February 12, 2015 -- Service members representing all branches of the military from installations around the country gathered for a weeklong Transition Readiness Seminar held, recently, at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
Warfighters traveled from as far away as Arkansas and as near as Atlanta to gain knowledge and information on many options available to them as they transition from their structured military routines back to life as civilians.
According to Robin Gray, program manager/facilitator, Transition Assistance Program, Marine Corps Community Services, MCLB Albany, the mandatory seminar focuses on managing personal and professional changes before, during and after leaving the military.
Gray welcomed the attendees, thanked them for their service and presented the TAP’s course overview.
“I want to thank you all for choosing to be one of the “few and the proud,” while “being all that you can be” and “creating a global force for good,” Gray said in her opening. “You have “aimed high” to protect the freedoms we so often take for granted. And, I thank you for your service.”
Gray outlined the expectations from the participants and urged them to get the maximum results out of the seminar.
“I will be your facilitator for the next five days,” Gray emphasized. “I’m not going to be an instructor and I’m not going to lecture. The facilitation process is very active. There’s give and take – back and forth. It requires your full participation. So, throughout this course, you should take notes and tab your books to make sure you get everything you can from this course.”
Sgt. Maj. Kenneth V. Agee, sergeant major, MCLB Albany, welcomed participants to the installation and thanked them for their service.
After conducting a roll call, recognizing each of the respective branches of service represented, the sergeant major echoed Gray’s advice to the group and discussed the relevance of the seminar.
“Service members, I cannot stress to you enough the importance of the material you receive here (this week),” Agee said. “I am not saying that the job you do in your unit is not important, but I will say that this material is equally important.
“I ask that you pay attention; ask questions,” Agee urged. “I do not think that five days is enough to spread the information that you’re going to receive. Those of you on base — I encourage you to come again. Those of you not aboard the base, call back. The team here will bend over backward to get you an answer. If you can’t get them, call me and I will do all that I can do to assist you with your transition.”
Over the five-day period, transitioning service members received information and presentations on resiliency, Veteran Affairs benefits as well as Department of Labor briefings, including mock interviews, personal finance and other assessments.
For more information on the Transition Readiness Seminar, call 229-639-9122 or 229-639-6440.