Military Matters: Four Skills Veterans Bring as Team Members in Civilian Careers

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Each year, the U.S. military generates thousands of professionals with highly specialized, transferable skills. Beyond technical and operational expertise, every service member gains skills that help keep teams afloat and foster cohesion and productivity, serving them well in their civilian careers. It’s important to recognize the value of these skills that veterans bring to businesses and organizations that employ them. Microsoft Military Affairs (MMA) – which helps veterans and transitioning service members get their footing in tech – recognizes veterans’ unquantifiable value and experience in their civilian work.

To help you understand the value-add veterans are to the businesses and organizations that hire them, MMA has highlighted four skills former service members bring to the table. 1. Adaptability:

If you ask a veteran what they “did” on active duty, the answer will be impressive. During their time in the military, service members experience continuous on-the-job learning, constantly gaining new skillsets and specialties within new teams and environments. As agile, resourceful learners, veterans can pivot on a dime, bringing tenacity and personal initiative to every challenge.

Cybersecurity, cloud administration, and cloud application development are quickly evolving fields that require adaptability, which former

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary Continued from page 5

ers to ensure that every animal was cared for with love and expertise. Volunteers are able to sign up to teach people about their favorite animal on site or to walk the trails and help people find their way. And, of course, the community has rallied around Yellow River, whether through their multiple visits to see the animals or signing up to take a shift to tell visitors about Lopsy the bison.

At the end of the day, the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary serves two purposes. One, of course, is to give a safe and loving home to animals in need. But the other is for those who visit, as it offers a peaceful, educational experience that people of all ages can enjoy.

“We have five kids, so we understand chaos!” said Katy. “But when you come here, you can make it whatever you want it to be. Walk through the paths slowly, spend all your time petting the sheep, go feed the donkey – you get to decide what your experience will be.”

If you’re ready to visit Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, they are ready to see you! See how your favorite animals are doing or maybe learn about something new. Like Jonathan and Katy say, this sanctuary isn’t just for the animals.

More information at yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com, or call 678395-3453

Monthly Meetings: All meetings are at 6:00 PM.

3rd Tuesday of the Month - Lilburn

Five Forks Library 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville 770-978-5600 (Mike Owens-chapter leader – 225-315-0851)

3rd Wednesday of the Month - Tucker/Norcross

Always Fresh Restaurant 5394 Five Forks Trickum Rd, Lilburn 678-380-4656

3rd Thursday of the Month - Snellville

“We all have a story to tell, Main Street Restaurant 1142 Athens Hwy Ste 115, Grayson to the glory of God” (770) 985-9985 www.scribblersweb.com (Marlene Buchanan-chapter leader – 470-451-7921)

The book store has 32 authors “ZOOM” chapter meets the last Monday of every month, anyone can attend. and over 80 books. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86306717298

To receive 10% discount on book purchase mention OURTOWN. September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

service members have in spades. This adaptability allows veterans to thrive in an environment of constant flux and bridge critical knowledge gaps that drive new solutions to business challenges. 2. Resilience: Resilience is part of any service member’s training. Military service members know how to complete the mission set before them, whether it’s deployment to crisis areas, moving families to a new base or country, sacrificing holidays and time with loved ones, or enormous physical and mental challenges.

Overcoming obstacles and “staying on target” served a veteran well during his or her military service and will continue to serve him or her as a civilian and private sector professional, particularly as the work environment and customer needs continue to evolve. 3. Teamwork:

Teamwork is a critical skill in the military because members must operate in unison for the mission to succeed. This “stronger together” mindset cultivates a deep understanding of the value each member brings to a team and how to facilitate trust to develop cohesion.

Veterans know how to join, develop, and empower a team to operate as a unit. These interpersonal skills allow former service members to work productively and establish trust with different groups and personalities, fostering collaboration and teamwork. 4. Leadership:

Adaptability, resilience, and teamwork are all skills that ultimately

Continued on page 15

WE KEEP DOGS CLEAN & HEALTHY!

Try us for just $29!

LOVE A CLEAN, HEALTHY DOG

• Bath • Ear Cleaning • Nail Clip & Grind • Teeth Brushing

Blow-dry not included Now Open!

TUCKER

Hugh Howell Marketplace 4650 Hugh Howell Rd, Ste 650 Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 538-1790

scenthound.com

Understanding VA Aid & Attendance Program Benefits

PRESENTED BY WILLIAM J. KIERNAN, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Thursday, September 29 | 11 a.m.

1900 Tree Lane Snellville, GA 30078

If you’re a veteran or spouse eligible for a VA pension, you may qualify for additional benefits to subsidize your housing in an assisted living or memory care community. Join us for an informative discussion on VA benefits. You’ll learn who qualifies, what documents are necessary and how to get started on the application process.

We’re here to support you. RSVP by September 26 to 678-841-0030.

For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for this event.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

SHERIDANEASTSIDE.COM