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/responsible-leadership/support

Overcoming the challenges of being one of the few females in the marines, Charlene Wilde attributes her sense of empowerment to the example her mother set.  Understanding the importance of structure from her own military upbringing, Charlene has successfully found balance between family and corporate life.   Charlene is a veteran of the army chemical corps, active duty army spouse and mother.  She currently works as senior  vice president at American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association, the nation's largest and longest standing military financial services non-profit organization, where she has the distinction of being the first female executive. What You Will Hear in This Episode:  Chalene's mother's example and influential sense of empowerment  as one of very few female marines. Growing up in a military bubble and elements of a structured lifestyle. Overcoming the challenges of a working mother. Finding balance and embracing your current situation. Working at AAFMAA. Understanding military spouse's struggles and helpful  resources. Owning the title of veteran vs. military spouse. Quotes: “A little bit of knowledge and a whole lot of confidence goes a long way.” “One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to really bloom wherever I'm planted and whatever I'm doing.” Mentioned: AAFMAA.com https://bonniemarcusleadership.com/superpower/ Gendered Ageism Survey Results Not Done Yet! Not Done Yet! Amazon Bonniemarcusleadership.com The Politics of Promotion Fb @Bonnie.Marcus LinkedIn: @Bonniemarcus Twitter: @selfpromote IG: @self_promote_

ABOUT THE EPISODE: A.E. Lyne Babin is a transplanted Canadian and a military spouse. She has served as a Manager of AAFMAA Member and Survivor Benefits since 2010.  In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 159, we cover a lot of ground, including: Lyne's journey as a military spouse  The connection between financial health and overall veteran wellness  How veterans can prepare for their financial future And much, much more! RESOURCES: Looking for some of the resources mentioned in episode 159? The list below should have everything you need. Partnership between Team RWB and AAFMAA

Jerry Quinn has been serving his country for 34 years as an active duty and reserve member of the Army. His son is currently serving in the Marine Corps following in Jerry's footsteps of service. Jerry's service is continued in his civilian role as the Chief Operating Officer of AAFMAA (American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association) which is the country's longest standing non-profit financial services provider to our service members and their families. In this episode Jerry shares with us his experience of transition and gives us insight into how AAFMAA stands ready to assist military families in all of their financial needs. Enjoy!

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss their best tips for enjoying summer vacation with your military family. Listen in to hear about their summer bucket lists, military-exclusive money-saving deals, and their travel splurges.

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss their best time- and money-saving tips for PCSing. Listen in to hear how they managed cross-country and international moves during COVID-19, as well as how one Ambassador turned her cross-country PCS into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Nick is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bare Performance Nutrition, a dietary supplement company. Nick served 4 years in the U.S. Army and after transitioning out of the military, Nick insisted on building the same values he learned in the Army through his business and team. The company's mission is driven behind the pillars of Transparency, Service and Integrity with the motto of, "Go One More". In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 158, we cover a lot of ground, including: Nick's military experience and how it shaped his company's values His philosophy on exercise and fitness  The Go One More mindset And much, much more! RESOURCES: Looking for some of the resources mentioned in episode 158? The list below should have everything you need. BPN - Bare Performance Nutrition Nick's book Eagle Expedition   Ad: Partnership between Team RWB and AAFMAA

American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. Wait, that's a mouthful! What does AAFMAA do for our military community? Find out in this episode as LTC Olivia Nunn speaks with Jeremy Karr, Army Veteran, and the Membership Coordinator at AAFMA. Listen about the importance of having insurance before, during, and after your time in service, and what options are available outside of the standard SGLI afforded our service members. If you ever wanted to know the basics of Insurance 101, this is the episode you can't miss! 

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss the many roles they fill as Military Spouses. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in to hear how they juggle their careers, home, and family all while managing PCS moves and deployments. We're sure you can relate!

Retired Army leader Justin Pearson has been a mentor and advocate in the military transition space since 2016. Justin has built an amazing post-military career for himself holding senior leadership roles with companies such as AAFMAA and Wells Fargo. In this episode he discusses how he navigated the transition landscape before there were so many resources available, how he found his way to networking and mentorship and what he learned from his stumbles and struggles along the way.  

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors talk about Spring Break, whether they opt for a staycation or like to travel the globe. They share travel hacks, amazing memories of traveling with their military families, and discuss what they have experienced while traveling during COVID-19. We hope your bags are packed because this conversation is sure to inspire an adventure!

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss how they keep the romance alive whether their servicemember spouse is at home or overseas. From love notes to gag gifts to gift cards, you'll hear how these MilSpouses have learned to express their love. You might even come away with some Valentine's Day ideas of your own.

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss how they celebrate the holidays as a military family, addressing the challenges of spending the holidays away from loved ones. Listen in to hear how they build and maintain traditions no matter where they are.

Are you interested in starting your own business? Then this episode is for you! Today we’re speaking with Army Veteran, Jerry Quinn, CFO of American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). Jerry speaks about his time in the Army, leaving Active Duty to go to college and his transition to the Army Reserves. Jerry speaks about exactly how he transitioned to the Banking Industry and the lessons he learned along the way. Jerry gives us amazing tips on developing a business plan and for what he looks for when approving business loans. Jerry also speaks on how AAFMAA is helping Veteran entrepreneurs make their own dreams come true while also protecting them.  Are you a Veteran who is transitioning to Entrepreneurship? Then check out this FREE download for the Top 29 Entrepreneurship Programs for Veterans & their families! Download Here ---> https://bit.ly/31xfz8S   About Our Guest  LTC Jerry Quinn (USAR) serves as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary at AAFMAA. Jerry brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry where he specialized in strategic programs and business development, and has over 34 years in the US Army, including continued service in the US Army Reserve. He has served in various command and staff assignments, including deployments in support of OIF, Desert Storm and Panama, and homeland defense missions in the United States. He currently serves as the Commander of the 316th Quartermaster Battalion in Oklahoma. Jerry holds a B.S. in Finance from Colorado State University and an M.B.A with an emphasis in Organizational Design from the University of Colorado.   Join the conversation on our Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.     About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union There are lots of ways businesses like to show their appreciation to veterans on Veteran’s Day.   It’s a great day to get free food or see a movie for free, but at Navy Federal Credit Union, every day is Veteran’s Day.   Navy Federal likes to show their appreciation by saying thank you in a meaningful way.   They’re inspired by their members’ service.   They make it their mission to understand the unique needs of veterans and to offer the resources, products, and services that will help their members every step of the way.   They offer low APR credit cards, market-leading savings rates, and 24/7 customer service and support.  They have partnerships with veteran’s employment assistance programs and resources like ”Best Careers After Service” and “Best Cities After Service.”  If you’re a veteran who would like to join a credit union that puts you and your needs first, visit navyfederal.org/veterans or check out #GratitudeMission.  Insured by NCUA. Value claim based on Navy Federal's 2019 Member Giveback Study. FIVERR The way we work together seemingly changed overnight If there’s one thing we’ve learned for adapting business, having access to the right resources is essential.  And it’s crucial to maintain a strong digital presence. 2020 has been the year of uncertainty, so how can your business plan for the unexpected and operate virtually? Finding the right talent can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. It’s difficult to keep up with current best practices for maximizing your digital presence. Fiverr’s online marketplace connects businesses with freelancers offering hundreds of digital services.  Including graphic design, copywriting, web programming, film editing, and more.  Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review! 

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss how they settle into new duty stations and create a home-- even if they'll only be there for a couple years. They discuss what "home" means to them, budget-friendly decorating tips, and how they chose between buying and renting.

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss the hot topic of race and their experience with race in the military community.

This episode was made possible by my Patreon supporters! Sign up in the month of August to get a free copy of Brave Women Strong Faith!Charlene joined American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) in 2015 as supervisor of the Survivor Assistance team. In her role as Assistant Secretary, she works closely with the Chief Operating Officer in managing AAFMAA’s life insurance business with a focus on contracting, support services, and information technology. Charlene is a Veteran of the United States Army Chemical Corps serving six years including a company command position. She is also a current active duty military spouse and has the distinction of being AAFMAA’s first female officer.Charlene grew up in a military family and struggled with what to do in college. That is where she learned about the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). She had heard of ROTC before college, but thought you needed to be a nurse or a man to serve, and since she didn’t fit either of those categories didn’t think about the option of joining the military. When she found out about the options available through ROTC she joined and found the structure and organization she was looking for. She served in the Chemical Corps, starting at Fort Hood in Texas, then she went to Captain’s career course. While she was there September 11th happened. She was slated to go to Korea and initially tried to change course so she could be ready to respond. But ended up going to Korea per the needs of the Army and met her husband while being stationed there. They got married in Korea so they could get stationed together and she became an instructor at Aberdeen Proving Ground. It was there she decided to leave the military behind and become a stay at home mom.She stayed at home for 10 years, partly because she was overseas and there were not a lot of options. And when she came back stateside, she decided to dive back into the workforce. She used resources available on the Army post and the USO. She was able to get a job at AAFMAA which fulfilled her calling to serve others and make an impact. Mentioned in this episode:Facebook: Career Military Spouses GroupFacebook: Milspouse Entrepreneur GroupUSO PathfindersAAFMAARelated Episodes:Weapons System Officer in the Air Force – Episode 71Serving as an Officer in the Marine Corps – Episode 51From the Halls of WestPoint to Iraq – Episode 38Affiliate Support:Are you trying to decide what you are going to do as a parent for the upcoming school year? I'm diving into homeschooling, but I'm getting support. Check out the Clever Kid Curriculum here.Are you starting a business or needing help in the next step of your business check out the Ministry to Business Guide here.Do you feel like a bad mom because you are losing your temper? Listen to Lisa Jo Baker talk about three reasons why having a bad day doesn’t make you a bad mom and then find tools on how to prevent those bad days from happening. Check out the Temper Tool Kit here.Are you a writer? But are looking for help on how to become a better writer? Check out Write Like A Pro! A step-by-step course created just for aspiring authors, bloggers, creative copywriters and influencers like YOU! Get started here.We recently started investing in the stock market, get two free stocks when you create your Webull Account today! Click here.

AAFMAA's SpouseLink Ambassadors discuss how to maintain your unique identity while living the hectic life of a Military Spouse.

On this episode, we hear from Federal News Network reporter Nicole Ogrysko, who’s been following the pay raise in Congress. We’ll also be looking at upcoming changes in the Thrift Savings Plan designed to make it easier for participants to withdraw money. Military families and veterans get some advice on financial planning from Mike Meese, executive vice president and secretary of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. AAFMAA celebrates 140 years providing survivor benefits.

Tune in to this fun episode with special guest Charlene Wilde. Charlene Wilde is an Army veteran and military spouse. She is currently the Assistant Secretary of AAFMAA, our nation's longest standing military financial services non-profit and a contributor to SpouseLink, a site that informs and connects Military Spouses. In this episode, you will hear Charlene talk about SpouseLink and I have attached the link for that site for any spouse who wants to check it out, which I definitely recommend! https://spouselink.aafmaa.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofamilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofamilspouse/support

Tune in to this fun episode with special guest Charlene Wilde. Charlene Wilde is an Army veteran and military spouse. She is currently the Assistant Secretary of AAFMAA, our nation’s longest standing military financial services non-profit and a contributor to SpouseLink, a site that informs and connects Military Spouses. In this episode, you will hear Charlene talk about SpouseLink and I have attached the link for that site for any spouse who wants to check it out, which I definitely recommend! https://spouselink.aafmaa.com.

For military veterans, the option of blended retirement sparks a lot of questions, or at least it should. Service members know they'll get an annuity, but they've also got to make regular contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan. For the latest in this still-evolving system, retired Army Brig. Gen. Michael Meese, executive vice president of insurance provider AAFMAA, joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin.

Budgeting is hard enough, but relocating your place of residence every few years can make this age-old task even more difficult. Charlene Wilde is a veteran and military spouse who has experienced permanent change of station both here and abroad. She has managed relocations both alone and with her family, including seven moves in the past 15 years with her husband and two sons. Charlene works for AAFMAA. Charlene discusses budgeting tips, insights on military home buying and mortgages, and resources available to help military spouses find employment in a new city. To learn more about Charlene, visit: https://spouselink.aafmaa.com/blog/good-reason-to-be-aafmaa-member/ To learn more about Houston Money Week visit: www.Houstonmoneyweek.org   http://www.cheatsheet.com/personal-finance/how-schools-can-improve-their-personal-finance-education.html/ Financial Advisor Magazine Articles: http://www.fa-mag.com/news/advisors-stay-the-course-amid-monday-s-market-drop-22864.html?section=3  http://www.fa-mag.com/news/on-it-s-80th-anniversaryadvisors-consider-social-security-s-impactfuture-22784.html?section=3 You can listen live by going to www.kpft.org and clicking on the HD3 tab. You can also listen to this episode and others by podcast at: http://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/moneymatters or www.moneymatterspodcast.com #KPFTHOUSTON #HoustonMoneyWK #AAFMAA

info@podcastone.com1777613Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:01:00 PSTMike Causey00:43:17AAFMAA,American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association,Benefits,Blended Retirement,Blended Retirement System,Defense,Defense News,Michael Meese,Mike Causey,Pay,Retirement,Your Money,Your Turnhttps://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/E2G895/aw.noxsolutions.com/launchp

For years the Military Retirement has stayed the same with no changes. In 2018, we will see a massive change to retirement benefits for service members in the armed forces.  On today's show we talked with retired brigadier general and current COO of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), Michael Meese. Mike discussed important finance tips for military members, spouses and their families. We discussed budgeting, insurance, retirement benefits, mortgages, deployments and relocations. Additionally, we had a deep dive into the upcoming major changes to the military retirement system including why its changing and what service members need to know to prepare themselves.  Mike joined AAFMAA as Chief Operating Officer in 2013. He retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General having concluded his 32 year career as the Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the U.S. Military Academy.  At West Point, he taught economics and national security courses and was the Director of the Economics program. He has written numerous articles and two books: the Armed Forces Guide to Personal Financial Planning and American National Security. He has served in a variety of strategic political-military positions including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia for a total of 31 months and was the Executive Director of the Secretary of the Army's Transition Team in 2005 and the co-director of the Department of Defense Panel on Commercialization. He is a graduate of the National War College, U.S. Military Academy, and earned his Ph.D., MPA and an M.A. from Princeton University.  To learn more about Michael visit: www.AAFMAA.com Here is a short piece on the upcoming changes for the military retirement system I did for American Business Television: http://www.americanbusinesstv.com/2017/07/03/christopher-hensley-on-the-national-defense-authorization-act/  To learn more about Houston Money Week visit: www.Houstonmoneyweek.org   http://www.cheatsheet.com/personal-finance/how-schools-can-improve-their-personal-finance-education.html/ Financial Advisor Magazine Articles: http://www.fa-mag.com/news/advisors-stay-the-course-amid-monday-s-market-drop-22864.html?section=3  http://www.fa-mag.com/news/on-it-s-80th-anniversaryadvisors-consider-social-security-s-impactfuture-22784.html?section=3 You can listen live by going to www.kpft.org and clicking on the HD3 tab. You can also listen to this episode and others by podcast at: http://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/moneymatters or www.moneymatterspodcast.com #KPFTHOUSTON #HoustonMoneyWK #AAFMAA

I don't know about you all, but it's not always easy to do financial planning. It can be confusing, and overwhelming at times. What is you get yourself into debt, and you don't know how to get yourself out of debt?  On Today's episode of Spouse Spouts we will have Michael Meese, the COO of AAFMAA on and we'll talk financial planning.  The important and growing role of the spouse in military family finance Additionally source of income, if the spouse is employed Valuable contributions to the household, which are harder to quantify (childcare, chores, shopping, etc.) The spouse as a key decision-maker when it comes to finances Understanding financial windfalls that may come with military life and how to make the most of them Separation pay Hazardous duty pay Budgeting advice to help families avoid debt Saving and investing strategies to help build up a “rainy day” or emergency fund Understanding your options for protecting your family with insurance SGLI  Supplements and additional offerings from non-profit organizations   Join Susan and Dave every Wednesday for Spouse Spouts at 0930 EST! 

TNAV is dedicated to those who said “here am I - send me”. We honor our veterans, celebrate those who have succeeded in their civilian careers and identify areas and resources that help veterans leverage their military experience into successful, rewarding lives after the military.  TNAV is produced by GallantFew, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit that helps veterans transition from active duty.  Our purpose is to prevent veteran unemployment, homelessness and suicide. Today's guest is Steve Mannell, the CFO of AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust.  Steve retired in 2009 as Chief of Plans and Ops at the US Army Special Forces Command.  In 2012 he helped launch AWM&T as a subsidiary of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association which has been ensuring the financial security and independence of members of the military community since 1879.