While joining the civilian workforce can be intimidating for military service members approaching the end of their time with the military, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), offered by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, aims to make the process smoother while helping soon-to-be veterans find employment.  

Michele Huk, director of the Workforce Operations Office for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCAD LKE), said the program helps with job searching skills as they consider their next steps. These critically important skills can include resume writing and interview techniques while introducing candidates to companies and institutions for potential careers outside of the military. Huk said NAWCAD LKE is one of the first federal organizations included in the program at the Joint Base.  

“We quickly volunteered ourselves to the TAP coordinator at JBMDL to indicate that we have an interest because we do have job opportunities that former military or retiring military members could provide support to, if interested,” Huk said. “So, when we engaged them, they quickly said yes, and then started including us in talking to the military members about who we are, what we do and what a typical civilian workday looks like.”  

When Huk started looking for volunteers to assist with TAP classes two of the first to respond were Gil Espinoza, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment/Support Equipment Tech Data branch head and Robert Sparkman, a logistics element manager. 

Espinoza called it a “humbling opportunity” to help the service members as they plan for the next phase of their careers.  

“We purposely take the position of providing much-needed guidance to help improve their chances of securing employment where they can continue to provide for themselves and their families,” Espinoza said. “We understand it’s not an easy transition, so we are there to allay their concerns and to answer the tough questions.” 

Many current NAWCAD LKE employees also have military experience, which Huk said can help newcomers transition to their new careers while supporting the warfighter seamlessly.  

“Using personal experience, making the transition from military to civilian, has allowed me to have a different perspective than a normal recruiter,” Sparkman said. “Getting involved early in the process allows for mentorship and guidance to my brothers and sisters in arms and helps translate their knowledge, skills and experience into resume build points allowing them to see their full potential as a civilian.” 

“What we found is that civilians today, that did have prior military careers, come in with those former experiences, whether it was in the field or outside the field, they have a lot to contribute,” Huk said. “So, getting their military experience, knowledge and their leadership is extremely important when entering into a civilian position.” 

Huk said several team members of NAWCAD LKE have already reached out about potential opportunities the program could offer, as well as potential candidates from the Joint Base.  

“I think we must maintain contact with service members and let them know what availability there is for our members who are transitioning out. We definitely want to make that connection from the start to help them understand that we’re here for them,” Huk said.  

As an organization geared towards supporting the warfighter, Huk said she is also proud to be part of the program that helps these men and women as they move forward.  

“I think the goal is to help those that have served our country, and our passion is obviously to give back to them as well,” Huk said.