Empowering Veterans: a Conversation with Veteran Antonio Johnson, Sr.
In the ongoing battle to elevate veteran and first responder communities, Western Governors University (WGU) has established a new strategic partnership with Chicagoland’s premier veteran network, Roll Call Chicagoland. The combined efforts of both parties will utilize educational resources and community support to bolster the causes of military transition, career advancement, and skill development. The first event under this new partnership, “Roll Call! Veteran Professional Networking” will bring together veterans this November seeking employment and professional development opportunities, as well as those just looking to expand their network of service members.
We had the pleasure of speaking with US Army TRADOC, Partnership for Your Success Program Manager Antonio Johnson Sr. about his life of service and the importance of establishing employment prospects and support frameworks for veterans moving on to civilian lives. Johnson, who will attend the upcoming Roll Call professional networking event, served in the military for 22 years, has a master’s degree from WGU in management and leadership, and has forged a successful career in supporting transitioning soldiers. He was thrilled to share his story with us with the intent of being that beacon of hope for other servicemen and servicewomen who are uncertain about their futures.
WGU: Can you take us back to when you just completed your service, and explain the reality that you and other veterans face when transitioning to a new way of life?
Antonio Johnson Sr.: So, I ended up retiring in 2015, and the year prior when I submitted my paperwork, was when the reality of transitioning really started to hit me. I was 39, getting ready to turn 40 that summer. I joined the army right out of high school and was now married with three kids and making a six-figure salary in uniform. That was the only job I had had for 22 years. I didn’t have to leave the army and not knowing what was on the other side of the door was a lot to think about, which is a situation a lot of veterans face. It’s my belief that a lot of soldiers stay in longer than they need to because they are not prepared and are in fear of the unknown.
You’ve made a great career for yourself in marketing, recruiting, program management and just assisting veterans overall. What drove you to commit to this career path?
I was already in recruiting command and was talking to people for a living for the last 14-15 years before I left the army. Then in those last 12 months, I was running recruiting stations in Northern Virginia, so I already knew the space that I wanted to be in. I also had a bachelor’s degree in human resources to complement my work experience and had been attending a Toastmasters chapter down in Richmond to meet new people. So, I started going to job fairs and eventually, it all just came together. I soon signed out of the recruiting battalion and interviewed for a job with Akima, and the rest is history. I think I got lucky and just found the right fit.
What challenges do you face when assisting veterans?
I think one of the biggest challenges that we face is trying to talk to a soldier about life after the army when they haven’t even visualized it yet for themselves. I was 17 when I joined and transitioned out at 40, and all I knew was the army. Trying to get soldiers to look forward and accept that everyone is going to take the uniform off eventually is such a big challenge.
Also, our space is flooded with so many veteran hiring initiatives that a lot of times soldiers just don’t know which direction to go.
What are some of the metrics that you use to evaluate the success of your role?
Awareness. About three years ago, I started rebranding our program by tweaking our name and adding a new logo simply because a lot of soldiers still weren’t aware of us. Next, we did an overhaul of the systems in our database where soldiers can now register themselves at any time throughout their careers and choose up to five companies for a guaranteed job interview.
You spoke of getting your bachelor’s degree to complement your work history. Do you feel your military experience has influenced your views on education?
Yes, big time. Throughout my years in the army, I became a huge fan of leadership, which became essential for me when I began recruiting. Having a bachelor’s in HR, I decided to do something that was aligned with my skill set and what I’ve already done, which made my master’s from WGU in management and leadership a no-brainer.
Can you describe any educational programs you participated in while in the military?
When 9-11 happened, I was two weeks into the army recruiting school which I ended up finishing in October 2001 and was signed into the Chicago recruiting battalion by December. When I got the news, that I was going to Chicago (laughs), I had them on the phone asking to go to Cabrini Green on the Southside, wanting to talk to the guys I knew I could relate to. When I got my orders for Glendale Heights, I was a little upset, but I didn’t realize that that was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I wasn’t just going to walk into a predominately Caucasian neighborhood, with parents making six-figure incomes, and casually convince them to let their sons be army rangers with CNN displaying our death toll on their screens. It was at that moment I realized that I needed to become a master in the art of influence.
What advice would you give to younger individuals in the military who are considering furthering their education at some point?
Do it. If you don’t at least get a bachelor’s degree before you leave the army, you’re doing yourself a disservice because the army will pay for it. You just have to find the time to commit to it. Education can and will be a determining factor in your future and whether you get hired or not. Get your degree.
What is your outlook on the state of veterans transitioning to the workforce in America?
The outlook is very bright, but veterans need to understand how marketable their skill sets are and how these corporations need those skills. No one in the army is talking to their battle buddies about how marketable they will be in the workforce. They don’t have those conversations in the formations out here. Soldiers need to understand their worth and when they do, they won’t panic when they’ve been unemployed for a few months after leaving the army.
Regarding these veteran assistance programs, the more the merrier. As long as the programs are legitimate and not looking to exploit the soldiers. I’m glad that businesses have started to include veterans in diversity conversations. We bring unique skill sets, but these corporations have to acknowledge the skills and tune out the stigmas about soldiers, especially about those who stuck around for 20-plus years like I did. There is a lot of passion in corporate America for veteran talent.
Having successfully transitioned to civilian life, what is your outlook on your career journey?
I love what I do. I enjoy being in this space and I don’t see myself doing anything else. I probably have about 10 more years of working in me, but I just enjoy helping veterans because I know what it’s like to take off that uniform and not have anything guaranteed on the other side. There are so many obstacles that can prevent your resume from even reaching a hiring manager and programs like Partnership for Your Success will help them to leapfrog that process. Simply you being a veteran will get you an interview.
