When you talk with Daniel Fenwick, it’s clear that his life has purpose. Fenwick helps transition soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM) from military to civilian life. “I’m a career counselor that gives resources, but I also give my whole heart to this job,” he says.

Fenwick is a Teamster and Employment and Training Specialist II at Workforce Central in Tacoma. His position is supported by a federal Camo 2 Commerce grant, a program designed to help service members find jobs in the local community.

A 20-year veteran himself, Fenwick knows something about the challenges of transitioning out of life in the military.

“Service members have a diverse skill set. We have administrative skills, skills in logistics and management; we can work with our hands, we’re flexible, and we can work in stressful situations. But sometimes it’s difficult finding the words and experience from the military and putting it down on paper.” 

Fenwick, and his colleague, Andrea Wynne, along with the rest of their team at JBLM, help make the step into civilian life a little easier. They assist service members with their resumes, prepare them for job interviews, and talk with prospective employers about the value of hiring veterans.

VETERANS HELPING VETERANS

“We’re bringing that talent back into the community." 

“There might be 9000 service members a year looking for jobs,” says Wynne, who, like Fenwick, served the country in the military. “We’re bringing that talent back into the community,” she said. 

Wynne recalls a soldier who was nervous about an upcoming interview with Alaska Airlines. “We did a mock interview. He called the next day and told us he got the job. He was really appreciative,” she said.

HAVING A VOICE AT WORK

Both Fenwick and Wynne are new to the Union and grateful to have a voice at work. On March 25, their group met at the Workforce Central office to vote on a new contract. “I like the way that the Union advocated for us,” Wynne said. “Everything was broken down and explained really well.” 

Fenwick agreed. “Attending our contract ratification meeting was amazing to me because I had a vote about what’s happening with my money and my benefits. I have a say in my future and my colleagues’ future as well.”