Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Grace Green

Grace Green attended the United States Naval Academy and was then commissioned into the Marine Corps. She served as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander and deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Greene’s primary mission while deployed was medevac. In her civilian career, Greene has had broad experience in business in Alaska and across the country. She is currently the CEO of LifeMed Alaska.

How did you decide to go into the military?

I was introduced to the Navel Academy and played soccer there all 4 years and then after I graduated, I was selected to be a Marine Core Helicopter Pilot on Commissioning. I really loved all my experiences at the Navy Academy. I learned doing crazy things in the air was not meant for me and I really loved being in a team environment in a helicopter where I had a crew chief and some crew in the back. I was lucky to get my first choice which was CH46 Echo Helicopter stationed out of Miramar, CA.

When you decided to transition out of the military what was your experience like?

I loved my time in the Marine Corps; when I decided to get out it was because I was ready for the next chapter in my life. I had a serious boyfriend who became my husband, and I knew I wanted to have a family but unfortunately at the time the military op tempo was so high it didn’t matter if you were on active duty or reserves, you were getting deployed. This was around 2007, and I felt that if I started a family, I wasn’t sure if I could personally handle being deployed from my young children for so long, so I knew it was time for me to transition. Prior to fully transitioning out, I did complete 3 tours.

I remember very clearly my last day in the military. You get your papers; you go to the admin office, you sign some things, and then say bye, and that was a bit shocking. I remember driving out of the gate and thinking, ok what do I do now? The military is all present for you, you don’t have to think about anything because they take care of it and then suddenly you have lost your people and are completely on your own. What was beneficial for me is I went back to my network at the Naval Academy and there are different conferences for different divisions that Veterans can attend. But I had moved to Alaska and there was not much opportunity to find due to that. But I kept networking and got connected with a Morgan Stanley that had an office in Alaska and that was the start of my civilian transition, but it didn’t stop there. It was often hard to see it at first, but the further I got into my career the more I saw how my skills in the military were transferable.

So where are you now in your business life?

Well, I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. After working at Morgan Stanley, I realized it wasn’t what I was what I was use to or would thrive in, I needed to work somewhere that had teams, a place to expand my network of colleagues and build camaraderie. So, I connected with a former Navy seal friend of mine and joined him doing consulting for DOD and working in the Pentagon at the time. Then I transitioned to work for Shell Oil where I was hired to run their offshore logistics program with Aviation and Marine Maritime Program. Then I transition to president of TOTE Maritime Alaska for 8 years and currently I am the CEO of a company called LifeMed Alaska. I have come full circle and it is a med evac company and in the Marine Corp. I was doing med evac operations. I like to share my journey because it shows how I have evolved in my transition.

What tips can you give to transitioning veterans?

You’re going to underestimate yourself and because of your willingness to stand up and do something for your country you are in a whole other category and employers will see that.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would give my younger professional self, advice. I was comfortable being the only woman in the room and thought I had to be the only woman. I would tell myself to seek out other woman, get mentors, and build those relationships.

Finding a job in the civilian world may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go.

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and to helping you succeed in your transition.

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to business, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners and more visit Veterans In Transition at www.tinyurl.com/Veterans-In-Transition

To see how we help and support veterans transitioning out of the military check out our school www.synergylearninginstitute.org