Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

Army veteran Christopher Alley was referred to the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program through the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the end of July 2023. By mid-August Christopher was fully immersed in the case management process and working

his way toward new gainful employment.

Christopher has over 32 years of military experience serving in the Active Army and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, eventually retiring as an Active Guard and Reserve soldier. During his military tenure, he functioned as a Senior Small Group Leader, Operations Non-commissioned Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Chief of Training for a Basic Leadership Course. He found a home training other military members and was drawn to training and administrative occupational fields.

Christopher was motivated to find employment working with veterans. The JVSG Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist (DVOP) Kevin Madara suggested that he apply to the upcoming position opening at the Maryland Department of Labor for a DVOP/Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) in the state’s JVSG program when it became available. Christopher did just that after the state job opened for application in mid-September. He had already established an updated resume and had organized all of his service-related documentation, which helped him land an interview.

Mr. Alley interviewed for the LVER/DVOP position on 20 October and was offered the job. Mr. Alley is now part of the Western Maryland’s Veteran Services team, functioning as a DVOP/LVER for the region with a home base in Hagerstown, Maryland. Regarding the services he received through the Veteran Program , Christopher commented “ I just put my faith in the Veterans Program to find a way to give back to the same community. I am enjoying my current position and look forward to the challenges it will bring.”