USO Pathfinder Program

Making connections in military transition during LinkedIn event

By Gary Lott on October 10, 2019

The USO Pathfinder Program and Goodwill Veterans Services recently held a "Mastering LinkedIn" Workshop and Networking Event with Mentor Guidance on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sept. 5.

This event was open to all transitioning service members, National Guard and reservists, military spouses, veterans and military family members that are one year from post-separation from the military.

"With almost 100 participants in attendance, the event was a tremendous success," said USO Pathfinder Program Site Manager Charles Bailey. "However, in addition to the LinkedIn workshop, we were thrilled to have more than 20 veteran mentors present for the networking event."

The intent of this networking event was for participants to enhance their understanding and ability to engage and network with successful leaders in the private sector. Who better to talk transitioning as a veteran than a recently transitioned veteran?

By seeking and inviting insight from outside and recently transitioning service members, the USO Pathfinder event provided a first-hand experience from fellow service members. These individuals recently went through the trials and tribulations of what is next for military members leaving the service and are now able to assist the next wave of transitioning members.

This connection with various veteran mentors provides a space to seek their wisdom, experience and guidance.

"The USO always endeavors to partner with organizations and people like Michael Quinn who provide valuable insights and best practices that transitioning service members and military spouses can benefit from," said Bailey.

Events such as this provide specific opportunities to learn from and leverage the experience of people that have successfully transitioned to the private sector themselves or have been successful leaders in corporate America. 

Along with mentors, additional partners were also instrumental in the success of this event.

"We were blessed to have incredible partners like Goodwill Veterans Services, Suits to Service Members, and Cotugno Photography help make this event a success, said USO Pathfinder Program Site Manager Charles Bailey. "We are just blessed to be part of such a wonderful community that really is all-in for transitioning service members and military spouses." 

The pathfinder program is quickly becoming a household name in the Pacific Northwest military community when it comes to transition in the PNW community and connections

"It simply comes down to creating a personal connection with every individual that we serve and tailoring our support based on their individual needs," added Bailey. "There is no one-size-fits-all approach to transition ... we will make every effort to support our clients based on their personal situations and in a way that works for them." 

The one message all veterans were expected to leave with after the event is that "You Are Not Alone!" 

"There are incredible people and organizations throughout the PNW available to help them with every aspect of their transition," added Bailey. "If they aren't sure how to find them, they need to come see us at USO Pathfinder!" 

Any transitioning service members, National Guard and reservists, military spouses, veterans and/or military family members interested in the USO Pathfinder Program are invited to register for their services by visiting uso.org/pathfinder.