WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
Two Transitions with “No Exit Plans” In this monthly article, we strive to help active military prepare for a successful transition to civilian life. We offer helpful tips from those who’ve transitioned, and a big part of this success is focused on planning. There’s planning how to figure out what job interests you. There’s planning how to interview, how to network, how to optimize your LInkedIn profile, and get a mentor. But what if the transition comes without planning? Here are 2 no-exit plan examples that surprisingly have happy endings. So, if you don’t plan, or if your transition decision comes suddenly, once again - you are not alone! The Journey of Faith Transition Reginald Screen spent nearly every waking (and sleeping) moment dreaming about being a pro basketball star. In addition to his love for the sport and his desire to be remarkably successful, his dream would allow him to care for his mother who had always taken care of him. However, a shattered ankle led to a shattered dream, ending his future sports career during his senior year of high school.
Soon after, an Air Force recruiter came to his school and brought Reginald on to a different type of team. He ended up forming lifelong friendships, while enjoying the travel and diversity that came with his military experience. A Leap of Faith “I wish I could say my exit from the military was well thought out and planned, but it wasn’t. It was a leap of faith as I just followed my fiancée, now wife of 31 years, to Atlanta with only the money I had from selling my unused leave back.” This leap of faith was also a realization that it was time for Reginald to find his calling for his next phase of life post-military. He shares a simple example in what this means: Take a Look Inside If you saw two bags and had to guess who owned them, you’d have to look inside. If you saw a stethoscope and a thermometer in one, you’d guess that a doctor owned it. If you saw a hammer and a level in another, you’d guess it was a construction worker. What this means is you must look inside yourself and see what tools and gifts have been given to you. Think about what you like to talk about all the time. What makes you happy? What do you think you do well? What do you think others think you do well? These answers will help you find your calling. For Reginald, he understood that his calling was in his faith and helping others. By following his true calling, he became a successful Pastor, coach and mentor to transitioning veterans. Reginald Screen says, “I’m a lover of God and people.” He is eager to connect with you to offer any advice he can as you transition. Transition from Hell? Vince Seropian served on the Ohio class Trident. He was excited to be one of the first four of the guided missile subs. He says, “Being there was Hell, but it was a good experience that trained me for life. “
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WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021
