Serving Those Who Serve

  • Published
  • By Maj. Allison Ecung
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --         
        Tech. Sgt. David Orozco, 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,  can definitely relate to other military members who have transitioned into the civilian world. A thirteen-year veteran of the army national guard, he's held positions in human resources, retention, recruiting, security forces, as a training manager and a career counselor.  Yet after resigning his commission in the army, with all of his experience and a top secret security clearance, he faced a challenging job search.  Now as the Military and Veteran recruiter for CBS Corporation in New York, he is helping other military members make an easier transition to civilian life.
        Drawing on his experience as a counselor for the Veterans Administration, Orozco now works with veterans to match them with positions available at the national network. 
        "I try to make an impact in at least one person's life everyday", he says, "As a service member you need to help your brothers and sisters."
        In his capacity as a CBS recruiter, he helps civilian hiring managers understand the multitude of leadership attributes that military members bring to the table, while simultaneously helping veterans understand the culture and unique demands required within this new environment.
        Orozco's had his share of transitions as well. He joined the 714th aircraft maintenance squadron earlier this year in a major move from army recruiting.  Although new to the Air Force Reserve he does have a history with Joint Base McGuire: as a young military police troop with the Air National Guard he briefly provided security for the McGuire Air Force Base gate. Although he initially faced a bit of culture shock, he's embraced the autonomy of airmen along with the Air Force emphasis on professional development and education as a key part of the mission.
        "The most heartbreaking thing [as a recruiter] is to see a résumé from someone who spent years in the military and didn't attempt to get more education or better themselves, he said."
Recruiting at CBS is an opportunity of a lifetime for Orozco. As he describes it, the great thing about his career is that affecting people's lives on a daily basis is gratifying work. He strongly believes that at the end of the day people will remember what you did for them and how you made them feel. He summed up his role by saying, "People should want to make an impact in other's lives."
        Orozco has a list of guidelines for transitioning veterans which goes:
    - Start Early
         Don't wait until a few weeks before your last day, start reviewing your resume for gaps and inconsistencies one year in advance of separating.
    - Narrow your search
         Focus on one sector and a particular location instead of mass mailing your resume. Human resources representatives don't have a lot of time to review many resumes.
    - Use LinkedIn
         Create an account and make sure it's updated and demilitarized. Have a civilian friend review it to ensure clarity.
    - Make Networking a Priority
         Start by asking friends and family for information about their experiences if you're uncomfortable with networking. Make "six degrees of separation" work in your favor.
    - Practice the Interview
        Avoid discussing specific military skills and focus on what you've learned from your experiences and how those lessons and responsibilities can be applied to a corporate environment.