1. Letter to Palm Beach Post: CongressmenPatrickMurphy
As a combatveteran with 3 deploymentsand 10 years’service to my country,Ithought Iwould haveno
issuestransitioning to a civilian job.Ithoughtwith my experience,sacrifice and contribution to boththe
Army and Navy,Iwould be selected abovemy peerswhen applying forpositions.To my surprise,finding
employmentdid notproveto be easy.
While attending a job fairfor veteransin Martin County,ImetCongressman PatrickMurphy and
expressed my concernswiththe transition to thecivilian job force. We stayed in touch and with his
encouragementand support;Icompleted my degreeand eventually found employment.
Aftera few interviews,I wasoffered a position atFlorida Power& Light. The company tooka chanceon
me as themilitary did notprovidea lot of direct experience.Despite the setback, Iquickly felt athome
through thecompany-sponsored employeenetworking group VetNext,which helpsprovidesupportand
career guidanceto thosewho served our country in uniform. Withoutdirect experiencein utility work,I
relied on determination and leadership skills I acquired through themilitary,to give 110% every day.
The adjustmentto civilian life hasbeen oneof the most challenging and discouraging timesof my life. In
these times it is easy to lose faith.In my first letter to the Congressmen Iwrote“My service might give
you a reason to help; I hopemy spirit and individuality can give you a seed of belief.Wanting to help
someonecan clear a pathforsuccess,believing in themcan give themthe momentumto achieveit.” I
can’tthank Congressmen PatrickMurphyand FPLenough,forbelieving in me and I expressmy gratitude
to all the peoplewho continueto support veterans;who proudly served thisgreatnation.