with Kimberly Hessler, a dedicated Training Manager with over 30 years

of experience supporting the military and veteran community. Kimberly is

a military spouse, career coach, and founder of the First Family

Support Center in Colorado Springs, where she facilitated the Transition

Assistance Program (TAP) for 20 years. Her mission is to help veterans

and military spouses overcome barriers to career success, navigate

transitions, and build strong professional networks.
🔥 Key Topics Covered in the Episode:
✅ Challenges Facing Military Spouses:
Kimberly

addresses the struggles military spouses face, including 30%

unemployment rates post-pandemic. She offers advice on overcoming these

challenges through certifications, networking, and involvement in

professional organizations.
✅ The Importance of Networking:
Learn

about the success of First Fridays, a cybersecurity-focused networking

event in Colorado Springs, and the Veterans Beer Club, which connects

veterans and spouses to career opportunities in an informal setting.

Kimberly highlights how these initiatives foster a sense of community

and support.
✅ Certifications vs. Degrees:
Kimberly breaks down

the difference between certifications and degrees. Certifications, like

Security+ (Sec+), are key for landing jobs, while degrees impact

long-term earning potential. She also emphasizes the Army COOL program,

which offers free certification opportunities to active-duty military

members.
✅ Professional Associations and Mentorship:
Kimberly

explains the benefits of joining organizations like ISSA (Information

Systems Security Association), including access to free resources like

test prep, mentoring programs, and symposiums. She encourages military

members and spouses to stay active in these communities for career

growth.
✅ Soft Skills and Salesmanship:
Discover how Kimberly

teaches veterans and transitioning service members to build confidence,

communicate effectively, and showcase their skills in interviews and

networking events. She provides practical tips for introverts and

extroverts alike.
✅ Building Supportive Communities:
Kimberly

highlights the incredible support network available in Colorado Springs

for veterans and military families, emphasizing the importance of

community involvement and starting similar initiatives in other regions.
✅ Veterans Beer Club:
Learn

how this unique group connects veterans and military spouses with

employers and career mentors over informal gatherings, promoting

camaraderie and job opportunities.
📌 Action Items for Viewers:
- Explore virtual networking events for cybersecurity professionals to broaden accessibility.
- Investigate starting a Veterans Beer Club chapter in your community.
- Encourage active-duty military members to leverage free certification programs like COOL to prepare for post-service careers.
- Support initiatives like Hire Military and American Corporate Partners (ACP) to empower veterans and military spouses.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you attended a Veterans Beer Club or

First Fridays event? What certifications or resources helped you during

your transition? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments

below!
📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe:
Stay connected with VET

S.O.S. for more episodes packed with actionable advice, success stories,

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