Q: Tell us about your time in the military – What branch did you serve in? What did you do? Anything else?
A: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. My primary MOS was 0111 (Administrative Clerk), but I also worked as an Operations Non-Commissioned Officer at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and as a Motor Vehicle Operator in Iraq.

Q: Why did you decide to work for HVAF?
A: I have previous experience in the social services field, working in refugee resettlement. I taught English as a Second Language to adults that came from various countries, including people who supported the U.S. military in Afghanistan.
While HVAF’s veterans, services, and programs are different from those in refugee resettlement, the basic idea of helping those in the community who need some extra support makes the work rewarding. The fact that we serve veterans gives the work special importance and meaning.

Q: How has your experience at HVAF been like so far?
A: The HVAF team is a tight-knit group that works hard every day to serve Indiana’s veterans. Everyone’s been supportive and patient with me as I learn about the organization’s programs and services. I look forward to improving my skills and increasing my knowledge so that I can contribute more to the team.

Q: What does it mean to you to be able to serve your fellow veterans?
A: There are programs and services available to veterans that I had no idea existed before I started working at HVAF. It’s great to know that there are many federal, state, and local programs and organizations assisting veterans in need. I’m glad to be a part of that support structure and to connect veterans with that support.

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?
A: I’m originally from California, and up until a few years ago, I hadn’t had the opportunity to visit and explore the Midwest. There’s so much to see and do here. I enjoy visiting Indiana’s state parks, listening to live concerts at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and exploring cities in the surrounding states (next up: Toledo, Cleveland, and Detroit, here I come).

Q: Anything else you would like to share?
A: I’m new to The Hoosier State, but since I’ve arrived, it’s clear that the people of Indiana are very supportive of veterans. I appreciate that, and I look forward to making my own contribution moving forward.