I’ve 17 years and 9 months of service which span over the United States Army, US Army Reserves, Army Guard Reserve, and the National Guard.

I initially came to the Coatesville VA Medical Center (Pennsylvania) for assistance, as I was a Homeless Female Veteran with multiple health conditions.  At that point in my life, I felt my life was rapidly spinning out of my control.

I was a resident in one of Philadelphia’s' Multi-Purpose Centers Pilot Transitional Houses, but specifically for Homeless Female Veterans. I completed several programs as an inpatient at this facility, including working as a Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) employee.  After I completed that assignment, I worked in the local community before being offered a position as a VA employee. This was all a part of the process of being returned to society as a restored capable person who had served our country, incurring bumps & bruises from life along the way.

I’ve been employed at this VA for a little over 5yrs.   I have worked in the X-Ray department, primary care scheduling and Compensation & Pension Exams Clinic ~ which was my favorite until now.  My current job is a Program Support Clerk; assigned to one of the World’s Best PTSD Programs for the past 11 months.  My daily duties consist of contacting Veterans that have been selected to be admitted in our PTSD program, Admitting/Discharging them, and providing other referrals as needed. I also assist a select group of VA professionals (Mental Health Providers, Social workers, Physician Assistants, a nursing staff, Health Technicians, and Environmental Health specialists) with  scheduling  medical appointments, coordinating work orders, ordering and stocking supplies as needed, answering the telephone, and taking messages.

I am forever grateful to the VA and Marsha Four for fulfilling their commitment to the many homeless female Veterans. They’ve taken up the slack and filled the gap as I transitioned from a weary Veteran to a PROUD Veteran.

I have had to make some adjustments as might be expected with any job.  Although this is the Federal government, it is operated somewhat differently from the military.  Thank God for Transition Assistance! LOL

I will tell anyone seeking employment with the federal government to relax, take one day at a time one step at a time, and tell your experiences (your story) on your application!