Menu
Log in
Log in

Chapter Two - Who am I?

Saturday, January 31, 2009 17:01 | Jeffrey Backus

         Who am I?  One could easily assume that one knows oneself.  It is a question easier asked than answered.  Is it the physical description or the mental perception?  I must answer the question in order to move on with my life.  Fortunately, my mentor has shown me a few tools to aid me in my quest.               

 

            One such tool is the S.W.O.T. analysis.

 

Definition:  SWOT analysis is a tool for auditing an organization and its environment. It is the first stage of planning and helps marketers to focus on key issues. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors. Opportunities and threats are external factors. 

 

            You are should be able to complete a basic SWOT analysis in approximately twenty minutes, allowing five minutes per section.  After conducting the SWOT analysis, perform an evaluation of the results that will help you understand yourself and support the decisions that you make.  The SWOT analysis can identify areas that you might not have considered and provide a different perspective in each area.    I provides a foundation to allow you to move towards your goals, support a career change or let you take action.  You will review your strengths and make sure they are reflected on your cover letter and in your resume.  You will need to address your weaknesses and develop your skill and capabilities to help you overcome them.  You will want to review your opportunities and take advantage of those that lend themselves towards your goals.  Also, consider the threats and how you can minimize or eliminate them.

The marketing planning process entails a three-step process:

     1.  Determining objectives. 

     2.  Developing marketing strategies.

     3.  Strategizing an action program.

My Strengths:

I am mechanically capable and certified to fix broke things. 

I can lead people to accomplish a mission using teamwork.

Versatility in job assignments.

Positive outlook on life, things have a way of working out for me.

I am a retired Marine searching for my place in this community and society.

Leadership abilities.  I have been thrust into Leadership positions throughout each of the era’s of my Marine Corps Career.  My first task was to move myself and ten other recruits from the Seattle Airport to the San Diego Airport and report in to the Marine Liaison.  I was not chosen for this job based off any Leadership ability that I might have displayed, but merely because my name was the first one listed on our orders.  (which I still have, since the liaison Marine didn’t want them) .  While we were forming up, one of the Drill Instructors asked for a volunteer to act as the Platoon Guide; I volunteered, but he picked the biggest guy in the formation instead.  I did end up as a fire team leader, then eventually worked my way up to finish recruit training as the fourth squad leader. 

     Following boot camp and my entry level school as an M60A1 Tank Repairman, I was assigned to a preventive maintenance crew with a Sergeant in charge of a Lance Corporal and myself.  The Lance Corporal was soon assigned to a temporary billet and the Sergeant deployed, which left me in charge of myself and the Mission that was assigned to this three Marine team.  This lead me to develop a solid work ethic that will be discussed later.  During my tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cube, I was again left in charge of the Tank Repair Section after all the NCO’s  rotated, I was the senior clueless Lance Corporal in charge of two other clueless Lance Corporals, but we kept the Tanks capable of moving, shooting and communicating.  My first leadership challenges did not really start until I was a Sergeant.  I was assigned to a section with several other Sergeants and I had one month time in grade over them.  I was also one of the youngest Marines in the section.  We all worked for three or four Staff NCO’s that sat around the office all day drinking coffee and dreaming up tasks for me to pass on the rest of the section.  This led me to develop the ability to get people that are older and in some cases more experienced than me to do what needed to get accomplished.

     After I was selected and promoted to Warrant Officer, I was able to improve my leadership skills at each new assignment.  Early on, I was typically younger than most of the Marines in the shop, so I was challenged quite often.  Later, I was assigned to a shop with 110 Marines in several different sections.  I was the third shop officer in less than six months, and they were running in circles.  I did not have any experience in that type of maintenance, so it took a lot of work and time to convince the Master Gunnery Sergeant and other senior Staff NCO’s to follow my lead.  

            Throughout my career, I have led by example, never asking my Marines to do something that I hadn’t done or wouldn’t do myself.  Always maintaining high standards of conduct, appearance and morals. 

 

Work ethic and self discipline.  I rarely missed work due to sickness or personal reasons.  I was late for work only a few times over my entire career (I never got caught!)  I do have a tendency to blow off meetings that bore me or don’t seem to have much if any value added.  I developed a solid work ethic early on in my career.  A three or four Marine team was often reduced to one or two Marines due to leave, working parties and external requirements.  The remaining Marines were expected to complete the assigned mission, regardless of who was present for duty as if the whole team was there.  While assigned to the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, California, I was introduced to another type of work ethic.  This was known as “job security”, complete enough work to keep the production line moving on schedule and no more.  I made a habit of completing at least twice as much work as was required.  I achieved my goal by coming up with time and labor saving techniques.  One example is, I was given several sprocket carriers and told to clean out the bolt holes.  The special tool was a thread tap of the appropriate size with no handle.  I started out using an 8 inch crescent wrench which was too slow, then moved to a ratchet wrench which was better.  I soon tired of the slow progress I was making and checked out an air ratchet.  I had all the sprocket bolt holes cleaned out in no time.  My supervisor got mad because in the process, I destroyed the tap.  I explained that the amount of time I saved more than offset the purchase of several more of the taps.  Later in my career as a supervisor, I was assigned to a shop that had been on “overtime” for months on end, with no light at the end of the tunnel.  Production was slow with just enough getting done to keep each section out of the limelight.  I lurked around the shops for a few days just watching what was going on.  The Marines would work until the typical end of the work day, then mill around acting like they were working until the overtime period ended.  I asked my boss if I could cancel the overtime for a while to check something out and was given approval.  I told the Marines that if they managed their time properly and gave me a solid eight hours every day, there would be no need for overtime.  It worked, production increased even though the amount of hours “worked” decreased.  When “overtime” was required to complete a specific mission, I told the Marines that it would be for a specified time frame and be announced as far ahead of time as possible.  I also promised them a “day off” at the end of the overtime even if they completed the overtime mission early.  This work philosophy has worked for me time and time again. 

 

Loyalty.  Marines as a whole are known for their loyalty to God, Corps and Country.  I feel that I should “owe” the entity that hires me and not consider another job offer after I accept theirs.  In my heart, I know I need to take the best job that I am qualified for, even if it means that I must decline to work for someone who offered me a job first.  I must also consider the benefits of accepting one job over another, such as pay, health care and retirement plans.  I take responsibility for my failures and those of my Marines.  I tried to find a way to have my Marines take the credit for our successes.

 

Technical/Mechanical skills.  I took my bicycle apart when I was nine or ten years old and couldn’t get it back together.  To top it off, I lost a few parts.  I learned a couple of valuable lessons from that event.  Don’t fix something that isn’t broke and keep track of all your parts and pieces.   During my Marine Corps career, I was able to attend three repair courses.  I was initially taught how various systems worked, then was taught the specifics of the equipment I would be responsible for maintaining.  While I was assigned to First Tank Battalion, I was left on my own as the other Marines in the Team I was assigned to were on special duty.  I was complaining to the Gunnery Sergeant that I was bored with “just doing PM’s” (Preventive Maintenance) on the Tanks.  The Gunny asked if I knew how to troubleshoot electrical problems.  Cocky me said of course, so I was given a tank with a couple of pressure gages that didn’t work.  I spent two weeks troubleshooting the Tank from end to end, but every day, another problem with the gages or sensors popped up.  I eventually figured out that the Gunny was changing good sensors and gages for bad ones each evening after I left the shop.  I “borrowed” all the gages and sensors from a “good” tank and put them on the tank I was troubleshooting, then replaced them one at a time until I had all the bad gages and sensors identified.  Then I let the Gunny know I had figured out what the real problem was.  He asked if I learned anything about electrical troubleshooting, which of course I had.  Another example is during the Tank Turret Repair course, we were taught how a typical Hydraulic system operates, then we were taught each of the hydraulic circuits in the Tank Turret.  I have found that this is one of the most effective ways to teach mechanics and it has helped me to repair several different types of equipment without formal training.  

 

Limited network.  The nomadic environment of the Military leads to a person having many acquaintances, but potentially very few real lifelong friends. It is also difficult to develop and grow a network of people that are outside the active Military.  

 

Marine mentality. (perception)  Weakness is looked down on (to include perceived weaknesses).  I find it hard to be sensitive to other peoples personal problems.  I expect people to do what they are told immediately and without complaint or questioning “why”.  I often find it easier to do a job myself than to train another person to do it and then have to go back and fix the mistakes.  Zero defects mentality.  I have trouble developing a good rapport with people, which affects my ability to listen to problems, provide support and motivate them.  I find it hard to express my condolences, convey my feelings and be sensitive when bad things happen.  

 

My Weaknesses: 

Lack of public speaking skills.

Dated Mechanical skills.

Lack of formal education. 

Lack of focus and goals. 

Speak without evaluating the consequences of my words. 

Limited effective network. 

Inability to write concisely. 

Poor time management skills.

Stubborness. 

 

Lack of civilian work experience.  I have only had a few jobs in my life outside the Marine Corps.  As a Teenager, I worked the produce fields near my home, ran a paper route and worked a summer job helping to maintain the school grounds.  During my years as a Marine, I took on two part time jobs to fund my muscle car and hot rod hobby.  I worked for Montgomery Wards Automotive selling tires, batterys and minor services.  After a few months, I moved to the shop and became a “tire buster” and parts installer.  It was a fun job and I learned a lot about working with civilians.  A couple years later, I took another part time job working at an auto parts store, again, it was fun and I was able to learn a bit about running a business.  I “retired” from both jobs when my military duties changed and I was working longer less structured hours. 

 

Mechanical skills are dated.  Most of my technical skills were learned between 25 and 30 years ago.  The Equipment I “grew up on” has either been deleted from the inventory or modified several times.  My automotive experience is mainly on older vehicles that don’t require specialized equipment to troubleshoot.   

 

Lack of formal education.  After high school, I had a limited opportunity to attend a local community college.  I did not take advantage of that opportunity due to transportation challenges (my car was broken down), the lack of a job and later on because I had joined the Marines.  During my tenure as a Marine, I failed to take full advantage of the education opportunities that were available.  I did take four college classes several years apart and made fairly good grades.  I regret not taking advantage of the opportunities, especially when almost every job I’m interested in starts with “BA/BS required”. 

 

Lack of focus.  I have trouble focusing on a task until it is completely finished.  I tend to start a task with vigor, but I will often lose interest or be distracted by competing requirements.  Some of my projects have lingered unfinished for one or two years before I get around to finishing them.  I sometimes have so many competing tasks to accomplish that I will run in circles all day and not accomplish much of anything.  I am often distracted from a task when I see something else that needs to be done and go to do it, then get distracted by yet another task!  I’ll also procrastinate or sit around for long periods of time trying to decide which task to complete and run out of time to finish a task or project. 

 

Lack of goals.  I don’t have a very specific set of goals.  My priority goal is to obtain a job that brings in a specified annual amount that is close to what I was making while on active duty.  I want to finish several home projects that have lingered for some time.  There are also projects that I have not planned or started yet.  Long term goals include paying off our home mortgage in about ten years, maintain minimal if any long term car payments (pay cash or a large down payment for new vehicles) and be semi-retired by age 58 or so. 

 

Lack of specific job knowledge.  I have a variety of military job experiences that do not relate very much to civilian job requirements.    

 

Poor interviewing skills.  I tend to not prepare for interviews properly, which leads to not getting the job and is very counter-productive.  I have mediocre public speaking skills.  My mind has a tendency to go blank when speaking to a group of people.  This has happened during a couple of interviews.  I am somewhat shy in certain circumstances and tend to not speak my mind.

 

My Opportunities:  New GI Bill provides potential for formal education.  Many job search sites on the internet make it easy to apply for multiple jobs.  Many lucrative overseas job offers.  Many job opportunities with more than a one hour commute.  The Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center.  New G.I. Bill, potential to gain formal education.  Economy is forcing people to repair their vehicles, vice buying new vehicle. (Requirement for auto mechanics.) 

 

My Threats: 

The current economy. 

There is Intense competition for nearly every job. 

The Real Estate market limits our ability to accept a job in another area. 

 

Threats:  What obstacles do you face?  Are the requirements for your desired job field changing?  Does changing technology threaten your prospective position?  What is the current trend line for your personal area of expertise?  Could your area of interest be fading in comparison with more emergent fields?  Is your chosen field subject to internal politics that will lead to conflict?  Is there any way to change the politics or to perhaps defuse your involvement in potential disputes?  How might the economy negatively affect your future company and your work group?  Will your future company provide enough access to new challenges to keep you sharp -- and marketable -- in the event of sudden unemployment?  The things that (and people who) frighten, unnerve, and discombobulate you.  Threats are also normally external and are the things that get in the way of your success.  What obstacles are you facing?  What external influences may hinder your success?  Who or what could get in the way of you achieving your goal?  The current economy is causing more unemployment, which brings more competition for each job.  The competitors are often much more qualified than I am with their education and current job experience.

Comments

  • Saturday, January 31, 2009 13:49 | Debbie Haar
    Hi Jeffrey,
    It was a pleasure to meet you today. I really admire your honesty in your posts. You have such a realistic outlook on life with a great ability to verbalize how you see things. You have many more strengths than what you mentioned (including socializing amongst quilters). I enjoyed reading about who you are, add talented writer to you list of strengths.
    Take Care,
    Debbie
    Link  •  Reply
    • Saturday, January 31, 2009 15:36 | Jeffrey Backus
      Debbie, thank you for your comment and your support for our nations Veterans. I will continue to work on the Quilters at the "QUILT COTTAGE".
      Link  •  Reply
  • Tuesday, February 03, 2009 16:00 | Wes Koehler
    Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, 2053 hrs. Jeff: Your writing and communication skills are on a positive downhill roll. Your story is very similar to my own life's blueprint which still presents a maze of challenges. Glad you found the Fallbrook veterans' center very recently where we can all work together to help each other and help veterans make a difference. See you again soon at the Fallbrook center. WES
    Link  •  Reply
    • Wednesday, February 04, 2009 09:18 | Jeffrey Backus
      Wes, Thank you for your service to our Country and the Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center in Fallbrook. I took a peek at your web site and was very impressed with your work.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, February 06, 2009 10:47 | Deleted user
    Jeff Chapter Two … Much of this chapter surprised me as I don’t see you in the same light as you see yourself, maybe it’s because you are my brother … I have always said that we should get to see our friends obituaries long before they go because you learn so much about a person that you never knew before. Chapter Two taught me so much more about you. I agree with Quilter Debbie above who mentions adding writing to your list of strengths, you could also add sensitive to the list as well. When you asked me how things were going in relation to Ramy’s death it still means so much to me, I can count on one hand the people who have shown concern and I think it takes a very special person to ask. You may not have a formal education but you have much more than that, I wish you nothing but good fortune in landing that perfect job which will carry you through the next ten years. Anyone who hires you will never regret that they did and their organization will be all the better for having you. Good luck to you my brother, Love your sister, Candie
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, February 12, 2009 06:52 | Jeffrey Backus
      Candie, thank you for your kind words. Knowing that I always have family to lean on, listen to my problems and give me advice is priceless. Take care and enjoy your snow because it will be spring time before you know it.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, February 13, 2009 08:57 | Laurel Ho
    Hi Jeffrey,
    I would also like to welcome you to the family. I wish I could have been there for your signing. Been battling a cold and a back injury from a car accident I had recently. OK, here is your chance to work on that "condolences" thing :) I have really enjoyed reading everything you have written. For someone who was not sure of joining this program, you are off to a wonderful start. It does seem like you are a bit hard on yourself though.I think you can kind of forget the part about "limited network" because you took the steps already and have a great big network here. Other than completing this program, what do you see yourself doing in 12 months? I totally know where you are coming from with the public speaking, that is my worst nightmare. Al put me on the spot a few weeks ago at an event, and I totally flubbed :( I think at this point in my life, that's not going to change much. I was wondering if you are very computer savy? These days that is so important. Anyways, great to have you here, continued success to you. I am going back to read your postings again to see if I missed anything. Take care, Laurel
    Link  •  Reply
    • Saturday, February 14, 2009 16:47 | Jeffrey Backus
      Laurel, Thank you for your comments. I hope your cold goes away, your back feels better and your car got fixed! I'm hoping to be finished with all the writing in 12 months, be on the verge of a promotion/pay raise and better at convincing folks that they need to join this organization. Per the public speaking; I've developed the ability to "flip a switch" in my head and go with the flow. Of course, I still get brain freeze on occasion though.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:45 | Lyndon Dellis
    Good job Jeff. Excellent analysis.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Wednesday, February 18, 2009 06:10 | Jeffrey Backus
      Lyndon, Thanks and as always, i'm looking forward to reading more of your blog.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Thursday, February 19, 2009 15:07 | Sigrid Gilbert
    Jeffrey, just like you buying into SWVBRC, right after 9-11,
    I became involved with Operation Interdependence, Al's first organization, a hugely successful one, that provided a grateful citizenry a way to show support for the military deployed to Afghanistan. He gave it up last year to answer the calling to serve you vets. OI was so beautifully organized that it continues to run successfully without him being actively involved.

    What amazes me is that before yours, I had the privilege
    of reading six amazing blogs, all very different, yet powerful. Yours is yet another incredible story of successes,
    a search for answers, and newfound insights such as SWOT. I enjoyed learning about how leadership is determined in the Marine Corps, and in your experience, you continually took the initiative over and over and you were able to adapt to new situations again and again, interjecting that fun dry sense of humor. I am the same projects person you are, so I can really relate about wanting to get organized. I know in your program in SWVBRC you will get control, the thought of which is now motivating me to get back to what works for me, namely writing a list of what I want to accomplish each day, like a shopping list. Thank you for putting yourself so completely into your years of service to your country and to your fellow Marines.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Friday, February 20, 2009 05:53 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Gilbert, Thank You for the support you provide our nations Veterans and encouraging words. Through the years, I have found that it is sometimes difficult to look at yourself critically, to find fault in one's own performance and admit to mistakes that are made.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Saturday, February 28, 2009 07:02 | Deleted user
    Jeff, if identifying your strengths and weaknesses is part of moving forward (and it is) then you are on your way. It is a hard process, and harder even to put in on paper--er, on electronic record?--for many people. It takes patience and courage.

    Several of the weaknesses you identify are not particular to you as a vet. In fact, I think being a vet will help you overcome them successfully--with the guidance of Al and the support of the center--if you set your mind to it. Take public speaking and being shy, for example. That's not an issue just for vets, and practice will make you better. A little public speaking sharing your story with others in your community will both promote the center and develop some skills. You mentioned in the earlier post how surprised you were that several area businesses did not know about the center. You look like a solution to that problem!
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, March 05, 2009 05:30 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Long, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the blogs. Several of the Learners (including myself) have had the benefit of a 'public speaking and writing' seminar given my Mr John Culea at the FSWVBRC.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Saturday, February 28, 2009 15:53 | Deleted user
    Jeff, I really enjoyed this chapter as you outlined many frustration that I have encountered as well. My reading skills were very poor initially which made school very difficult for me. What helped me the most overcome this disabilty was the motivation to attain goals that I did not believe that I could accomplish. To this day I still take courses and seminars to maintain those goals. Just in the short time we have been associated in SWVBRC, I can see that you are very capable of achieving your potential and to receive the necessary education in the areas that interest you.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, March 05, 2009 05:32 | Jeffrey Backus
      Dr Cloonan, thank you for your encouraging words. I am looking forward to reading your next chapter as well. I hope to see you at the next seminar also.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Thursday, March 05, 2009 12:30 | Jeffrey Backus
    Many thanks to Mr John Culea for taking the time to provide the Fallbrook Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center Learners with a seminar series on improving our public speaking and writing skills. The first "class" assignment was to write a Cover Letter to a prospective employer; each of the Learners that completed the assignment was rewarded with several recommendations on how to improve the cover letter. The improvements were shared with each of the Learners present, so everyone was able to benefit from the assignment. The second half of the class focused on actual speaking. Each Learner was provided the opportunity to speak in front of a video camera (Thank You Roger Reed) for 3 to 4 minutes. Then the speach was critiqued by Mr Culea and the other Learners.
    Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, March 06, 2009 05:31 | Deleted user
    Wow, I really liked how you express yourself---very clearly, to the point, and very honestly!! I will return to our blog in the future and read it more carefully---my first impression is that you have a lot to offer to others and that you take your committment to the Veteran's Resource Center very seriously!!
    Link  •  Reply
    • Saturday, March 07, 2009 06:14 | Jeffrey Backus
      Jim, thank you for your comments, they are what keeps this concept growing and maturing. I do wish that I had more than just moral support to give to others as at the moment, I'm just another Learner climbing the ropes.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2009 15:16 | Deleted user
    Hi Jeff,
    Dona & I can relate to your situation. It's a very scary world out there right now and there is very little security in any job at the moment. After doing the same thing for 30 years it can be daunting to have to venture into a different world. You talk about your "limited formal education", but you have a lot of very good practical experience. You can put that to work for you by taking classes that relate to what you already know. You have a lot of educational resources so now is the time to take advantage of them. Don't be afraid to go back to school. You also talk about not being able to write, but this seems like a pretty good start. How about taking a writing class? It will give you more confidence and improve a skill that you feel is lacking. There are also a lot of seminars that are designed to help with improving job interview skills and the more you network with people the better chance you have of making connections that could lead to jobs. As for not being able to focus on one project, that takes alot of effort and concentration that's not always easy to accomplish, we can relate! I have to keep telling myself to finish a task before starting another. Maybe it's just getting older that does that, but I know a lot of people that have the same problem. You have more qualities than you're giving yourself credit for. Starting on the small, more quickly attainable goals may help. And getting some of the home projects done will give you some gratification that will make you feel that you're headed in the right direction. Good things come to good people, and something will happen when you least expect it. Good hunting!
    Link  •  Reply
    • Tuesday, March 31, 2009 16:18 | Jeffrey Backus
      Bill, Thanks for the kind words and advice. I did finally get hired on at Camp Pendleton as a Marine Corps Police Officer. Another new hire, who was on active duty in the Marines from 87-91 is in the same situation, except he was a banker!
      Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, April 24, 2009 07:28 | David Roberts
    Thanks for setting me up with this site and the mission involved. An admirable undertaking to say the least.It's a pleasure working with you and seeing your advocacy in effect. Keep up the charge.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Friday, May 01, 2009 17:42 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Roberts, Thank you for your service to our Country in time of war and again as a Police Officer.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, April 24, 2009 09:42 | Robert Richey
    Thanks for yor service your blog is very down to earth and real. Thank you for the invite to this site and i am happy to support a good cause.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Friday, May 01, 2009 17:44 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Richey, Thank you for your service to our Country in a time of war and again as a Police Officer. Please visit the other blogs also.
      Link  •  Reply
  • Monday, May 18, 2009 07:41 | Derek Strauss
    Jeffrey,

    Even though we have not met, I am a better person for reading your entries as you progress through the course. I feel as if I know you very well already, even though there is so much more you need to do.

    I worked with CWO4 Renteria for almost 5 years while in the Marine Corps. He and I have started talking about the program, and I am giving it serious consideration.

    By the way, you do have great writing and organizational skills. If you do not believe me, go back and read both posts (Chapters 1 and 2). The ability to organize and put thoughts to paper are difficult to master, or everyone would be able to write a New York Times best seller.

    I look forward to reading your next post.

    Derek Strauss
    Link  •  Reply
    • Tuesday, May 26, 2009 14:48 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Strauss, thank you for your encouraging words and thank you for your service!! Please do sign on as a learner, as this program needs a bit more steam to pull us up the hill!
      Link  •  Reply
      • Friday, June 12, 2009 19:50 | Deleted user
        Jeffrey, thank you for being there a week ago at my husband Jonathan and I's signing. We really appreciated you being a witness. It was nice getting to know you.

        In reading your blog, I see that you are a very committed and loyal marine. What an expression of who you are. It is apparant that your writing was well thought out and also, very giving of yourself, thank you for sharing. Please keep going on your blog. I hope Jonathan and I can meet with you again sometime soon.
        Link  •  Reply
  • Thursday, June 30, 2011 21:05 | Sherry Granger
    Really enjoyed your article, Jeff. Being a nurse for 35 yrs. the career always made one stop & think how one could improve on patient care~my strengths & weaknesses. Carol Grice is a close acquaintance of mine & someone I HIGHLY Respect for expertise & professionalism in the nursing profession. Please give her my best regards should you have the opportunity. Keep up the good work!!
    Link  •  Reply

DOD Welcome home-small.jpg A welcoming home for our Troops.

Welcoming home our men and women doesn't end after the crowd disperses, it MUST continue on for the life of the Veteran! They've served us, now we will serve them with programs that work so they reintegrate into society.

We are a national public benefit nonprofit organization that educates American Communities about best practices to serve Veterans.  We honor their service by empowering Veterans to apply their training and skills to successfully transition to productive careers and enterprises.

We provide free vocational training 24/7 to all of our members through our website, in addition to local events.  We believe the tenet that American Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries when Veterans claim their benefits and invest in productive endeavors.

The SWVBRC enlists the support of members of local Communities like you to increase Veteran awareness of the value of obtaining a VA card and receiving earned benefits.

Sponsorships, donations, volunteers and support from communities like yours enable us to reach out to Veterans and empower them to transition back into successful, productive enterprises that ultimately benefit all Americans and support future generations.

The Internal Revenue Service has determined that Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center, Inc. is an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A donation to SWVBRC, Inc. is deductible to the extent permitted under law.

© 2008 - 2022 Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center, Inc.

 Privacy Policy

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work is posted under fair use without profit or payment as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and/or research.

Contact Us
Designed by The ARRC® & Powered by Wild Apricot.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software