The Pentagon plans to cut 67,100 soldiers from active and reserve Army units and the Army National Guard over the next 5 years. In addition, 15,200 Marines from both the active and reserved ranks will also be deactivated. In all, 82,300 men and women who have served our country and possess unique technical and leadership skills will be returning to civilian life. 

This presents a great opportunity for community health centers to gain access to a group of individuals who are highly trained and bring a clear discipline and work ethic to any job they do.  A helpful conduit that can connect organizations to veterans in the most efficient and effective way is the Airman & Family Readiness (AF&R) Center at Hanscom Air Force Base.

The AF&R Center works with individuals from all branches of military service as they begin the process of transition from active military duty to civilian life. On a regular basis, the Center conducts Employer Forums where they invite employers from various industries to come in and talk to veterans about employment opportunities, job skills and a variety of work-related topics. A recent forum included employers from Raytheon, Nokia and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, as well as eight others, discussing career opportunities that exist in their companies or organizations. The AF&R Center also works with veterans on technical issues related to transitioning from the military as well as job seeking skills, including resume writing and interviewing.

At the event that the League attended, veterans showed great interest in career opportunities in health care.  If your community health center is interested in connecting with or attending an upcoming Employer Forum please contact:

Judy A. Tipton

Community Readiness Consultant

Airman and Family Readiness Center

Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2007

Commercial Phone: 781-225-2765

Commercial FAX: 781-377-8239

You can also contact Janice Brathwaite, Workforce Program Manager at 617-988-2217 for additional information.

Judy Tipton has lived in New Hampshire for the past 26 years and has dedicated herself to helping transition veterans into civilian life through her work at the Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) in central Massachusetts. Her current role is Community Readiness Consultant and she says, "It's the best job in the world!" Over the span of her career, Judy has assisted both veterans and active military personnel working for various employers, including the Federal government. 

Inspired to work with service members and families through her experience as a military spouse, Judy has deep respect for those who have devoted their lives to military service. Believing that the family is just as important as the sponsor, Judy is committed to helping spouses and children through the transition as well. "The things that families endure while being separated are not easy," says Judy. "Military life can be hard on families when separated for long periods of time.  We owe a lot to those veterans who have served their country."  

The employment assistance programs at Hanscom are comprehensive.  Each month a four-day Department of Labor Employment Workshop is offered at Hanscom for retiring/separating service members from all service branches. Hanscom is in partnership with the state of Mass under the Department of Workforce Development, Division of Career Services. The workshop helps veterans with job search assistance and the application process, and offers lectures from experts on the entire job search such as interview skills, salary negotiations, and "dressing for success."  Hanscom staff members also assist veterans with relocation services, financial issues, career counseling, family concerns, and military benefits and entitlements. Staff members also provide needed services to returning Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) wounded warriors.

A major highlight of the 4-day Department of Labor Employment Workshop for both Judy and participating service members is the Employer Panel.  Judy brings in 10 to 12 employers each month, many with available jobs. The service members appreciate the chance to bring their resumes, make contacts, and practice their interview skills. Says Judy: "many have have been hired through this process and this is one of our highest rated sessions."   

Judy is also quick to add that the class provides an extra and significant benefit: "Participants not only get a chance to talk to potential employers, they also have a "Veterans Panel" which gives the service members an  opportunity to meet with a wide range of fellow veterans and spouses who have already been through the process."

The Department of Labor Employment Workshop through Hanscom Air Force Base benefits service members of all age groups and ranks -- from Airmen Basic to Generals.  Judy estimates Hanscom assists more than 100,000 military personnel and spouses in the New England area annually.  Community Health Centers across Massachusetts should feel free to contact her with any career opportunities for transitioning military service members.