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Are any other Advisors not Veterans?

Advisor

Heather Gillbanks Houston, TX

From the networking events I have attended, it seems the majority (all, so far!) of the advisors I have met are also veterans. Am I the only one who is not? Perhaps it is a Texas thing, since there are so many bases here, there is certainly no shortage of Veterans.

No need to respond - this is a test post.

19 July 2011 68 replies General

Answers

Advisor

Kim Gamero Boise, ID

Actually, I would love to know the answer to this question, as I am not a Veteran. I got started with ACP because I appreciate the sacrifices our veterans make, and I never had the opportunity to even make the offer.

1 August 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Anton Rasmussen Bentonville, AR

As a veteran and president of George Mason University's College Veterans for Hire, I know that a lot of non-veterans come out to support what we do; this is the kind of thing that us vets are looking for when we hear "support the troops." Some of the best relationships I've made since getting out are with non-veterans who feel a sense of duty to veterans--the people who come out to support the VFW, the people who help us in our transition, and the people who take the time to say "thanks." You should be proud of your service and know that all of us appreciate your support (whether you're a vet or not).

18 October 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Lynette Jones

You don't have to be a Veteran as long as your heart is in the right place. It's cool.

1 October 2011 Helpful answer

Veteran

Michael Smith Denver, CO

I think hearing the perspectives of non-veterans is perhaps even more valuable to us, so thank you.

24 August 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Ron Stitt

I'm not a veteran. Doesn't seem to matter.

3 August 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Paula P. Gaithersburg, MD

I'm not a military veteran, I'm an IBM veteran...but spent 18 years of my IBM career serving US Federal clients. My first protege initiated me in military procedures as she was a Marine's surviving spouse. It's been an honor for me to be part of this program.

6 January 2012 Helpful answer

Advisor

Bill Smith Sandy Hook, CT

I am no a veteran. IBM employee.

18 October 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Doug Goetz

I'm another one who is not a veteran. I am on my 2nd protege tour. I will admit to being an Army brat though.

13 August 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Claudia Stapleton Grand Prairie, TX

I am not a veteran, but I am a professional career coach and resume writer who assists veterans.

24 April 2012 Helpful answer

Advisor

Laura Rivchun New York, NY

I'm not a veteran but would like to help with any career issues or concerns in any way I can.

3 February 2012 Helpful answer

Advisor

Judy Tomlinson Dallas, TX

I'm not a Veteran but have many friends and family who are. I am using my strengths to help any way I can...mostly in resume writing. I feel my main role is to help translate the skills the Vet has into business-speak. I ask the same questions to anyone I am helping with career goals and resume creation.

10 January 2012 Helpful answer

Advisor

Randy Katz Dallas, TX

No previous military - although I too was an Army brat

17 November 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Terri Lewis Zebulon, NC

I am a veteran and work at IBM and I think it's great that all you non-veterans are here to help out the veterans. Thanks!!

18 October 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Theo Posselt Berkeley, CA

I'm not a veteran either - Deloitte.

18 October 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Aaron Spool West Orange, NJ

I'm not a Veteran. I learned about ACP from an article in The Wall Street Journal and followed from there.

7 October 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Sean Butler Keller, TX

As a protoge, I can tell you that my mentor was not a vet. I don't think that matters as much as the level of dedication of the mentor.

22 September 2011 Helpful answer

Advisor

Shuet Loke Jersey City, NJ

I am not a vet. I am an experienced IT senior manager in an insurance company. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.

Advisor

Jay Lightfoot Herndon, VA

I am also not a veteran. I just started my journey with ACP and look forward to further engagements.

Advisor

Jan Clark Massillon, OH

Heather, I am not a military veteran but truly appreciate the sacrifice they have made for God and Country and our freedom. I joined just in the hope that I can provide some sort of payback to anyone that was, or is, in the military.

Advisor

Jan Clark Massillon, OH

Heather, I am not a military veteran but truly appreciate the sacrifice they have made for God and Country and our freedom. I joined just in the hope that I can provide some sort of payback to anyone that was, or is, in the military.

Advisor

Kathy Kelly Forest Hills, NY

Not a veteran, but I come from a family of veterans. I am helping returning veterans transition to a world that's changed a lot since they deployed. I teach communication skills for interviews, presentations, pitches and networking.

Advisor

PAMELA MAY Birmingham, AL

I'm not a veteran - just wanted to do whatever I can to help.

Advisor

Ann Martin Pittsburgh, PA

I am not a veteran, but I have worked with active and veteran military students for the past decade. I am hoping some of my experience with many hundreds of military students, whether career or transitioning, could help others.

Advisor

Tracy Fielder Houston, TX

I am not a veteran and am born and raised in TX. I heard about this on Sean Hannity and decided this was the least I could do to help our men and women serving our country!

Advisor

Dave Zimmerman West Palm Beach, FL

I am a Veteran. I wish I had the opportunity that you folks are giving to these great hero veterans. Personally, I am put off by empathy toward our Vets! It is amazing and wonderful people like you that have personally and with great impact turned empathy into compassion. You have taken Action! You are a minority from the masses that have gone from feeling bad for our veterans to actually putting the thought and time into making a difference in their lives. You are the America we fought and sacrificed for!

You should All be very proud of your Selfless Service to us and the impact of your Great Deeds!

DEZ

Advisor

Carl Lee Townsend, DE

I am not a veteran but like most respondants have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for those who have served and their families. Many of my family members have served and I am always looking for ways to help. I heard about this site on the Sean Hannity radio show and just knew I had something to offer. I just joined today and this is my first post. Looking forward to help in anyway I can.

Advisor

Paul Crabtree Mason, OH

I am not a veteran, but grew up in Virginia Beach, where my father worked at the Norfolk Naval Base, and many of my friends were in Navy families. I feel providing my perspective to our veterans to help their reintegration is the least I can do for all that they've done for me.

Advisor

Jim West Newport News, VA

Not a vet. Heard about this site on the Sean Hannity show. I have friends who are serving/vets so i wanted to join to offer any help I could. I have 8 years IT experience but have 4 years recent management experience in the multi family housing industry.

Advisor

Scott Agnoli Clifton, NJ

I am not a veteran, however I wanted to find out how I could support our soldiers coming back and I found this site. I just want to help anyway I can.

Advisor

James Miller Ypsilanti, MI

I'm not a veteran either but sincerely appreciate our women and men of the military. Anything I can do to help in their transition to civilian life is my privilege.

Advisor

Bob Laverty Cranbury, NJ

I am not a vet either. They have served our country - and whatever I can to do to help them re-enter the workplace is the least I can do.

Advisor

Nancy Stephens Virginia Beach, VA

I am not a Veteran, however I am a military spouse of a retired LDO. I have worked with veterans, spouses and civilians on employment and transition as well as career changes.

Advisor

geetha balakrishnan Troy, MI

I am not a veteran, I have great respect for them

Advisor

Christopher Vogt Auburn, CA

I'm not a vet or a son of vets.

After a lot of hard work, I was able to retire when I was 42 and have made my retirement goal helping others retire younger than they thought they could!

Advisor

Michael McIrvin Mcpherson, KS

Im not a vet although i was born in a stateside army hospital.

Advisor

Brian Henry New York, NY

Likewise, I am not a veteran, but I am here to provide advice and counsel to veterans reentering the workforce. I hope non-veterans like me can help bridge the vernacular of the military and the workplace.

Advisor

Matthew Keenan Lewisville, TX

I am not a veteran, but much appreciation for those who are. Looking forward to adding value with business perspective to those seeking assistance.

Advisor

Rod Haberer Phoenix, AZ

I'm not a veteran. But my father is, and I've interviewed hundreds. In Broadcast news for 36 years.

Advisor

JK R T Brewster, NY

I'm not a veteran.

Advisor

Anne Zimos Hicksville, NY

I am not a veteran, but married to one.

Advisor

Sandy Noirjean Jericho, NY

I am not a Veteran. My brother is 20 yrs in with 7 deployments. For him and so many others, this is one my givebacks for their protection of our freedom. I also work with local non-profits in the Long Island, NY Area with my main focus in Boots on the Ground New York.

Advisor

Andy Lewis Denver, CO

I think this community is better off for having a mix of perspectives, but it had never occurred to me to reach out before reading this thread. Sending off invitations to join now... Thanks!

Advisor

Michael Brinda Irvine, CA

Not a veteran, but worked on a base as a civilian.

Advisor

Jill DeSimone Moisan Princeton, NJ

I am also not a veteran
I just wanted to help those who served for all of us ..I wanted to leverage my 32 yrs of experience
And my Dad was a Veteran who served in WW2 and he was so proud so I was hoping to give back in a small way.

Advisor

Robyn Betchner Chicago, IL

I'm not a veteran, but I am thankful for the service of our military men and women, and I also have a long history of military service in my family. Plus I enjoy helping and mentoring others.

Advisor

Accursio Marciante Union, NJ

Ding - count me in Heather to your count. I'm not a veteran but here to help out my fellow countrymen. My brother served in the Army though as the driver of a Stryker vehicle out of Ft Lewis WA.

Advisor

Christopher Ahlberg Holtsville, NY

I'm a naturalized (proud!) American, served as an army/artic ranger in Sweden (a long time ago) - but happy to help out here!

Advisor

Pavan Khatri Henderson, NV

Another non-veteran, if you want to interact on specific issues.

Advisor

Gail Lesnieski New York, NY

You're not alone. I'm from MI and not a veteran.

Advisor

Heather Gillbanks Houston, TX

Bob - thanks for the information!

Veteran

Bob Hanrahan Melbourne, FL

I am a veteran advisor and I think it is great that there are many non veteran advisors helping.
I would politely suggest you become aware of some of the support provided to both active duty and veterans just so you'll have some of that info in your hip pocket when dealing with veterans.
One major on-going support program is the TAP (Transition Assistance Program) program available at most military installations. Military members and their spouse get some training on making the transition, job hunting, resume writing, networking interviewing etc. The Officers of the seven uniformed services have the Military Officers Associaton of America (MOAA) and local chapters to assist transitioning officers via their The Officer Placement Service (TOPS) program. It is a short program of several hours that does pretty much what TAP does, but provides for one on one support to the officer by the MOAA TOPS representative. And in general, there are many organizations supporting our Warriors, but are too numerous to mention here.
Hope this helps a bit.

Advisor

Robert Loredo Miami, FL

I am not a veteran. Though I think being a non veteran has some advantages to advice, particularly when needing to adjust the context of your resume or background skills to "civilian" context. In other words, if I don't understand the acronyms or details of your job, more than likely neither will your hiring manager. Of course, having an advisor that has military background is also advantageous, in that they can easily translate military to civilian contexts. I'd say, get one of each! Best of both worlds! ;)

Hope this helps!

Veteran

James New Kansas City, MO

No need to be a veteran. The best way to network is to communiate with people from many different diverse backgrounds. I am a vet and welcome the input.

Advisor

Eitan Hadayo Roy, WA

I'm not a veteran and my protege didn't mind at all. It is all about getting the right decisions in life at the right time. Look forward to help others, I appreciate a lot the veterans that serve this country.

Veteran

Fred Jackson Kirkland, WA

Being a Service Brat as well as career military, there is a benefit to having Advisors who are Veterans; makes the translation a bit easier. That said, the benefit to having Advisors who are not Veterans is having a "native speaker"; there are many aspects of civilian industry you will take for granted that are new to us, and ones we'd never consider. I've not received my mentor pairing at present, however I will value and respect her/him regardless of background. Sometimes I learn more from someone of different background than from one I share a past with. You're all important, Veteran and non-Veteran alike; your experiences and willingness to mentor enriches us all. Thank You for Your service!

Advisor

George Langlais Nashua, NH

Not a veteran, but my father served in the Navy in WWII and Korea and later in Naval Reserves. At two key points in my life I considered joining the military as one of my options, but circumstances drew me in other directions. After almost 40 years as a computer programmer and consultant, I figured spending part of my retirement advising veterans working in or running software or consulting businesses would be a great way to serve my country at this stage of life.

Veteran

Brandon McKinney Knoxville, TN

As a few others have mentioned, it does not matter. As a vet, I can tell you that it is not important if you are or are not a veteran, but that you care enough to help veterans by giving your time and expertise.

Advisor

Geoff Morse Rockwall, TX

I am not a veteran either. I am involved in ACP as a service to my dad who was a WWII veteran.

Advisor

Jennifer Laszlo New Hyde Park, NY

I am not a veteran..this is my first post..those of us in business have a lot to share..we are constantly reinventing ourselves and our businesses

Advisor

Sheryl Wragg Ada, MI

Also not a veteran, but am honored to do my small part to help.

Advisor

Amy Goodfriend Greenwich, CT

I am not a veteran and I think it is possible for those of us who have not served to help our fellow citizens who have served transition to civilian life. We have different experiences and knowledge to share with them which is still valuable even if we do not share the military experience and have to cross a bridge to communicate.

Advisor

Christopher Ahlberg Holtsville, NY

I trained as a ranger a long time ago in Sweden, so don't think I qualify as a veteran :)

Seriously though, being a US citizen now, I'll do anything to help do my part.

Advisor

James Black Cleveland, OH

It appears many of the advisors are not veterans, and I think that is good to know. I joined to help "pay it forward" since I did not serve. I often considered it in my past, and circumstances offered me other opportunities. I think it has been a rewarding experience, and I am glad I can impart some wisdom on my protégé.

Advisor

Donna Moreno Silver Spring, MD

I am not a veteran either. I wanted to help those who have served.

Advisor

Sarah Mandell Pittsburgh, PA

I am not a veteran but am very interested in mentoring veterans as a way to give back for their service. I was recently laid off from IBM and have 15+ years of experience in a variety of positions. So I am skilled at the whole job search/resume/interviewing process. I feel I offer a variety of skills on going back to school while working full time as well as changing professions/industries. I have looked at resources available to veterans so I get an idea of the environment my proteges are coming from (G.I. Jobs is a good resource...). Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. I also look forward to learning from other advisors!

Advisor

YM Chen Gaithersburg, MD

I am not a veteran either. This has given me the opportunity to meet with those who have served.

Advisor

Jon Czernel Milford, MI

I am not a veteran either... just want to help support those who have served.

Advisor

Heather Gillbanks Houston, TX

Thanks for the responses. Good to know I am not the only one!

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