3 Reasons I'm thrilled to serve in the Army Reserve as a VA employee, and why I hope you will too

As the 8th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army Reserve, I know the importance of balancing my professional career as a Citizen Soldier. Although the lack of flexibility within some organizations may present a few challenges when navigating military service and a civilian career. I can say, I have been blessed to find balance doing what I love under two government departments as it allows me to support veterans and serve in the world's greatest Army.

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I would be remiss if I did not share my personal story and successes as a VA employee and an Army Reserve Soldier with those I meet. I have always been passionate about helping veteran causes and have made it my personal mission across both of my careers as I support those who have served and continue to serve. In my current role as the Senior Warrant Officer within the Army Reserve, I work to promote programs, policies, and initiatives to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of Army warrant officers.

In my approximately 41 years as a member of our military family, I have always tried to support programs that provide much needed services and resources to veterans and their families. As a senior leader within the U.S. Army Reserve, I am dedicated to building, growing, and supporting our military community. My job in the VA and the Army Reserve affords me the opportunity to continue this meaningful work that is committed to serving others, and I am fully vested in paying it forward.

An example of this happened during my first year of VA employment. I was asked by a staff member of the physical therapy department to observe a veteran who was confined to a wheelchair due to being a double amputee. This man was struggling with his physical therapy routines due to incorrectly adjusted therapy equipment and after several visits was very angry and vocal to the staff. The day I came up to be part of his session I sat quietly and observed what was happening. Without any introduction the veteran looked over at me and asked, “are you going to help me?” I said, “yes sir and you will leave today feeling much better about your treatment.” I was able to analyze what was preventing him from getting the correct movement for his treatment and made some mechanical adjustments to the device. Once this was done he started to tear up and said “thank you” I said this is my job and my pleasure and his response was this is what veterans do for each other.

My VA career and Army Reserve career complement those things I am most passionate about, which is another significant component that has helped support my professional goals. I currently work for the VA Healthcare System (VISN 1) as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist maintaining medical equipment systems. In the Army Reserve, I am responsible for leading, developing and mentoring the Army Reserve Warrant Officers.

There are endless reasons why joining the Army Reserve is an excellent opportunity for a VA employee, but here are a few that stand out to me:

1. My Army Reserve Duty improves the Veteran Experience: My duty in the Army Reserve helps my civilian counterparts in the VA better understand and stay close to the current issues impacting service members. My experience assists me with proving guidance to my fellow peers on things affecting our forces for whom the VA is standing by and committed to provide for those requiring services. For example, care, benefits, and memorial affairs upon their completion of service. The training and education I receive via the VA and the Army Reserve supplement my duties in both roles, and I continue to improve my professional development in my civilian and military careers. During my day-to-day operations, I have honed my skills in presenting, networking, and building teams. I am now applying these skills to continue to serve as a senior leader in the Army Reserve, I am also helping Veterans in need of healthcare and support services through the VA.

2. Reservist and VA employees share much of the same culture. Reserve Component Soldiers work for so many great organizations throughout our country. But often, those employers require service members to learn a new organizational language and expect them to adopt to a new culture to fit in and to lead effectively within their organization. I have found that many aspects of the VA and Army Reserve cultures are very similar across both organizations. I have always believed that trust is built through shared understanding or experiences, and those experiences support camaraderie and teamwork. In both of my careers, my teammates, leadership, and peers speak a similar language, share a common mission, and understanding. This compatibility across my professions gives me confidence when I'm in uniform supporting the Army Reserve mission and while working to solve biomedical issues for Veterans at the VA.

3. Flexibility: My military career has been long, winding, and full of surprises. I initially enlisted into the Active Duty Army prior to transitioning into the Army Reserve and becoming a warrant officer. Different phases of life require distinct considerations for career, education, and family commitments. Throughout my career, the Army Reserve and VA have allowed me the flexibility and stability to navigate the various phases of my personal, professional, and family life. I have been truly blessed to serve our great nation over the last 40+ years. And I could not have asked for a more understanding and supportive employer during those times I needed to step away from my VA duties to serve in the Army Reserve.

There are so many other benefits I enjoy from serving in the Army Reserve that I could share, and I implore to consider joining the Army Reserve while also serving your fellow Veterans at VA: https://rly.pt/3fGMDFy