All of the challenges I’ve had since leaving the Army can be tied to transition. Transition is the period immediately following the time a service member puts away the uniform and returns to civilian life.

This is why I was happy to see Brown County join the Army “Partnership for Your Success” or PAYS program. This partnership brings together local companies with veterans leaving active duty and connects them with jobs (story HERE).

When we leave the service, veterans don’t always understand how the civilian job hunt works. We have an idea. We can go online and follow website prompts. But then we still have to nail the interview, and we’re often communicating in military jargon with an ultra disciplined delivery which can actually be a disadvantage when companies are looking for the proper “fit”.

And not finding work can be extremely discouraging. We go from being on the verge of superhuman with our military conditioning, and efficiency with our occupational specialties to a civilian HR environment where our skills aren’t as appreciated or understood.

This can lead to depression and alcoholism, and the downward spiral can take us into some dark places. In severe cases this can mean homelessness and suicide. My time struggling to finding housing in Green Bay along with many fellow veterans can be traced back to problems that began with transition.

That’s why every single tool in the search to become whole following the military counts. And while it won’t fix every problem, Brown County has taken a step to securing a better future for it’s bravest men and women.