The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs maintains thorough knowledge of individual and social factors contributing to personal problems that affect the veteran and active duty service members and their families, remains current on issues and trends impacting the work and mission of the division, forms strong and successful partnerships locally, regionally and nationwide to address veterans’ issues in Rhode Island, in order to set conditions to reduce homeless veterans, veterans living in poverty, veteran unemployment rates, ensure veterans receive proper medical care, while continuing quality customer service at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery and ensure every Veteran has an opportunity to make it in Rhode Island.My responsibilities include:• Assisting in the provision of social services, including financial assistance, to eligible honorably discharged veterans and their dependents, and to interpret pertinent laws, rules and regulations• Work with federal agencies, such as the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration, and public and private health and social service agencies for the purpose of coordinating and making available community resources for the benefit of veterans and their dependents in need of, and eligible for, such services• Assist veterans and their dependents in the application process for State and Federal Benefits.• Provide counsel to veterans in completing enrollment applications into the VA health care systems• Counsel and assist veterans in acquiring correct information concerning their military records or the review of their military discharge information

United Training Academy prepares individuals to start a new career through short-term training, certification preparation, and career readiness. Whether transitioning out of the military, recently graduated, or looking for a better future, United Training Academy will prepare you for a new career through certifications in IT and Project Management in months. We partner with the Department of Veteran Affairs, local military bases, Workforce Centers and other non-profit organizations who work with individuals looking to enter high-demand, high-growth occupations within the fields of Information Technology, Project Management, Business Administration, and Medical Administration. United Training is a training provider for Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA certifications.Career Development programs include:• Security Associate- Network+, Security+• Network/Systems Professional- Security+, CCNA, MCSA• Business Professional- Excel, Project Management (PMP), Six Sigma Green Belt, ITIL• Medical Office Administration- Billing and Coding & Electronic Health RecordsMy responsibilities include:• Counseling and comprehensive career assessment planning• Conducting resume review and occupational assessments to identify skills gaps• Coaching and guidance to clients on how to attain needed skills for career enhancement/placement• Identifying (Through market research and local Labor Market Index) sustainable high-demand career opportunities• Full Scale Placement Services including Resume Writing, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, Interviewing prep, and connections to Client Companies and Recruiter Partners

The ultimate goal is to help each person I work with to achieve a happy and fulfilling career. That is achieved by helping people evaluate their interests, skills, and abilities. We will discuss how their employment background, education, and training will benefit them in their next career choice. Once that is completed we will develop a learning solution that will assist them in achieving their career goals. Once their program is completed I mentor clients in job search skills, such as interviewing and networking.

Civil Affairs Soldiers are the field commander's link to the civil authorities in his area of operations. With specialists in every area of the government, they can assist a host government meet its people's needs and maintain a stable and viable civil administration.Deployments/Mobilizations:Iraq - 2004-2005DIVISION ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE LIAISONSubject matter expert for all matters pertaining to the Council Charters and Transitional Authority Law of Iraq and produced government and elections presentations for the 1st Cavalry Division Commander, 3rd Infantry division commander and all Brigade Commanders.Warwick, RI - 2003-2004Recruitment/Retention NCOMobilized for home-station ADSW with the purpose of retaining current soldiers and recruiting additional soldiers in support of future GWOT deployment.Kosovo - 2002CIVIL AFFAIRS SPECIALISTTeam member on a Civil Affairs team for the Novo Brdo area to provide civil-military support and Humanitarian Assistance to the local population. Met with local leaders to provide area assessments for leadership in order to address issues for the local population in areas of medical, utility, education and infrastructure among others.