WELCOME
Greetings everyone! Welcome to the Winter, 2009 issue of Inverness TAP News, the Inverness Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Newsletter. Our intention for this Newsletter is to use it as a means for you to get to know more about the company, the TAP Program and - most importantly – about one another. One of the greatest challenges of working with geographically separated staff members and facilitators is that it's difficult to get to know one another, form and maintain relationships and benefit from each other's experiences. We hope that this Newsletter will provide that venue. We plan to publish the Newsletter 3 to 4 times a year and in order to do that, we will be asking for your help and contributions in a number of ways.
As you will see in the following pages, we have outlined several sections that we think will be of the greatest interest to our audience. So, while on that subject – just who IS our audience? Predominately, it's you – our TAP facilitators out in the field, DOL VETS staff and our DoD, VA and DHS partners. We hope that this newsletter becomes a great tool in getting the word out on what TAP is all about, the important role we play in its delivery around the world, and how we go about our jobs.
We plan to offer information on such topics as facilitation tips, important facts about TAP, new programs and initiatives, etc. I think one of our favorite sections will be the area where we spotlight you-our facilitators! It will be great to get a glimpse of trainer’s backgrounds, experiences and insights that we can share around the world with one another. Since we can't all gather in one place very easily – this may be the next best way to get to know the composition of our outstanding team. As our management team travels around the nation and the world and visits with you, they always come back with great pictures, stories, interesting insights and lessons learned. This will be yet another way to share that wealth of information.
Thanks to all of you, 2009 was a great year for the TAP Program and Inverness Technologies. We continue to expand and we know that 2010 will be an even greater success! Your expertise, experience and outstanding commitment to our servicemen, woman and spouses is evident in each and every workshop that you deliver and we want you to know how much we appreciate what you do! Thank you!
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year!
Diane Miller,
Executive Vice President
2009: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Inverness delivered a total 1,419 TAP workshops worldwide to 36,348 TAP participants! What a huge accomplishment!
To give you a better perspective of the TAP program worldwide here are the highlights for 2009:
CONUS Highlights:
- Provided TAP Workshops at 52 sites in 16 states and the District of Columbia to include CA, CO, DE, GA, HI, IL, MD, PA, MS, OH, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WY
- Delivered 845 workshops to 26,474 participants
- Have 50 outstanding CONUS TAP Facilitators
- Expanded to a number of new TAP sites this year to include Ft. Carson WTU, CO; Ft. McPherson, GA; Ft. Myer, VA, the Pentagon, VA; Henderson Hall, VA; Scott AFB, IL Great Lakes NTC, IL and the Ft. Lewis Confinement Facility
- Provided temporary TAP Workshop support at a number of other locations to include: Ft. Irwin, CA; Vandenberg AFB, CO; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Quantico MCB, VA; Ft. Lee VA; and the USCG in Alexandria, Baltimore and New Orleans
Overseas Highlights:
- Provided TAP Workshops at 51 overseas sites in 8 countries and one Territory to include Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Italy, Portugal, Japan, Korea and Guam
- Delivered 574 workshops to 9,874 participants
- Have 34 outstanding Overseas TAP Facilitators
- Expansion is planned to Navy and Air Force sites in Spain, Turkey, Bahrain and Greece in 2010!
FEATURE ARTICLE: TOP TEN TAP FACILITATOR TIPS
Being a TAP Facilitator is an exciting, fun and meaningful job. This position allows you to deliver powerful career transition and job search content to thousands of transitioning service members and spouses each year and contribute to their future success. What a great opportunity to have such a huge impact and leave a large footprint around the globe, have fun, and get paid to do it. Not too many people can say that!
Whether you are a new or seasoned TAP Facilitator, these Top Ten Facilitator Tips are great reminders of how to deliver an outstanding TAP Workshop each and every time.
- Be the Expert and Stay Current Make good use of your workshop preparation time – be sure to research current trends and labor market information prior to each workshop.
- Take Care of Yourself Proper nutrition, rest, hydration are very important. Time on the podium is demanding and can be tough on the body and mind. Be sure you are healthy and have taken care of yourself prior to each workshop.
- Get Organized NOW! Check your materials – is your Facilitator's Manual organized? Are you using the supplemental handouts when your base can provide copies? Do you have a file of additional materials – articles from GI Jobs, Civilian Job News, etc? Are they organized and easy to access?
- Make a Difference Your passion and energy will show through to the TAP participants. Keep your energy level high and let your commitment to the service members show through. Show your glow and SMILE! They will notice, and they will be both thankful and interested.
- Become a Good Storyteller Make your human resources, interview, and resume stories and examples come alive with vivid descriptions, real locations, and names/job titles--and be sure they are directly related and relevant to the content! You can also use quotations or unusual authorities to get your message across. Use extra oomph and enthusiasm to get and keep participants’ attention.
- Synthesize Help the participants learn by drawing connections to prior knowledge. Adult learners are constantly filtering new information against what they already know. Help them draw the connections and understand the concepts by knowing your audience.
- Develop Yourself Have you attended a Toastmasters meeting or utilized the self evaluation materials in the Train the Trainer guide? Are you a member of ASTD or SHRM? Have you attended a Job Fair recently? Reach out to your APM and have a discussion about terrific training techniques.
- Civilianize! Do you speak military? Are you isolated from the corporate or government sector in the US? Stay in contact with your civilian professional network. What do your contacts and colleagues in human resources and business management have to say about the current labor market?
- Remember that First Impressions are Lasting Impressions Many of us live on or near the military installation where we facilitate TAP Workshops. At some installations, your reputation precedes you – the service members will discuss the TAP Workshop and the facilitator. You must maintain your professionalism at all times! Ensure that you wear professional business attire to every workshop and—from head to toe—project the image of a hiring official. To workshop participants and program partners, your outfit reflects your output!
- Stick to the Script! The Department of Labor has developed a comprehensive and well-research curriculum. The materials include PowerPoint slides, Facilitator Manual, Resume Supplement, and a host of mandatory training exercises to keep the workshop hands on and interactive! While we want you to bring your dynamic personality to the training and use your personal stories to bring the material to life, remember that career transition is a process, so stick to the script and activities that are provided in your Facilitator's Manual.
Keep up the great work you are doing! Good luck!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DEWYANE JACKSON
In this newsletter we are featuring Dewyane Jackson, Sr. Project Administrator for Inverness Technologies. You all interface with Dewyane on a regular basis and he is instrumental in keeping the McLean, VA in top notch efficiency! Dewyane joined the company in July 2007 and brings a variety of skills to the TAP team in the areas of business administration and operational support. As the Sr. Project Administrator he is the central Point of Contact (POC) for our worldwide staff of trainers and managers. He supports the Exec. Vice President and both the CONUS and Overseas Project Directors and performs a variety of other administrative support functions. He reviews each and every timesheet, expense report, class report, etc. so be really nice to him if you want to get paid! Dewyane has over twenty years experience in the business world and has handled numerous administrative duties to include but not limited to office administrative support, customer service specialist, desktop support, sales & catering and Portfolio Property Management. In addition he has fifteen years in the field of computer science starting his career in 1990 at IBM as part of the computers for colleges program where he installed some of the first computer labs located in colleges and universities throughout the United States. A proud Army veteran, he also served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. Dewyane is an outstanding member of our team and excels in customer service!
Interesting/Fun Fact:
Dewyane has worked as a Freelance Booking Agent since 1992 for DAF Productions, Bencore Entertainment, Impact Worldwide, NY, and Club K2 helping them to secure live bands and shows for live jazz venues in both the Northern Virginia and Maryland area specializing in smooth jazz, fusion funk and urban soul. He's a pretty cool guy!
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT US?
OVERSEAS CRITIQUE COMMENTS
"Outstanding! The best instructor for any class I have ever taken. Thank you for a wonderful experience" - Chris Vaia, TAP Facilitator, Osan AB, Korea
"Very good, mock interviews were a fantastic addition. I really like the workbook and how many websites were listed in the handouts" - Pat Allen, TAP Facilitator, Kadena AB, Okinawa
"Absolutely outstanding. This should be mandatory for new supervisors and commanders. I'm a convert! You Rock! Please don't let the USAF skimp on this benefit. The class was awesome and timely! We need this class to remain" - Kim Key, TAP Facilitator, Geilenkirchen, Germany
"I loved every second, every section of it, including the instructor. He was amazing" - Robert McMillan, TAP Facilitator, Aviano AB, Italy
"Exceeded my expectations, I walked in the class assuming it was like all Navy training (brief & vague) and I was pleasantly surprised. Very informative class!!" - Sarah Starks, TAP Facilitator, Yokosuka, Japan
CONUS CRITIQUE COMMENTS
"Mo Radke and Karen Banes did a terrific job for the 164 Marines at the MCBH theater TAP. They were professional, prepared and enthusiastic. Their instruction was relevant and insightful and both did a fantastic job instructing their audience. I greatly appreciate what they bring to the TAP classes here at MCBH. (Jeff Esposito, TAP Manager, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii)." - Mo Radke and Karen Banes, TAP Facilitators in Hawaii
"This is my second time through TAP. The practical application to create resumes and interviewing techniques was outstanding." - Leonard Proctor, TAP Facilitator, D.C. Metro area
"One of the best and most important events for any Active Duty member. Facilitators were superb!" - Kelly Nicastro and Yolanda Rayford, TAP Facilitator and Assistant Project Manager, VA
"Honestly, it is one of the best experiences I have had in the military." - Jerry Sutton, Ft. McPherson, Georgia
"George Henderson was a great facilitator. He did a really good job of working with a very diverse audience. Very informative and useful in my transition to the civilian work force." - George Henderson, Ft. Lee, VA
RESUME BLOOPERS
*Objective Statement:
"Would like a career on the Information Super Highway"
*Education:
"I have a bachelorette degree in computers"
*Experience:
"Fluent in English and Spinach"
*Accomplishment Statement:
"Instrumental in ruining the entire operation for a Midwest chain store"
*References:
"Please do not contact my immediate supervisor. My colleagues will give me a much better reference."
INVERNESS MANAGERS TRAVEL THE GLOBE…
PROJECT DIRECTOR OF OVERSEAS PROGRAM OPERATIONS VISITS TAP SITES AND TRAINERS IN THE PACIFIC
In August 2009, Marjorie Love, Project Director of Overseas Program Operations, traveled to various military installations in mainland Japan and Okinawa. She was able to meet with the Pacific Assistant Project Manager, Jen Farrell, observe several outstanding Inverness TAP Trainers on the podium, and conduct office calls with DoD site managers. It was a whirlwind trip, and Marjorie was constantly on the go. Thanks to all those trainers who provided logistical support and helped Marjorie get around… not an easy thing to do in Japan!
Marjorie's first stop was Yokosuka Naval Base where she observed Monai Bell-Carson. Monai was well prepared and organized for a full class of 38 separatees and her likeability was felt by all participants. Then Marjorie was off to Misawa Air Base where she met with Renee McNulty, long-time TAP Facilitator. Renee is an enthusiastic facilitator who uses good gestures and lots of relevant examples to emphasize key points. Both facilitators regularly receive outstanding critiques. Next, Marjorie traveled to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni where she observed Patty Walters on the podium along with Nick Neumann, who kindly traveled in from Sasebo to meet with Marjorie as well and share some podium time with Patty.The three enjoyed a nice dinner at Jan-Jaka, a Japanese steak house where Nick showed off his tabletop cooking talents. On the podium, Nick has a very professional presence and worked to develop a good rapport by involving participants and calling on them by name. Unfortunately, Patty has since taken a full-time job and moved on.
On to Okinawa, Marjorie was greeted by Jen Farrell, Assistant Project Manager for the Pacific Region, and they enjoyed five days working face-to-face instead of their usual regular telephone and email methods of operation. While on the island, Marjorie and Jen were able to observe Pat Allen (another long-time TAP Facilitator) on the podium at Kadena Air Force Base and Al Kirstein on the podium at Camp Kinser. Pat conducts her workshops with a smile on her face; she brings a lot of credibility as both a retiree and a military spouse. Participants respond extremely well to her no-nonsense empathy. Al is also a retiree and a military spouse and brings a lot of experience, value, and background to the workshop. He does a great job of introducing ideas and methods to help codify important points. Marjorie and Jen also conducted site visits to Camp Schwab and Camp Hansen on Okinawa.
At the time of this visit, Jen Farrell had been the APM for only five short months, but it was evident that she clearly is a role model for all Pacific trainers. She manages the program with superb subject matter knowledge and excellent training abilities. In all, Marjorie met with 8 trainers and visited 8 TAP sites and their respective DoD staff members in 11 days. This was an outstanding trip. Our DoD partners all had high accolades for the Inverness trainers and are very pleased with the success of the programs at their sites. Our Japan/Okinawa trainers went out of their way to welcome Marjorie for this headquarters visit. They are not only fine trainers but spectacular people, and we thank them for their spirit. Next time, we'll catch those trainers and sites that we missed. Arigato!
FEDERAL NEWS UPDATES
The Honorable Ray Jefferson Appointed as New Assistant Secretary for DOL VETS
The new Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) at the Department of Labor is Mr. Ray Jefferson. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer with the Army’s Special Forces until he suffered a serious training injury. Following his recuperation, he attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and then earned an MBA at the Harvard Business School. Later, he served as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce as a Fulbright Fellow in Singapore and as the Deputy Director for the State of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). Prior to his appointment, he served as a Leadership Consultant with McKinsey & Company in Singapore where he created and delivered leadership training and development programs for clients and offices throughout Asia Mr. Jefferson's full biography is available at www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/leadershipteambios/asvet_bio.htm
Diane Miller, Dave Maurer and Marjorie Love had the opportunity to meet Secretary Jefferson recently at a meeting he hosted at DOL Headquarters in November 2009 to participate in a wide ranging discussion on a number of TAP related topics. He had asked Inverness to come in for a visit to meet with him and his leader team to discuss the current status of the TAP Program, solicit our feedback and seek recommendations for improvement. He proved to be an innovative thinker, open to new ideas, and thinking "outside the box." He demonstrated a real passion for the veteran and is adamant about creating and delivering a world-class product as part of the TAP Employment Workshops.
We left the meeting energized and looking forward to more interaction and participation in future discussions.
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Executive Order Signed by President Obama on Veterans Employment in the Federal Government
President Obama signed an important new Executive Order on November 9, 2009. The Order is entitled: Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government. The Order emphasizes the role that the Federal Government, as one of the nation's leading employers, must play in this initiative. It states that the policy of this administration will be to enhance recruitment and promote employment opportunities for veterans within the executive branch.
For the full text of this Executive Order, visit the web at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/2009-obama.html
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Executive Order on Noncompetitive Appointment for Military Spouses
President Bush signed Executive Order number 13473 on September 25, 2008. The Order is "to Authorize Certain Noncompetitive Appointments in the Civil Service for Spouses of Certain Members of the Armed Forces."
To read the entire text of this Executive Order, visit the web at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/2008.html
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DD Form 214 NOW Online!
It's official; DD Form 214's are NOW Online. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html. This can be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his or her DD-214 for employment purposes.