Service Before Self Podcast

Welcome to the first episode of the second season of Service Before Self. Colonel Sam Whitehurst is accompanied by Blake Hogan, CEO of Bunker Labs, to today’s episode. They are talking about the first of the three pillars of work at Dixon Center. These pillars are Work with Purpose, Honor, and Live with Hope.

Blake is diving deep into the meaning of working with purpose. He is talking about some of the opportunities available to transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans who want to become business owners. He is also addressing some of the challenges such as navigating the process to get some of the capital required to start doing a business, not only financially but also referring to the human capital including the needed connections to start the journey as a successful entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways:

[1:32] Colonel Sam Whitehurst introduces himself and his role at the Dixon Center.

[3:13] The three pillars of work at Dixon Center: Work with Purpose, Honor, and Live with Hope.

[4:17] Colonel Sam talks about the eight dimensions of wellness.

[7:55] Blake shares what Bunker Labs is doing to support veterans entrepreneurs.

[8:58] Blake talks about the importance of networks for veteran entrepreneurs.

[10:06] Blake shares his background and how he became part of Bunker Labs.

[13:09] Bunker Labs has a partnership with We Work.

[15:30] JP Morgan also collaborates with Bunker Labs.

[15:55] Blake talks about the Ambassador Programm.

[17:18] How can you get involved?

[18:48] Sam emphasizes the importance of camaraderie.

[20:31] Why becoming an entrepreneur is so attractive to veterans. 

[23:11] Blake shares the story of a couple of successful veteran families who became entrepreneurs.

[28:33] There are a number of veterans that rely on personal savings for the initial start of their business; Bunker Labs assists veterans on the initial start-up too by connecting people with the right financial institutions.

[33:05] Blake shares his call to action: Become part of the Bunker Labs community.

[35:07] Sam shares his call to action: Reach out and connect with Bunker Labs!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Learn about the Veterans and their families who started their businesses along with Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs

Check out the products of two successful entrepreneurs:

•  Brandon Hunter funded Freelance Corporal a fintech product to teach financial literacy.
• The magical order of the Brave Knights, Colleen Marchi

Tweetables and quotes:

“The three pillars of work at Dixon Center are Work with Purpose, Honor, and Live with Hope.”

“The number one determinant of success for entrepreneurs is around networks.”

“Your financials lead to opportunities or challenges in life.”

“People become entrepreneurs because they want to do something that matters and serves a broader mission.”

Welcome to another episode of Service Before Self Podcast. In today’s episode, the focus is on an issue that does not receive the visibility and attention it deserves: the challenges that disabled veterans face in finding meaningful employment.

When thinking about disabled veterans it is common to refer to those who were wounded in combat, but that is only part of the picture, there are 4.7 million veterans and 20% of them have some type of service-connected disability and its level varies across this population. There are many challenges that disabled veterans are facing but most of them are related to difficulties trying to find employment. Additionally, employers and community-based organizations struggle with understanding the resources and policies that are in place to support them in hiring disabled Americans, including disabled veterans. 

Today, Sam Whitehurst, your host, talks with Louis Orslene, Supervisory Policy Advisor in the Office of Disability and Employment Policy from the Department of Labor, an agency within DOL that is focused on helping employers and organizations support not only disabled veterans, but disabled Americans writ large. Louis is sharing some of the policies, programs, and practices that are creating opportunities for those that are disabled and how organizations and communities can more effectively integrate those with disabilities, including disabled veterans, into the workforce.

Key Takeaways:

[7:19] Louis talks about the Office of Disability Employment Policy.

[11:40] Louis talks about the veterans who use the job accommodation network.

[12:05] Employers have to be prepared for the inclusion of veterans.

[14:10] Louis talks about the challenges veterans face in reaching their full potential in and out of the workplace.

[17:30] Louis talks about the employment barriers for people with disabilities and the three major reasons.

[21:42] Louis talks about the main mental challenges and impairments caused by COVID-19.

[22:34] Louis presents the Mental Health Tool Kit the Office of Disability Employment Policy has implemented.

[24:30] Louis explains how many people with disabilities and mental health conditions have been benefited during the pandemic.

[25:40] What are some of the ways that ODEP could help local leaders address the challenges that disabled employees might have in the workforce?

[30:18] Louis shares tips for people looking to help someone with a disability who is looking for employment or an employer who is looking for that talent.

[33:44] Sam talks about the Clear2Connect Coalition

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

Tweetables and quotes:

“The path of isolation among veterans usually begins with poor employment opportunities.”

“Veterans tend not to relate very well to the word disability since there is a stigma that relates it to a weakness.”

“Many people with disabilities and mental health conditions have really benefited during the pandemic.”

Welcome to another episode of Service Before Self. Today, Mickey Markoff joins the podcast. He is the Executive Producer of the National Salute to America’s Heroes. The mission of the National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by HYUNDAI is to bring back the true meaning and spirit of Memorial Day weekend and pay tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom. It showcases the capability of all military members and also features some of the equipment and technology that makes the American military so remarkable.

What makes this event so special is that it brings service members, veterans, their families, and the families of those who have fallen in service together with Americans who might not have an affiliation or a true understanding of what it means to serve or to be a veteran. The goal of this event is to close the civil-military divide and to create understanding and connection for those who have served and those who haven’t.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] Colonel Sam shares the meaning of Memorial Day for him and accompanies it with a personal story.

[6:09] Mickey shares his excitement in sharing the true meaning of Memorial Day.

[6:46] Mickey shares the meaning and mission of the National Salute to America’s Heroes.

[9:18] Mickey emphasizes the importance of humanizing Memorial Day.

[10:38] Mickey shares the history of the National Salute to America’s Heroes.

[13:30] Mickey talks about the great team that makes the National Salute to America’s Heroes possible and awesome.

[15:10] What is Mickey’s long-term vision?

[15:58] What is the Salute 365 Initiative about?

[20:30] Mickey talks about the current isolation and the lack of humanization of military servers.

[22:04] How can people participate in the event?

[23:35] Watch Gold Star Tribute, a one-hour television show produced by Peter Berg.

[28:02] Colonel Sam shares the highlights of the conversation with Mickey, encourages the audience to connect with a veteran on Memorial Day and to listen to his/her story.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

National Salute to America’s Heroes

Salute 365 Initiative

Tweetables and quotes:

“Seek out veterans and encourage them to share their story, connect with the families of the fallen, and ask them to share their story, and through active listening, you will discover the true meaning of Memorial Day.”

“Freedom isn’t free, there are a lot of people sacrificing their lives for freedom to exist.”

“Memorial Day is a celebration of how military servers lived and served.”

This episode spotlights the work of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. An organization that connects organizations and communities with existing programs and services that transform the lives of veterans and their families. We discuss Dixon Center’s approach to supporting veterans and their families in the communities where we live through our network of private and public, civic, and community-based partners. We also share how the pandemic has accelerated the evolution of veterans’ needs, not diminished them. 

This episode is also a moment of reflection; after almost a year, it is now a great time to look back and see what we learned and also to share the goals for the future of Service Before Self Podcast.

Colonel Sam Whitehurst, your host, is accompanied by Colonel Duncan S. Milne, President of Dixon Center, in today’s special episode, where he is sharing his experience and background in the Marine Corps and how he came to serve veterans and their families at Dixon Center.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Sam shares the lessons learned from eight months of the Service Before Self Podcast.

[6:59] Sam talks about the role that Dixon Center plays in supporting veterans and their families.

[8:35] Colonel Duncan shares about his background in the Marine Corps and how he started to serve veterans and their families at Dixon Center.

[13:26] Colonel Duncan talks about the mission of Dixon Center.

[18:50] Veterans living in different states face different challenges.

[19:43] Colonel Duncan talks about reinforcing existing programs to address the evolving needs of veterans and their families.

[21:28] Colonel Duncan shares how Dixon Center has leveraged the ability to attend to the needs of veterans during the pandemic.

[24:30] Colonel Duncan addresses the crushing isolation that veterans and serving members are facing every day.

[25:20] What does the future hold for Dixon Center?

[29:20] If you see a veteran out there, have a conversation with him or her.

[30:20] Colonel Sam talks about the work of FEDCAP.

[31:27] Colonel Sam shares about the meaning of Dixon Center’s name.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

Learn more about Colonel Duncan S. Milne

FEDCAP

Tweetables and quotes:

“Dixon Center’s noble purpose is to make sure that people who have served this country can transition back into civilian society and consistently succeed in the communities where they choose to live.”

“The pandemic gave Dixon Center an opportunity to step back to what was being done proudly and focus on not just the challenges but the opportunities that were presented.”

“There is a crushing isolation that our veterans and service members face every day.”

In today’s episode, Colonel Sam Whitehurst welcomes someone who has been a national leader on addressing the challenges that face service members, military spouses, veterans and their families when they transition from active-duty back into their civilian communities.. Today’s guest is Jim Beamesderfer, Vice President, Veterans Initiatives at  Prudential.

In this episode, Jim discusses initiatives Prudential has undertaken to address veteran unemployment and underemployment, creating opportunities for military spouses, and enhancing the financial wellness of veterans and their families.. Jim will share the service model he and his team have developed that combines the reach, resources, and values of a company like Prudential and the ideas, influence, and actions of national nonprofits like Dixon Center with service providers at the community level to ensure that veterans and their families succeed in the communities where they live. And lastly, Jim provides his view and insights on what the future holds for veterans as we look toward the end of the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

[2:18] What are some of the obstacles that military spouses face when they are trying to have their own career?

[4:41] Jim shares about his background, experiences, his own transition, and how he became involved in veteran’s causes.

[9:34] Jim talks about the evolution of the program at Prudential.

[13:30] Jim asks himself: “What can we do to get military talent credentialed?”

[14:05] Jim talks about the matter of military spouses while their husbands are on active duty.

[19:03] Prudential went a step farther to help military families.

[20:36] Jim talks about the initiative called Prudential Pathways.

[25:15] The importance of culture in transitioning service members.

[26:45] Jim talks about Prudential’s several partners.

[27:45] Prudential works to improve the local communities in which their offices are established.

[30:35] The value of awareness.

[32:40] Jim talks about the challenges and opportunities he foresees for veterans and their families in the near future.

[36:25] Jim talks about the military demographics and how the existing programs are reflecting those demographics.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

Prudential

Tweetables and quotes:

“Companies and employers often have trouble finding veterans to employ.”

“Military spouses are the most loyal employees.”

“Most military spouses want an opportunity for a career.”

“Budgeting, debt managing, and understanding financing are key for every American.”

“The needs of veterans and their families are constantly evolving but the assistance in navigating their financial future is always present.”

Colonel Sam Whitehurst welcomes you to another episode of Service Before Self. Today’s guest is David Hamilton, founder and CEO of America’s Future Series, a national speaker series that brings together business and military leaders to discuss issues involving national security.

America’s Future Series is also, directly and indirectly, impacting the lives of veterans and their families, by raising money to support charities that go to veterans and their families, as well as creating conversations and connections between people from different sides of the civil-military divide while delivering opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

While the military, as an institution, is held in very high regard by the public, many people perceive that military service is either mentally or physically damaging to those who serve. Based on his long experience with employers and veterans, David Hamilton tackles this issue head-on and highlights the resiliency inherent to veterans; he exposes common misperceptions about veteran employees, and how veterans can create an organizational culture that enhances a company’s bottom line.

In today’s episode, David also discusses how he is creating a space for veteran entrepreneurs to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that is represented in so many American veterans.

Key Takeaways:

[4:37] David shares how he started his work in America’s Future Series.

[11:05] Making existing programs more impactful.

[11:35] How is America’s Future Series attacking the civil-military divide?

[13:16] David talks about certain stereotypes in regards to veterans.

[16:38] A good job is one that is meaningful for the employee.

[17:30] David shares the story of a friend.

[19:01] David shares how work needs to be done in both the veterans and the civilian mindsets.

[19:57] Sam talks about the work that Dixon Center does for organizations to create a culture that will attract veterans.

[20:54] America’s Future Series as a connecting device.

[23:27] Sam shares some statistics about veteran entrepreneurs in contrast to civilians.

[24:36] What is the root cause why veterans are not doing as much in terms of entrepreneurism as their civilian peers or past generations?

[28:33] David highlights other events that America’s Future Series will bring.

[33:08] Sam talks about the role of Dixon Center in supporting veteran entrepreneurs in starting their own business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

Contact David Hamilton personally through America’s Future Series

Tweetables and quotes:

“You don’t necessarily have to serve to have a passion for supporting those who have served.”

“Best companies develop leaders that develop others.”

“A good job is one that is meaningful for the employee.”

“There is a lot that the civilian world can do to understand the mindset of the military servers.”

“Twenty-five percent of World War II veterans came back to America and started a business.”

Sam Whitehurst welcomes Mr. John Lowry to today’s episode. Mr. Lowry is the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran Employment and Training. He is a Marine Corps veteran and has served more than 15 years on active duty and an additional 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He has worked extensively and successfully in the private sector. 

Mr. Lowry brings a very unique perspective to the conversation about military service transitioning into the civilian workforce after being on both sides of this relevant matter.

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] Sam shares the purpose and mission of the Dixon Center.

[3:45] Mr. John Lowry shares how his years of active service in the military has shaped the work he does today supporting veterans and their families.

[6:50] Mr. Lowry talks about the biggest challenges that veterans face to enter the workforce.

[10:10] The earlier a serving member starts thinking about transition the better.

[10:57] Why should employers hire veterans?

[13:31] Veterans do better in the civilian workforce.

[16:00] Veterans are not physically or mentally broken, that is not the dominant story.

[17:46] What role DOL plays in helping connect employers to veterans.

[20:45] How DOL helps veterans match their skill careers.

[25:33] Mr. Lowry talks about the problem of underemployment.

[29:22] Mr. Lowry shares statistics and information about training programs.

[33:10] How has the pandemic affected the work at DOL?

[35:07] Employers want to hold on to their veterans, especially through challenging times.

[36:46] Mr. Lowry talks about the most recent projects DOL has launched.

[44:22] Sam emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship and credentialing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

DOL VETS

Regional Veterans Employment Coordination

Comprehensive Employers Guide to Hire Veterans

Transition Assistance Program

Credentialing Opportunities Online

Apprenticeship.gov

DoD Skill Bridge Program

Transition Employment System for Military Spouses

Hire Vets Medallion Program

Tweetables and quotes:

“Every year 200,000 service members transition into the civilian workforce.”

“A poor transition causes long-lasting effects.”

“DOL VETS’ vision is for all veterans to reach their full potential in their workplace.”

“American veterans are one of the most capable and resilient workforces we have in the country.”

“If you want smart and adaptable people, hiring veterans is the right thing to do. It is a good business decision and you will be rewarded for it.”

In this episode, Sam Whitehurst, your host, continues with a series of podcasts focused on programs that assist military members to gain, not only a job, but a career that provides them wages or salaries that allow them to support their families, careers that can provide affordable health care options, and have benefit packages that allow veterans to plan forward and invest into their future.

Today’s episode is not only going to be focused on service members transitioning but also on those employers who want to connect with and hire veterans, those who want to create a “pipeline” of veteran talent into their company.

Military members offer leadership, a strong work ethic, experience and knowledge about working as a member of a team, and the ability to adapt to new and changing environments, but how can those skills be taken from military service to combine them with the civilian workforce experience and training?

Sam welcomes Mr. Fred Drummond to today’s episode; he is the Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defense for Force Education and Training at The Department of Defense SkillBridge which partners with private industries to help veterans find jobs, but also for companies to find the workforce that they need for their industries. Listen to this episode to find all the information every service member who is thinking about transitioning needs to have.

Key Takeaways:

[3:17] Sam introduces Mr. Fred Drummond in his role at the DoD.

[3:48] Mr. Drummond shares his own military experience as a veteran and his own transition that led him to his current position in the DoD.

[7:30] Mr. Drummond talks about SkillBridge and how it supports transitioning service members to connect with employers.

[11:32] Mr. Drummond shares about SkillBridge’s partnerships and how this benefits veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.

[17:09] SkillBridge offers flexibility for service members to participate in programs that are not necessarily located in their region.

[17:59] SkillBridge encourages off-base training.

[20:54] Mr. Drummond talks about the possibility of extending the SkillBridge program to other federal departments.

[23:07] SkillBridge also supports veterans’ spouses by providing training and assisting them in finding jobs.

[27:21] Mr. Drummond shares the first steps to follow for companies who want to create a “pipeline” of veteran talent.

[29:34] SkillBridge offers 450 to 500 programs.

[31:30] Mr. Drummond explains other programs SkillBridge provides to military service members and their families.

[34:05] SkillBridge is the most cost-effective program.

[39:35] Mr. Drummond gives his recommendation for a smoother transition into the civilian workforce.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

SkillBridge

DoD Career Ready

Tweetables and quotes:

“What makes SkillBridge so effective is that it helps smooth the transition process, exposing veterans to civilian skills that are going to make them competitive in the job market, it does not replace the acquired military skills but enhances them.”

“SkillBridge allows service members the flexibility to participate in a program that is not in their local region.”

“SkillBridge is a program that aims to assist not only the military servers but also their families.”

“One certain thing about the military is that everyone transitions and retires.”

Sam Whitehurst, your host, addresses in today’s episode the matter of transitioning from military services to civilian society, a matter that was also discussed in previous podcasts.

It is never too early to think about your future after the military, but it is often easier said than done. Service members usually start thinking about transitioning once they are already “in the breach”; why do they wait so long? The struggle of what will be the next career is shared by many military members. The COMMIT Foundation is an organization that assists service members in figuring out the answer to that question and finding the best next thing to do that is going to bring value to their lives and help them to find their purpose.

In today’s episode, Sam is talking with Anne Meree Craig, the co-founder and CEO of The COMMIT Foundation; she shares her story and describes how the foundation helps high-performance service members find their purpose and become contributing members of their communities.

Key Takeaways:

[2:51] Sam shares his story of transitioning into civilian society.

[3:49] Anne Meree talks about herself and the beginnings of The COMMIT Foundation.

[6:38] What does high-performance service members actually mean?

[7:30] How do you translate your skills from military services to the civilian world?

[10:11] Sam talks about his own story of feeling lost at the beginning of his transition.

[13:38] What sets The COMMIT Foundation apart from other organizations that help veterans?

[20:06] Success does not mean the same to all veterans.

[20:55] Anne Meree talks about The COMMIT Foundation’s new initiatives.

[25:50] Anne Meree shares how they are addressing the most important and current issues to tackle, like racism and integration.

[28:25] Anne Meree talks about the “Let’s Talk Race” initiative.

[30:05] The military is a great example of diversity, inclusion, and integration.

[32:25] Anne Meree shares her thoughts in regards to what can be the best call to action.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

The COMMIT Foundation

Tweetables and quotes:

“Quality of service is so much more important than the quantity served.”

“The COMMIT Foundation created a space that provides military servers to remember who they are, what their values are, to help them assess where their strengths are and what served them well in the military and needs to be translated into their current lives.”

“For some veterans, success after service can mean picking up their kids from school since they have been gone for so long.”

“The military is a great example of diversity, inclusion, and integration.”

Along with the many programs and organizations that are dedicated to serving veterans and their families, there are also several federal agencies that are instrumental in ensuring that veterans successfully reintegrate back into their communities. The VA is the first agency that everyone thinks about, but there is also the Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development, just to name a few. The Department of Defense is often overlooked since it is considered to function only to currently serving military members, and then the focus usually goes to VA when it is a matter related to veterans. The future success of veterans and their families actually starts when they are still serving, that is the reason why this success is rooted in the Department of Defense, with its various personnel programs, including education, training, and health care.

Sam Whitehurst, your host, welcomes Matthew P. Donovan to today’s episode Mr. Donovan is the person in charge of the seamless transition between the DoD and the VA. Mr. Donovan is the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and he serves as the principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary of Defense for force readiness; force management; health affairs; National Guard and Reserve component affairs; education and training; and military and civilian personnel requirements and management, including equal opportunity, morale, welfare, recreation, and quality of life matters.

In this episode, Mr. Donovan acknowledges how DoD manages his personnel is sometimes an imperfect system and he also shares their strategy to address these imperfections as well as some recent successes in keeping pace with the evolving needs of military members, veterans, and their families.

Key Takeaways:

[4:18] Mr. Donovan shares how he started in the air force and what brought him into the role he has in the present.

[11:25] The importance of talent management.

[12:33] Mr. Donavan shares how they develop a vision and a strategy to meet it.

[16:20] Mr. Donovan talks about the idea of granting serving members with on- and off-ramps in order to adjust to different life circumstances.

[20:03] Mr. Donovan shares his thoughts and ideas about the initiatives and policies to support veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.

[21:56] The Federal Electronic Health record.

[23:57] The Personnel records.

[25:34] DoD SkillBridge is one of the most impactful programs to ensure a successful transition.

[26:30] SkillBridge partners with private industries to help veterans find jobs but also for companies to find the workforce that they need for their industries.

[27:40] Mr. Donovan shares an example of what has been learned this year during the pandemic: the matter of teleworking.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook

Dixon Center on Twitter

Dixon Center on Instagram

Learn more about Matthew P. Donovan

DoD SkillBridge

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense  for Personnel and Readiness

Tweetables and quotes:

“A talent management system takes more into account in regards to people’s own expectations and control over their own careers.”

“In SkillBridge, serving members are approached before they retire to give them skills that they would apply in the fields they desire to work in, skills that will translate directly into jobs.”

“DoD SkillBridge is one of the most impactful programs in assuring a successful transition from active duty service to becoming a productive member of the civilian workforce.”