Two women who accept nothing but success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Editor's note: This is part one in a three-part series on the Transition Assistance Program at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Angela Sanclemente and LaVonne Vasquez are community readiness consultants who combine for more than 30 years of transition assistance experience.

The wide breadth of experience helps the duo boast one clear message about the Transition Assistance Program:

"This program is going to give military members all the tools they can apply as they progress in their new career," said Sanclemente.

The two women facilitate the TAP at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The program for transitioning from military to civilian life is particularly focused on success within the civilian workforce. The curriculum guidelines include role perception and changes, coping with stress, financial management and spouse career goals.

"I want [military members] to know how important the whole workshop will be for them," said Vasquez. "To me, knowledge is power--the more knowledge you have going out there to work in the civilian world, the better off you're going to be."

Sanclemente has worked in transition programs since 2001 and has conducted training overseas and LaVonne has been working in transitions programs since 1990.

"I was so excited when I interviewed for this job," Vasquez said. "I'd already done all that--I had to make resumes, do interviewing, and I thought to myself, 'now I can help another veteran.'"

Before working in the TAP, Vasquez found employment for military spouses. Her knowledge and skills acquired from her previous job applied to the TAP, and she jumped at the chance to work with veterans transitioning into the civilian world, she said.

"I thought, 'I can do this!'" said Vasquez, a 10-year Air Force veteran. "I still have that passion."

Military members are counted on to do everything and anything for mission success, and the facilitators teach that they should leverage that experience to their benefit.

"In the military, you do more than just your job," Vasquez said. "You might have to plan a budget or schedule people for work, and work as a team."

Vasquez and Sanclemente help attendees transfer their military experience on a resume and show-case it to the job market. Additionally, the lessons learned in TAP provide an advantage for success.

"Military members are going to have the background and knowledge to help them get ahead of the game," said Sanclemente.

Vasquez implores military members transferring to the civilian workforce go out there with a great resume, do great on that interview, and get that job.

"When you transition out, I want it to be smooth," Vasquez said.