I am thrilled to nominate Heather for the Mentor of the Month feature. 

I started working with TJ in July 2024. Throughout the ACP program, TJ has greatly helped me in my job search and application, transition from the military, and starting my new position as a business development lead at Boeing. TJ took the time to get to know me as a person, and to understand my personal and professional goals.

Throughout the job application process, TJ helped translate my military experience into terms that employers would understand on my resume and introduced me to members of his professional network to assist in my job search. He also helped me prepare for interviews by providing me with potential interview questions, and helped to structure my responses to best organize my thoughts.

As I onboarded to my first post-military position, TJ helped guide my professional interactions with my manager by emphasizing the importance of goal setting, performance measurement, and expectation management. I truly appreciate the time that TJ has put into the ACP program and the impact that he has had on my career.

- Cameron Igawa , US Air Force, California

I am honored to nominate Eric for mentor of the month recognition.

From the very beginning of our program, he has been an incredible guide during my transition from the military to a career in technology. This journey has presented many challenges, but Eric's openness, honesty, and patience have made a significant difference in my learning process.

We meet monthly, and I always look forward to our conversations about my professional growth. From day one, we established a clear game plan that focused on my goals and aspirations. His support has been invaluable.

Eric also helped me revamp my resume to effectively showcase my military management experience in a civilian context. He dedicated an entire week to mock interviews, which ultimately led to my landing an amazing position in the tech field within just one month.

I am profoundly grateful for his unwavering commitment to my success in the job market. I truly couldn't have asked for a better mentor, and I hope our mentorship continues for a long time to come.

Yana I., US Air Force, Texas

It is my distinct honor to nominate Brian as Mentor of the Month. As a service member

experiencing the uncertainty of transitioning to the corporate world after the military, Brian has proven to be a trusted guide who has had a profound impact on my preparedness to pursue professional endeavors after the military.

In our introductory meetings, Brian took the time to learn about my family, experience in the military and professional goals for the future. His investment of time to get to know me as an individual has allowed him to provide a uniquely personal quality to his mentorship approach.

In one particularly valuable exercise called “Career Pathing,” Brian coached me through identifying not just “what” I have accomplished over the course of my military career, as would be outlined on a resume but, rather “how” I achieved the accomplishments. Thinking in terms of skills and attributes matched with my passions and aspirations formed the rubric used to evaluate what professional opportunities to pursue. Brian and I consistently reference this foundational document in our mentorship sessions to evaluate job postings, prepare for interviews and remain aligned with personal goals.

During our time working together, Brian and I have covered issues as diverse as balancing family priorities with my spouse’s career, military to corporate skill translation, resume writing, compensation negotiation, interview preparation and the value of additional professional certifications.

Brian’s expertise and mentorship approach has allowed me to identify how my professional value translates to business. I am proud to say that our work together gave me the confidence to excel in four separate interviews, including one with the CEO and land my dream internship with a defense technology company in Silicon Valley.

Matt Sheftic., US Army, Idaho

I am honored to nominate Larry for Mentor of the Month. Larry has been an exceptional mentor, providing invaluable support and guidance throughout my transition from the military to the civilian workplace.

From the beginning, Larry and I met every other week, and as our relationship grew, we transitioned to monthly meetings. These sessions have been instrumental in my professional development. Larry has been a tremendous sounding board, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and next steps in my career journey.

Larry’s understanding of my situation, given our shared background in aviation and our current roles in Information Technology and Cloud computing, has been particularly impactful. Having gone through the same transition himself, Larry has been able to relay his experiences with job hunting and career transitions, providing me with valuable insights and practical advice.

He has provided tailored advice that has significantly strengthened my resume, offered a stellar cover letter example, and conducted mock interviews with me. His insights and feedback have been crucial in preparing me for the civilian job market.

Larry’s dedication and expertise have made a profound difference in my career transition. His mentorship has not only equipped me with the necessary tools and confidence but also provided a sense of direction and clarity.

- Phillip Benton, U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia
 
In the short time I've had the privilege to be mentored by Randi, she has made an extraordinary impact on my professional journey. From our very first meeting, Randi’s kindness and genuine belief in my skills stood out. She has consistently supported me, providing invaluable feedback and guidance as I navigate my career transition.

Before connecting with Randi, I sought out other resume writers and mentors, but none had the expertise in my field or the insight into my aspirations that I truly needed. Randi, however, has the precise background and experience I've been searching for. Her strategic advice and tailored guidance have been invaluable in refining my resume and aligning it with my career goals.

Randi's dedication to mentoring goes beyond mere encouragement. With her extensive experience and track record of success, she has been a steadfast guide through every stage of my job search. Despite her demanding role as an executive, Randi has always made time to ensure I feel confident and prepared for the next steps in my career.

One of the most significant aspects of Randi’s mentorship is her commitment to my success. She doesn’t just offer advice, she actively helps me achieve my goals. Whether it’s reviewing my job applications or helping me prepare for interviews, Randi has been instrumental in every aspect of my career transition. Her belief in me has been a powerful motivator, and I am incredibly grateful for her guidance.

Randi’s mentorship has not only enhanced my professional skills but also instilled in me a renewed sense of confidence. Her support has been a game-changer in my career transition and finding a job, and I look forward to continuing our mentor-mentee relationship well beyond the formal program.

- Andrew Sanchez, U.S. Army, Washington D.C.

Tom has been an extraordinary mentor and coach, far exceeding my expectations. From the very start, his unwavering support for my goals and ambitions has been nothing short of incredible. Together, we've dedicated ourselves to fine-tuning my resume to match my career objectives. Despite the tough challenge of translating my military experience into the finance sector, Tom has been a steadfast guide throughout the entire process.

We regularly meet to review my progress, and he's currently setting up mock interviews to further refine my skills. Despite his busy schedule and remarkable success as an executive, Tom interacts with me with an exceptional level of humility and down-to-earth sincerity. His genuine commitment to my success and his ability to bolster my confidence during this transition has been invaluable.

Without Tom's guidance and support, navigating this pivotal moment in my life would have been far more daunting. I am immensely grateful for his mentorship and hope that our bond will continue well beyond the formal end of our mentor-mentee relationship."

- Todd S., U.S. Air Force, Georgia 
 

Since our very first meeting, Tashia and I immediately connected. From day one, she has been incredibly supportive and approachable, always taking the time to listen to my fears and concerns about my career. What I appreciate most about Tashia is that she never downplayed my concerns or made me feel insignificant, no matter how trivial they might have seemed.

Despite not having a PMP certification or direct project management experience, Tashia’s dedication to mentoring is evident in her willingness to research, reach out to colleagues for specific advice, and guide me to the best of her ability. This level of commitment shows her genuine care for my growth and success.

From day one, Tashia has provided invaluable guidance even when I’ve been a bit stubborn. She consistently encourages me to improve and become the best version of myself. One of the most impactful moments of her mentorship was when she encouraged me to study for the CAPM exam - a challenge that terrified me. Thanks to her unwavering support, I now have a scheduled exam date (this month).

When I first met Tashia, I had a plan but needed encouragement and guidance to bring it to life. After being out of work for two years, the prospect of applying to positions was daunting. Yet, Tashia’s faith in my abilities never wavered. Less than 1.5 months after I met her, I received a job offer! Tashia was instrumental in helping me navigate the negotiations and pinpoint exactly what I wanted from an employer.

Tashia has made a significant impact on my life, and I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship. Her dedication and the connection we share have been truly transformative, and I am thankful to ACP for bringing us together."

- Tara C., U.S. Air Force Spouse, Missouri 

Wow! Where do I even begin?! First I’ll start by saying, when I signed up to be a mentee with ACP, I had no idea the type of mentor I’d be assigned. I didn’t have any doubts, as I’ve heard nothing but great things about the program; however, there was still a bit of natural apprehension. After getting to know my mentor, Doug Schutz, I can now say, he’s far more than I expected!

Guiding and supporting my personal and professional goals is the result of Doug’s phenomenal mentorship. He’s created a safe and supportive environment where I’m able to explore my strengths and weaknesses. We’ve collaborated to develop concrete plans for achieving my future goals, once I depart the federal government, and enter an entirely different work force (within the next few years).

I’m the proactive, not reactive type (whenever possible), so Doug’s mentorship has certainly equipped me for corporate America; particularly with so many differences between corporate vs federal.

Being a federal government employee, I’ve never even had a 2-pager (resume). At least one I’ve been confident in using; however, after Doug’s guidance on reducing my very lengthy federal resume down to an unbelievable two pages, I want to apply any and everywhere using the finished product!

Doug is the epitome of precisely what a mentor should be, bar none! Motivation, positivity, enthusiasm, relevant experience (that aligns with my goals), honesty, and integrity (just to name a few), are all traits Doug possesses. Even after my 12 months concludes with ACP’s mentorship program, I know Doug and I will remain in contact, and maintain our mentor/mentee relationship. He’s always willing to assist readily when needed, and because of his character and commitment to helping others, I’m confident that won’t ever change.”

- Jennifer W., U.S. Air Force, South Carolina
 

Kathy is a phenomenal mentor, connector of people, and human being! Kathy embodies all the attributes of an excellent mentor. She listens attentively, is approachable, and creates a safe space where I feel free to discuss things that concern me. Kathy is rich in information and does not hesitate to share her knowledge, contacts, and resources. Despite her busy schedule and demanding job, she is committed to meeting with me regularly and makes herself available between scheduled meetings as needed. As a military spouse in transition, Kathy has been a great source of support and encouragement. Kathy is without a doubt one of the best mentors I have had during my professional career that has spanned over 25 years and is just what I needed in this season of life."

- Angela W., U.S. Army Military Spouse, Virginia

Denny has been an exceptional mentor, offering invaluable guidance and support that has significantly impacted my professional development. His ability to listen, understand, and provide insightful guidance has helped me grow as a leader in my new role. I only wish I had signed up for mentorship with him earlier in my career.

- Kasie V., U.S. Army, Florida

She deserves this status not only because she is knowledgeable about diverse topics revolving around accounting, auditing and taxes, but also because she is an amazing person to begin with! She has helped me on how to transfer my international skills into the American workforce, by acknowledging my individual personality and experience, as well as encouraging me to trust myself more throughout this process. 

- Eniko V., U.S. Army Military Spouse, Washington

Abbey May embodies the essence of an exceptional mentor, seamlessly integrating her roles as a mother, wife, and dedicated professional. This being my first experience as a mentee, I didn't know what to expect, but Abbey's kindness and genuine nature quickly created a welcoming environment for me. As a flexible and understanding mentor, she adapted her guidance to my unique needs, ensuring I felt supported and valued. Abbey's encouragement is steadfast, always uplifting me with sincere praise and constructive feedback, fostering both my personal and professional growth.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Abbey maintains a focused and inspiring presence. Her ability to stay grounded and real, despite her many achievements, makes her relatable and approachable. Abbey's down-to-earth attitude allowed her to connect with me on a deeper level, promoting a culture of honesty and transparency. Her hardworking nature is evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence, whether she is leading a project at work, supporting her family's endeavors, or managing household responsibilities.

Abbey's genuine care and love shine through in all her interactions, making her a pillar of support for her family, friends, and colleagues. Her gratitude for life's blessings is palpable, instilling a sense of appreciation and positivity in those she mentors. By being supportive and thankful, Abbey not only guides me toward success but also teaches me the importance of recognizing and cherishing the journey. Her mentorship is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and unwavering support.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share with you my experience with Abbey as my mentor so far.

- Jeremiah W., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Virginia
 

Stacy has been there during a tough time when I was wrestling with self-doubt about my skills. Thanks to her, I was able to see my true value and put together a resume that reflected it.

What's truly special about Stacy is her endless patience and flexibility. She's stood by me through every my regular pivots in career decisions, always offering her support and guidance. And beyond the professional realm, she's always checked in on me, celebrating my journey into fatherhood.

Stacy isn't just a mentor; she's become a friend. Her empathy, dedication, and unwavering support have made all the difference in my life. Without a doubt, she deserves to be recognized as Mentor of the Month.

- Matthew B., U.S. Air Force, Texas

It is with great honor that I nominate Stephen Ellis for Mentor of the Month.  Over the past 10 months, he has helped me develop the tools and confidence to transition after over 20 years of military service.

As a prior Service Member himself, Stephen is passionate about supporting transitioning service members and empowering people to achieve their ambitions.  From the first day we met, he wanted to understand my interests and goals.  He showed genuine curiosity and built immediate rapport. Stephen helped me create a roadmap, structuring our meetings to align with my transition timeline and goals. Keeping things in focus, he ensured our meetings always achieved something meaningful for my transition journey.

He helped me develop a skills matrix focused on the field I was interested in and translated my military skills into common industry terms.  From this, he was able to give me insight into my expected level of performance and the titles I should look for.  Stephen provided feedback on my resume and gave continuous constructive feedback throughout the process.  He even offered to invite other members of his organization to help with mock interviews and education on work in the civilian world.

As we reached the end of our ACP journey, Stephen helped me secure an internship and we have continued to meet.  Stephen’s support helped me build immense confidence as I prepared for my transition from Service. I cannot thank him enough for his commitment and effort.

- Raymond J., U.S. Army, Maryland
 

I am thrilled to nominate Bill Olmstead for Mentor of the Month. To someone who is navigating the transition from military service to the civilian workforce, Bill has been an invaluable source of guidance, support, and wisdom.

Bill's expertise, particularly in his role at Moody's, has been instrumental in shaping my approach to various aspects of career development. From refining my resume to providing insights on effective job search strategies, and networking tactics, and navigating compensation discussions with prospective employers, Bill's advice has been consistently insightful and practical. However, what sets Bill apart as a mentor is not just his wealth of knowledge and experience, but also his genuine commitment to my success. He has taken the time to understand my unique challenges and aspirations, offering tailored guidance that has helped me navigate the complexities of transitioning to civilian life.

Moreover, Bill's mentorship extends beyond the technical aspects of career development. He has been a trusted confidant, providing invaluable insights into the mindset and attitudes necessary for success in the civilian workforce. His encouragement, support, and encouragement have empowered me to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

In summary, Bill Olmstead embodies the qualities of an exceptional mentor – expertise, empathy, and dedication. I am deeply grateful for his guidance and honored to nominate him for Mentor of the Month. Thank you, Bill, for your unwavering support and mentorship.

- Michael M., U.S. Army, Texas

Andrea has been the perfect mentor for me.  From the beginning, she was very willing to help guide me through my indecisiveness and guide my slow wander into the civilian world.  I wasn’t sure where or how to move forward having been a stay at home Mom for the past 6 years, after 11 years of active duty.  Andrea not only looked at my resume but listened to me to help find fields that appealed to my strengths and interests.  Her experience in and out of her current career field proved extremely helpful.  She was able to come up with suggestions I hadn’t thought of; jobs for me to look into and do some research on.  After going down a few rabbit holes on my own, I found an interesting job that-- we agreed-- appeared as though it might work with my schedule and interests.  I studied for a couple months and passed a certification exam with her encouragement and leadership.

About 6 months in, just as I was applying for jobs and we were getting into the interview coaching stage, my father passed away.  Despite having been diagnosed with cancer, I was unprepared for the circumstances under which he left us.  I let Andrea know that I wouldn’t be interested in conducting interviews for a while and was understandably prepared for her to suggest an intermission for our sessions until I was ready.  However, I am extremely thankful for her understanding, guidance, and empathy during this time.  She clearly believes in mentoring me as a whole person, not just a transitioning veteran.  While ACP sets you up for career coaching, I got much more than that.  I was set back by my personal loss and was convinced this would derail me but Andrea has helped me keep my head up and is supporting me while I navigate this sharp, unexpected turn in the road.  She has demonstrated that corporate professionals care about people.   I am more than thankful not just for her professionalism and counseling but for her patience, prudence, and compassion.

- Cynthia M., U.S. Navy Reserve, Virginia

Reflecting on my professional journey, I cannot overlook the significant impact Sarah, my mentor, has had on me. She isn't just any mentor; she stands out for her exceptional blend of expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. I nominate Sarah for the Mentor of the Month. 

From the moment I started my new job last December, Sarah's guidance was evident. Recognizing my need for assistance, she generously shared her knowledge, ensuring I felt capable in my role. Her commitment to my development not only accelerated my learning but also earned my gratitude and respect.

A key moment in our mentorship occurred when I had to choose between two job offers. Sarah's advice helped me navigate the decision wisely. She had a knack for simplifying complex issues, making her guidance invaluable.

Sarah's support extended beyond professional matters. During my previous HR role, when work stress became overwhelming, she offered a listening ear and reassurance. Her reminder that challenges are part of the journey was comforting.

Even outside of work, Sarah's support was unwavering. When I relocated, she provided practical advice and emotional comfort, making the transition smoother.

Sarah's dedication to my growth and well-being sets her apart. I am deeply grateful for her mentorship and guidance.

Overall, Sarah is an exceptional mentor whose wisdom, kindness, and encouragement have greatly impacted my life. Thank you, Sarah, for being an outstanding mentor and role model.

- Kesha L., U.S. Air Force Military Spouse, Missouri

I am writing to nominate my mentor, Shannon Princiotto, for Mentor of the Month. Over the past 10 months, Shannon has provided me with invaluable guidance and support that has significantly impacted my professionl growth and secured my transition from active duty, to the civilian sector.

Shannon’s mentorship extended beyond conventional boundaries. She meticulously reviewed my resume, provided industry-specific training, shared insightful interview tips, and coached me on salary negotiation. Her expertise and knowledge have been instrumental in enhancing my understanding of the industry and improving my skills.

What sets Shannon apart is her commitment to ensuring that I receive my full value in job offers. She stood by my side, reviewing job offers and providing advice, ensuring that I was not shortchanged. Her support did not end with the acceptance of a job offer; she continues to support me, demonstrating a level of dedication that is truly commendable. Ironically Shannon and I now could be considered rivals as we perform the same job functions for competing defense contractors, even with our "rivalry" Shannon never wavered in her commitment to my transition from active duty and seeing to my growth into our career field.

Shannon’s mentorship has been a beacon of support in my professional journey. Her dedication, knowledge, and commitment to her mentees are unparalleled. I believe she is the perfect candidate for Mentor of the Month and hope you will consider her for this honor.

- Joe B., U.S. Air Force, Virginia

From the beginning of the mentorship program through ACP, Richard’s expertise, wisdom, and life experience have truly created an environment of safe learning and overwhelming support. During this time, Richard shared his journey and many of the goals that he set for himself during his military-to-civilian transition. His ability to make you feel heard and seen without diminishing your concerns was an attribute that I hope to emulate one day when I join this mentorship program in the future. ACP did an amazing job of creating that mirror matchup with us.

Navigating the corporate sector, more specifically the defense contracting sector, was something that I knew I was going to need some assistance with. It was difficult to understand the culture, understand the changes, and understand where I even fit. Coming from an Infantryman’s background, all I ever heard was I would be good for security or private military. I did not want that to be my story.

Enter ACP, who assigned Richard as my mentor and he demystified all that I thought would be inaccessible to me with my previous work history. The relationship was quite natural from inception. He took the time to get to know me and my goals and tailored the mentorship through that information, versus the process just being a checklist to complete. He sees you, the version that you want to be seen as, not what category society has placed you in. His passion for my success empowered me to view my transition as an opportunity to develop the right tools needed to get into my desired industry.

His vast knowledge of the defense industry and the nuances that come with it helped pull the mask off of the scary monster that had been built up by many of my peers and leaders from my time in the service. Since our connection, I have secured an internship with Lockheed Martin as an Account Manager for the F-35 Supply Operations, which has turned into a part-time job with a full-time offer waiting for me after I graduate from undergrad. He showed the normality of it all and helped eliminate the feeling of imposter syndrome. I had not been around fighter jets my whole career and now I am.

With Richard, you belong. He was generous with his network as well, whether it was helping with understanding HR, resumés, or cross-referencing cultures. To make sure I had the absolute best and latest information, he would reach out to his network or extend it to me to give me the clearest picture. He wants you to be exceedingly successful.

I can say that I have truly found a mentorship that has broken the glass ceiling and normalized the dark forest of transition. I can tread bravely forward knowing that it may still be scary, but I know I have support to help guide me through it. Richard should be Mentor of the Year. His spherical application mentors you to the depths that you present and he maximizes that mentorship. He meets you where you are and shows you that you can. Thank you ACP and thank you Rich.

- Jeremiah A., U.S. Army, Texas

It is with great honor to nominate Sean Pelkey, CSX Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer, as the ACP Mentor of the Month. Transitioning from the military with over two decades of service is a daunting experience. Fortunately, I had a friend to provide guidance and encouragement during this challenging time.

During my initial conversation with Sean, he was focused on a detailed understanding of my background and goals. He then took this information and tailored our future discussions to build confidence in my transition plan. During these discussions, he thoughtfully provided mentorship on a wide array of topics such as resume writing, interview considerations, and salary negotiations to name a few. He was also exceptionally thorough to ensure all my questions were answered, and where appropriate, he proactively and graciously arranged follow-up meetings with subject matter experts, so I had a balanced and refined understanding. Overall, Sean’s corporate perspective, humble demeanor, and ability to discuss strategic concepts and then follow through with a foundational understanding made this experience invaluable.

Having Sean as a mentor greatly enhanced my corporate knowledge and made a potentially stressful situation into a pleasant experience.  Additionally, I was impressed that even with his demanding job and family responsibilities he always found time to truly focus on my transition, which highlighted his selflessness and dedication to my post-military career success. Sean is an amazing ACP mentor and I feel fortunate to be matched as his protégé.  As a top-tier mentor, Sean is without a doubt deserving of this ACP honor…thanks for your support, Sean!

- James O., U.S. Air Force, Virginia

Let me tell you about Shannon – the beacon of light that guided me through the stormy seas of immigration, career challenges, and the wild rollercoaster ride of military spouse life. Picture this: a whirlwind of legal jargon, cultural confusion, and the chaos of solo parenting while my husband was deployed for what felt like an eternity. That was my reality until Shannon swooped in like a superhero in business casual.

As a new immigrant lawyer to the United States, I was drowning in a sea of unfamiliar laws and traditions. Enter Shannon, my legal and cultural compass. With her expert guidance, I navigated the labyrinth of American bureaucracy, emerging victorious with a newfound understanding of my rights and responsibilities. She made the daunting seem doable, and the impossible, possible.

Now, let's talk about the professional jungle. As I struggled to find my footing in the U.S. job market, Shannon became my career guru. She sprinkled her wisdom like fairy dust, helping me unlock the secrets of professional success in this foreign land. From crafting the perfect resume to acing interviews, she armed me with the tools to carve out a niche where I could thrive. And oh, the tales she shared about the quirks of American workplace culture – it was like learning a new language, only with less grammar and more office politics.

But wait, there's more! Parenting solo while my husband was off serving his country was like being handed a ticking time bomb disguised as a teddy bear. Enter Shannon, the parenting whisperer. Her nuggets of wisdom were as valuable as gold – from managing meltdowns to finding the humor in chaos, she guided me through the minefield of raising two kids without losing my sanity. Her tips were a lifeline, a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days.

In the midst of it all, Shannon managed to infuse our interactions with a generous dose of humor. Her witty anecdotes and charming personality turned what could have been dry, mundane conversations into engaging, lively exchanges. She made even the most bewildering topics seem approachable, all while keeping the mood light and the laughter flowing.

So, here's to Shannon – the mentor, the confidante, and the friend who helped me conquer the unknown, find my professional groove, and navigate the tumultuous seas of solo parenting. Her guidance was nothing short of magical, her support unwavering, and her impact immeasurable. If mentorship were an art, Shannon would be the Picasso of guidance, the Michelangelo of wisdom, and the Van Gogh of support. Thank you, Shannon, for being the guiding star in my constellation of chaos.

- Winny K., U.S. Army Military Spouse, Texas

Gary F. Gonzalez is one of the reasons I was able to prepare myself for my military transition into the civilian world. Gary continuously communicated with me and reached out to others to make sure I was receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information about Corporate America. Gary also took the time to prepare me for job interviews and even went over my resume with me, giving me input on how to translate some of the military language into civilian terms. Currently, I have a great job, and my family is happy, and this has a lot to do with the mentorship that Gary provided. I truly hope that this program (ACP) helps transitioning Soldiers, the same way it helped me.

- Raphael R., U.S. Army, Texas

I am humbled and honored to nominate Mr. Brian Tighe, Transportation Operations Manager of UPS as the American Corporate Partners Mentor of the Month! Transitioning out of the military can be a daunting and challenging experience, marked by uncertainty and a sense of unfamiliarity, all of which I had been dreading. Fortunately, I was blessed to have Mr. Tighe as my mentor as I entered this crucial phase of my life. Brian, a seasoned and professional individual, not only shared his extensive knowledge gained by assisting other veterans but also provided invaluable guidance and support that eased my mind on my nearing transition into civilian life. His understanding of the unique challenges faced by military members continually puts me at ease with each virtual meeting.

Brian's mentorship went beyond the practical aspects of resume building and job hunting; he took the time to listen and understand my concerns, fears, and aspirations. He took the time to evaluate housing, jobs, and other areas of interest as we discussed the eventual settling location for me and my family. He sought to understand my field of Aviation Management and did extensive research to see how his knowledge could augment my skill sets in the paths I had laid out before me. His unwavering encouragement and insights into the civilian workforce have helped me establish a wider network of contacts, a firm grasp on understanding the intricacies of job hunting, and peace about my decision to move into the next chapter of my life. Brian instilled in me a sense of self-belief and adaptability, emphasizing the transferable skills I gained in the military. Through his guidance, I not only found a fulfilling career path but also developed a newfound sense of direction in my post-military life. Brian's mentorship is a foundation of support as I continue to plan this challenging transition, and his impact continues to resonate in my personal and professional journey. Brian is far deserving of this award for his continued selfless work, not only for me but for so many others as well!

- Joseph S., U.S. Air Force, North Carolina