MacDill Air Force Base

Introducing Ben Sever, Inaugural Sponsor of our new Veteran Scholarship Program!

Posted on January 17, 2018 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

We are very grateful to Ben Sever, VP of Strategic Partnerships at AtRock Consulting Group, for personally helping us create and fund the first round of our new Veteran Scholarship Program at Project Transition USA.

Ben’s generous financial donation is allowing us to begin offering a pro bono, one-on-one LinkedIN coaching service in addition to the monthly LinkedIn workshops we’ve been facilitating for transitioning military personnel and their dependents on MacDill Air Force Base (home of U.S Central Command and Special Operations Command) since 2012.

BOTTOM LINE: This program is aimed at keeping MORE of our transitioning servicemembers here in Tampa Bay so they won’t need to relocate to find jobs!

Project Transition USA’s pioneering effort has already yielded widespread success stories from start-up job offers to employment with Fortune 500 companies such as Tesla and Amazon. The addition of this new Veteran Scholarship Program will bring us closer to our goal of insuring that transitioning military servicemembers feel thoroughly equipped to make the significant cultural switch to the civilian workforce.

Ben Sever is proud to be a longtime Tampa resident, and in 2017 he quickly rose from becoming a monthly volunteer at our LinkedIn workshops on MacDill AFB, to accepting an active position on Project Transition USA’s Advisory Board.

He recently shared this story.

“Truthfully, my passion for helping veterans came from hearing about my father’s contribution in the Naval Medical Corps many years after he passed. Within the past couple of years, I was amazed to learn that he used his brilliance in the field of Ophthalmology to train the Mercury astronauts for the U.S Space Program.”

Ben also revealed, “When he was stationed at the Naval Air Development Center in PA, he participated in running simulation tests in order to properly analyze and prepare the astronauts’ eyes for the shock of extreme altitudes.”

“I’m sure this rewarding Naval experience is where he got his passion for not just helping others, but also contributed to leading a lifelong career as an M.D and philanthropist after his military stint ended.”

Ben chuckled and added, “I think anyone who knows me grasps that I’m no PhD brainiac, so I’m doing my best to give back in other ways. Also, I believe that a lot of my father’s selfless qualities were instilled by the military, so giving back to the organization that positively shaped the person who raised me is the least I can do.”

In addition to philanthropic work, Ben recently started his own consulting company that has already acquired a nationwide client-base. He is also an avid supporter of his hometown’s economic development, so he’s serving on the 2018 Ambassador Committee for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Although it would seem that he has quite the busy schedule, Ben wanted readers to know that “It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran, executive, new job seeker or just want to network, never hesitate to reach out. I’ll always help out as much as I can!”

Our next LinkedIn Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB is scheduled for Friday, January 19th, and is open exclusively to transitioning military personnel enrolled in MacDill’s TAP program, their dependents, and Project Transition USA volunteers.

Ben has also facilitated the introduction of this month’s guest speaker, Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School’s Headmaster (Ben’s alma mater), due to Kevin’s enthusiasm for technology tools like LinkedIn, as well as his veteran advocacy and strong belief in Tampa’s booming culture.

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

Project Transition USA is the only 501c3 nonprofit that specializes in teaching transitioning U.S. military veterans and their families how to fully utilize LinkedIn — the world’s most powerful business networking site.

For information about sponsorship opportunities with our new Veteran Scholarship Program, please call Nancy Laine at (727) 415-3878 or send an email to nancy@ProjectTransitionUSA.org.

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Congratulations to USAF Col. (Ret) Glenn Nielsen for winning a 2017 HEROES AT WORK AWARD!

Posted on June 27, 2017 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

Glenn Nielsen, our treasured volunteer photographer, is being honored with a 2017 HEROES AT WORK AWARD by the Tampa Bay Business Journal!

The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Heroes at Work award recognizes Tampa Bay veterans who, through their professional and personal efforts, are making a positive impact throughout the community.

USAF Col. (Ret) Glenn Nielsen is a decorated combat pilot who has been volunteering his time and expertise as a profile headshot photographer at our LinkedIN Workshops for transitioning servicemembers and their families on MacDill AFB for over a year now.

Glenn is one of the most talented, multi-faceted individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. “Creative” would be an understatement….every month he magically transforms a military supply closet into a portrait studio(!) — and the quality of photos he produces under these circumstances is beyond amazing.

He is an absolute lifesaver to our transitioning military attendees since a professional profile photo is often critical to their future career success. In the past year alone, he has positively changed the lives of HUNDREDS of his fellow veterans!

In his professional life, Glenn is a sought-after Tampa Bay portrait photographer. He’s a Godsend to families seeking a keepsake family portrait, as well as expectant mothers and families with newborn babies or developing children.

Glenn simply loves PEOPLE (even little people!), and there’s nothing that gives him greater pleasure than capturing the look of love between a parent and their child.

Our heartiest congratulations go out to Glenn Nielsen for receiving this prestigious award in recognition of his excellence and extreme generosity!!

To join us in expressing gratitude for Glenn’s selfless support for our transitioning U.S. military, please visit his profile on LinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/glenn-nielsen

#TBBJHeroes

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

Project Transition USA is the only 501c3 nonprofit that specializes in teaching transitioning U.S. military veterans and their families how to fully utilize the powerful business networking site, LinkedIN.

We are best known for teaching inspiring & entertaining LinkedIN Job Search Workshops for troops, providing personal introductions to VIPs, and managing the highly-popular “Project Transition USA” group on LinkedIN which is frequented by military-friendly hiring managers and business celebrities from all walks of life.

We invite you to show your support for our troops by joining our group today!

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GTE Financial will be our LinkedIN Workshop Lunch Sponsor again through 2016!

Posted on January 5, 2016 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

I am thrilled to announce GTE Financial has extended their sponsorship and will be providing lunch at our MacDill AFB LinkedIN Workshops throughout 2016!

GTE Financial, one of the largest credit unions in Florida, is a passionate supporter of transitioning troops and their families at MacDill Air Force Base.

GTE recently celebrated its 80th anniversary of serving the financial needs of its local residents and businesses, as well as enriching the Tampa Bay community. They are a not-for-profit financial cooperative and have been able to help multiple charity organizations and its members year-round. Giving back to the community is important to GTE and is embedded in its culture.

Scott DeThomas, former Wing Commander and CEO of MacDill Air Force Base, and now SVP of Products and Member Sales of GTE Financial, continues to actively support transitioning military and veterans in Tampa Bay by speaking at our LinkedIN Workshops on MacDill.

Our Jan. 22nd workshop will kick off the fourth year Project Transition USA has been invited to teach workshops on MacDill AFB, and it will be the third time Scott DeThomas has been our guest speaker.

Scott recently commented: “We are very thankful for organizations like Project Transition USA that work hard to support our military members as they transition to civilian life. Nancy and her team of volunteers do a great job.”

David Bode, AVP of Talent Management of GTE Financial, has been a member of LinkedIN for nearly eight years, and he had this to say: “Having access to resources like this workshop will no doubt be a huge help to the troops in establishing valuable relationships in the civilian world. Having a professional network is important in the transition phase.”

David continued, “Recruiters are using LinkedIN as one of their main recruiting tools, so it’s very important that job hunters put themselves out there in a variety of creative ways to catch their attention.”

Joe Brancucci, CEO of GTE Financial, kindly noted: “We believe in supporting organizations that help people better their lives, and these workshops are a wonderful opportunity for veterans to learn new and effective ways to search for employment.”

“We are aware that transitioning from the military can be a difficult process,” Joe added, “but with the right tools and support, our troops will be able to confront any hurdle and get right back into the workforce.”

Our next LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 22nd, 2016, and it is open exclusively to transitioning military personnel and dependents who are enrolled in MacDill’s TAP program.

To learn more about Project Transition USA’s LinkedIn Job Search Workshops on MacDill AFB, visit www.ProjectTransitionUSA.org, or contact me, Nancy Laine, at 727-415-3878.

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

Project Transition USA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been providing career-related services to U.S. military veterans since 2012. We are the only 501c3 that specializes in teaching transitioning military veterans and their families how to fully utilize the powerful business networking site, LinkedIN.

We are best known for teaching inspiring LinkedIN Job Search Workshops for top military leaders, providing personal introductions to VIPs, and managing the popular Project Transition USA group on LinkedIN which is frequented by military-friendly hiring managers and business celebrities nationwide.

After training over 1,000 transitioning military heroes to secure meaningful & rewarding employment by building supportive professional networks on LinkedIN, we are now developing an exciting new program that will place our veterans face-to-face with military-friendly business professionals in their communities.

Our new “Bring a Hero to Work” initiative will pair military veterans with civilians working in their target industries — allowing our heroes to experience day-to-day activities in the civilian workforce by “shadowing” their business hosts for a half-day (and particularly executives who are U.S. veterans themselves!)

We invite you to show your support for our transitioning troops and their families by joining our Project Transition USA group and offering your support for our job shadowing program today!

About GTE FINANCIAL:

GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1.7 billion in assets and 22 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more than 228,000 individuals and businesses.

More information on GTE Financial can be found at www.gtefinancial.org.

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Julie McAdoo, Co-founder of our Project Transition USA group, wins Finalist in the Tampa Bay Business Journal “2015 BusinessWoman of the Year Awards”!

Posted on August 29, 2015 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

Last night I had the incredible pleasure of watching Julie McAdoo walk on stage at the Tampa Hilton as a room full of hundreds of attendees applauded her success as an Entrepreneur!

It was a moment I will long remember!!

This prestigious award recognizes the top woman executives in the Tampa Bay area. Fifty women were chosen as Finalists — out of literally hundreds who were nominated — and Julie was one of only five in the Entrepreneur Category.

This is a WIN for every one of us! And especially for all our transitioning military members, because Julie helped create our Project Transition USA group on LinkedIN while she herself was transitioning from the Air Force, and in just 2-1/2 years has gone on to realize her dream of becoming a successful business owner.

Along with her retired USAF pilot husband Kevin McAdoo from MacDill Air Force Base (also a member of our group), Julie now owns and operates two Residential & Commercial cleaning companies in Tampa Bay — Office Pride & Refresh Your Nest. They already employ over 25 people, many of whom are former military!

MORE GREAT NEWS — Julie is currently hiring! So if you, or someone you know, are interested in joining a first-class, veteran-owned company in Tampa Bay, I encourage you to invite Julie to connect today and apply!

Please join me in congratulating our ‘Project Transition USA’ LinkedIN Group co-founder, Julie McAdoo, on this very important achievement by posting a heartfelt comment on our LinkedIN group discussion (click HERE to post).

Thank you, Julie really deserves this award! 🙂

Pane Rustica Sponsors Jan. 2015 LinkedIN Workshop for Transitioning Military on MacDill AFB

Posted on January 28, 2015 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

Thank you to all who participated in our January LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB!

We are sending out a HUGE thank you to our Workshop Sponsor, Kevin Kruszewski, owner of the awesome Pane Rustica Bakery & Cafe in South Tampa.

Kevin is an Honorary Commander of MacDill AFB, and he personally delivered the most incredible gourmet feast we have ever experienced!

(To say it was highly appreciated by the transitioning troops in attendance would be an understatement! Everyone was RAVING about it, and Pane Rustica will be seeing more of us very soon!)

Special thanks also goes out to our guest speaker, Scott DeThomas, former CEO and Wing Commander of MacDill AFB, who shared his personal experience of transitioning just months ago after 30+ years of service in the Air Force.

Scott is now a Sr. VP with GTE Financial, a leading credit union in Tampa, and this was his second speaking appearance with us in the past few months.

We are also grateful to Darrell Wade, Senior Law Office Manager/Paralegal from U.S. Special Operations Command, who made a guest appearance to speak to us about his continuing transition experience after attending our LinkedIN Workshop last October.

Darrell has been receiving many attractive job offers, and most of these potential employers found him on LinkedIN!

And finally, a sincere thanks to our wonderful volunteers, Paula Hochman, Tony Michaelides, Pete Blum, and Robyn Mussler. All our lives are so much richer because of people who CARE like you!

Bright House Networks Sponsors LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB

Posted on December 15, 2014 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

Bright House Networks has become a sponsor of our LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB!

Why teach LinkedIN to transitioning troops on U.S. military bases?

Because LinkedIN.com is the #1 hiring tool for recruiters & business owners in the civilian world – and it is virtually unknown to military personnel and veterans!

Project Transition USA is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in teaching transitioning U.S. military veterans and their families how to fully utilize the powerful business networking site LinkedIN, and we are pleased to announce our new LinkedIN Job Search Workshop Sponsor.

Bright House Networks sponsored our November 2014 LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill Air Force Base, home of U.S. Central Command.

The sixth largest owner and operator of cable systems in the U.S. and the second largest in Florida, Bright House Networks also owns and operates two 24-hour local news TV stations: Central Florida News 13 in the Orlando area and Bay News 9 for the Tampa Bay area.

Bright House Networks’ Director of Talent Acquisition, Molly McKinley, and their Diversity Manager, Brittany Harris, were active participants in the full-day workshop taught by facilitator Nancy Laine, an Army Chaplain’s daughter and the co-founder of Project Transition USA

Molly McKinley has interviewed countless job candidates over the years and her current responsibilities include managing 17 recruiters. In a mock interview created especially for the transitioning military personnel attending the workshop, Molly artfully assumed the role of “interviewer”, while Brittany Harris expertly played the part of a highly-qualified and well-prepared applicant.

It’s no wonder Brittany was so convincing in her role — this training exercise was, in fact, a fairly close reenactment of the interview that had secured her the management position she currently holds!

Reflecting on her experience in the LinkedIN Workshop that day, Brittany later remarked, “The efforts of Nancy Laine and the Project Transition USA team are admirable, and their passion to serve those who have served our country is contagious.”

She added with a smile, “I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share space with the men and women at MacDill AFB and the Project Transition USA team. I am honored to have been included in such a great mission and look forward to participating again in the future.”

The video of Molly and Brittany’s mock interview can be found on Project Transition USA’s new YouTube Channel: http://youtu.be/ivL2AZEX7qQ

The next LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB is scheduled for Friday, January 23^rd, 2015 and is open exclusively to transitioning military personnel & dependents who are enrolled in MacDill’s TAP program.

To learn about future sponsorship opportunities with Project Transition USA LinkedIN Job Search Workshops on MacDill AFB and beyond, contact Nancy Laine at 727-415-3878.

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Project Transition USA has been teaching free LinkedIN Job Search Workshops on MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa, FL) and other locations since Nov. 2012 at the request of retired senior military officers who were in dire need of support.

In addition to their workshops, they also provide personal introductions to military hiring managers and military-friendly civilians through their popular “Project Transition USA” group on LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Project-Transition-USA-4842096/about

Many workshop attendees and group participants have already been offered top-level positions throughout the U.S., and all of this has been accomplished with little to no operating budget.

Project Transition USA’s goal is to expand these workshops to every U.S. military base nationwide. Visit their testimonial page to learn what transitioning military troops and community leaders are saying about this project: www.projecttransitionusa.com/testimonials/

Scott DeThomas, Former Commander of MacDill AFB, Spoke to Transitioning Troops at our October LinkedIN Workshop!

Posted on November 2, 2014 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

It was an honor and a privilege to introduce retired Colonel Scott DeThomas, former Senior Wing Commander and CEO of MacDill Air Force Base, as our Special Guest Speaker at our Oct. 31st LinkedIN Job Search Workshop for transitioning troops and their families on MacDill.

After retiring only two months ago from his 32 year career in the U.S. Air Force (23 of those years as a pilot), Scott DeThomas graciously shared some very personal stories of his own transition experience while the troops and community guests in attendance listened attentively.

Many of the active duty personnel will be following in his footsteps within months, and some within a few short weeks.

Scott freely admitted to his audience that when he retired he was not at all clear about what he “wanted to do when (he) grew up”, and had found it quite helpful to hire a career coach and complete a career aptitude test. When “Banking” turned up on the Top 3 List of suggested careers, he was actually a bit surprised until he remembered that he had always been quite interested in financial investing.

Scott credits his natural ability to network, his Masters Certificate in Lean Six Sigma, and a bit of sheer “luck”, as significant aides on his path to success in the civilian world. Just two short months after leaving the service, he became the Sr. VP of Products & Member Sales for GTE Financial, one of Florida’s largest credit unions.

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

In addition to their workshops, they also provide personal introductions to corporate military hiring managers and military-friendly civilians through their popular “Project Transition USA” group on LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/groups/Project-Transition-USA-4842096/about

Many workshop attendees and group participants have already been offered top-level positions throughout the U.S., and all of this has been accomplished with little to no operating budget.

Project Transition USA’s goal is to expand these workshops to every U.S. military base nationwide as soon as possible. The need is urgent and the timing is critical. Visit their website to learn what transitioning military troops and community leaders are saying about this project: www.projecttransitionusa.com/testimonials/

Cappy Surette, Walt Disney World’s Senior Manager of Executive Communications, was our Guest Speaker at our LinkedIN Job Search Workshop in Sept. on MacDill AFB!

Posted on September 30, 2014 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

We are very happy to announce that Cappy Surette, Walt Disney World’s Senior Manager of Executive Communications, was our Special Guest Speaker at our Project Transition USA LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on September 19th at MacDill AFB in Tampa!

A retired U.S. Navy Captain, Cappy spoke to our audience of transitioning military veterans about some of his amazing experiences during his successful 22+ year military career, as well as his own journey into civilian life after retiring from the service two years ago.

At one time Cappy was the Hollywood Liaison for the U.S. Navy Office of Information in L.A. (working directly with celebrities such as Celine Dion and the Goo Goo Dolls), and later held multiple Media Relations & Public Affairs positions at the Pentagon.

Cappy was hired by Disney in 2012 as part of their ongoing “Heroes Work Here” initiative to promote the hiring of U.S. veterans nationwide.

Watch this video to learn more: http://www.clickorlando.com/disney-helps-veterans-get-new-careers/22329408

ABOUT PROJECT TRANSITION USA:

Many workshop attendees and group participants have already been offered top-level positions throughout the U.S., and all of this has been accomplished with little to no operating budget.

Getting LinkedIN with the Tampa Bay Area Chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International)

Posted on September 12, 2014 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

I had the great honor of presenting a LinkedIN Workshop for the Tampa Bay Area Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) on Sept. 10, 2014.

The Meeting & Event Industry contributes $122.3 BILLION in revenue to the Tampa Bay area alone, and MPI is their largest global community with more than 21,000 members belonging to 71 chapters & clubs worldwide.

Our workshop was held in the computer lab of Nova Southeastern University’s Tampa campus, and the topic was “Getting LinkedIN with Nancy Laine”.

Our Presentation Objectives included:

• Learn how to use LinkedIN the RIGHT way.
• How to get your profile ranked high and connect with highly influential people.
• How to add powerpoints & videos to your profile for the purpose of marketing yourself and your business.
• Learn how Nancy uses LinkedIN to help people find jobs.

This educational session marked the beginning of a wonderful new relationship between MPI and our 501c3 nonprofit, Project Transition USA, which was created to teach transitioning military personnel and their families how to use LinkedIN to find meaningful & rewarding new careers.

Many MPI members have since joined our Project Transition USA group on LinkedIN, and all of our members who may be interested in pursuing Hospitality careers are invited to join MPI’s LinkedIN group, attend their monthly luncheons in Tampa, and join their association.

The president of MPI Tampa Bay, Jim Engelmann, will be speaking at our upcoming LinkedIN Job Search Workshop for transitioning troops and their families on MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Oct. 31st, and many MPI members will be attending as well.

To learn more about the MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter, click here.

James Howard Sponsors LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill Air Force Base

Posted on September 10, 2014 Written by Nancy Leave a Comment

Why teach LinkedIN to transitioning troops on U.S. military bases? Because LinkedIN.com is the #1 hiring tool for recruiters & business owners in the civilian world – and it is virtually unknown to military personnel and veterans!

Tampa, FL — Project Transition USA, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in teaching transitioning U.S. military veterans and their families how to fully utilize the powerful business networking site LinkedIN, is pleased to announce their new LinkedIN Job Search Workshop Sponsor.

James Howard, Publisher of Creative Loafing Tampa, chose to personally sponsor their August 2014 LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill Air Force Base, home of U.S. Central Command.

James has served on the staff of Creative Loafing Tampa, Tampa Bay’s weekly arts and entertainment publication, for close to 20 years and assumed the role of Publisher in 2010.

Creative Loafing is the third largest newspaper in the Tampa Bay area, and in addition to a comprehensive listing of local happenings (from gallery openings to sporting events), they offer the most respected and authoritative critics on the subjects of food, film, theater and music.

When asked his reasons for becoming a LinkedIN Job Search Workshop Sponsor, James replied, “Linkedin has become the #1 platform for employers and career candidates to connect online today – it makes perfect sense to teach our transitioning military and their families how to use it!”

Continuing with a smile, James added, “I have a success story of my own to share. I recently hired three great new employees, and I found them ALL on Linkedin!”

Reflecting on the experience of sponsoring the workshop taught by facilitator Nancy Laine, an Army Chaplain’s daughter and the co-founder of Project Transition USA, James remarked, “I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to help our troops on MacDill Air Force Base by sponsoring such a worthy cause, and I greatly appreciate the new connections I’ve made in the process!”

The next LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB is scheduled for Friday, October 31st and is open exclusively to transitioning military personnel & dependents who are enrolled in MacDill’s TAP program. To learn about future sponsorship opportunities with Project Transition USA LinkedIN Job Search Workshops on MacDill AFB and beyond, contact Nancy Laine at 727-415-3878.