"I make an effort to take the time and reach out to others that I miss" Amy Green

1.What inspired you to transition from military to civilian life, and how did you prepare for this significant change?

Having 3 children and being off on maternity leave for a total of 2 years made me realize that my priorities had shifted towards my family. Additionally, my technical courses were no longer relevant due to changes in computer systems for weather forecasting. This prompted me to transition from military to civilian life to better support my family and to pursue a new career path. I prepared for this significant change by researching different career options, updating my resume, and networking with professionals in the civilian sector. I also took some courses to gain new skills that would be valuable in the civilian job market. Overall, it was a combination of personal priorities and professional circumstances that led me to make the transition. Being forced out due to a medical condition wasn’t an option. So I had to continue with the decision that was made for me.

2. Could you describe your current role in civilian life and how you arrived at this path?

In my current role in civilian life, I work as a volunteer and advocate for veterans who are struggling with paperwork, lack of support, and understanding of the services available through Veterans Affairs. This path was inspired by my close work with Cadence, where I saw firsthand the struggles of veterans with addiction and homelessness. It was a difficult and eye-opening experience, and I realized that many veterans are alone and unable to advocate for themselves. I felt compelled to give them a voice and support in navigating the system and accessing the services they need. This has become a passion for me, and I am dedicated to creating a positive impact for veterans and their families.

3. During your transition, what obstacles did you encounter, and what strategies proved instrumental in overcoming them?

During my transition, I encountered obstacles such as not having much experience with resume writing, applying for jobs online, and the interview process, as I had only held one job prior to joining the military.

The biggest challenge for me was the interview, as I had to figure out how to express how my military experience could translate to the civilian workforce. Another obstacle was getting out of my comfort zone and adjusting to a different dynamic with work colleagues, as the sense of family and camaraderie in the military was not the same in civilian jobs. To overcome these obstacles, I had to believe in my abilities to succeed and seek out resources and support for resume writing and interview preparation. I also had to actively work on adjusting my mindset and expectations for the civilian work environment. It took time and effort, but I ultimately found strategies that helped me overcome these challenges and navigate my transition successfully.

At times it was lonely, and I felt isolated and had no one that understood my struggles, now being in a position to see that many of us feel alone. It makes me sad knowing how many have taken their own lives, and wished we as a community would do more.

4. How did you navigate the shift in identity from being in the military to reintegrating into civilian life, and what helped you through this process?

Navigating the shift in identity from being in the military to reintegrating into civilian life has been a challenging process for me. I still struggle with fully embracing my new identity, and I often pause when asked about what I do for a living. Having children has helped in giving me a sense of identity, but I still find it difficult to confidently identify as a veteran or a stay-at-home parent. However, I have found purpose and connection through my advocacy work for veterans. This role has provided me with a sense of fulfillment and allows me to connect with other veterans who may be experiencing similar struggles. I have also encountered challenges in relating to civilians, as they may struggle to understand my perspective and experiences from my time in the military. It is an ongoing process for me to navigate this shift in identity, but I am learning to find pride and confidence in my new roles and embrace the opportunities they bring.

5. What aspects of military life do you find yourself missing the most, and how do you keep those memories alive?

The aspects of military life that I find myself missing the most are the friendships, the sense of belonging, the identity, the instant respect and recognition associated with ranks, as well as the trust and loyalty within the military community. It took me some time to understand that once I transitioned to civilian life, I couldn't expect those who continue to wear the uniform to understand the struggles of transitioning out of the military. I have come to realize that it is up to me to maintain those friendships and connections. While in the military, we were used to being posted, on courses, or deployed, so not being physically close to friends was not an issue. However, learning how to maintain those friendships into adulthood has been a learning curve for me. I make an effort to take the time and reach out to others that I miss, and I have found that it is important to nurture those relationships that were so meaningful to me during my time in the military.