Anecdotes
"Since starting the program, Barry and I have met and or spoken at least 3 – 4 times per month. Each month contains a face-to-face meeting. Barry has been working on several things with me: first, he has helped me with my résumé and my job interview skills for corporate world; second, he has invited me to his corporate, store, and operational locations so I may have a direct defined feel of operational outcomes that Verizon Wireless seeks to meet; thirdly, he has introduced me to corporate HR professionals and Vice Presidents who have taken the time to sit and speak with me while providing direction and advice; finally, he has also provided support toward my independent business development plan of security consultant. Barry is an excellent mentor who goes out of his way to ensure communication and guidance is being offered continuously."
- Reggie S., Philadelphia, Army Reserve, Winter 2012
"Everything has been going great. I stay in contact with Sherry at least once a week. I even had the pleasure of meeting Sherry in person in Atlanta, GA where we chatted over dinner. During our first telephone conversation, Sherry gave me hope that I will be able to achieve my career vision. My first assignment was a task to find out what my good quaities were and what I could add to a company. This was a very difficult task for me to do because I did not want to sound boastful. Sherry assured me that I had to first know what my best qualities were so I could sell myself. Step by step, Sherry taught me what I had to do in order to be noticed by employers which was to have a solid résumé, sell yourself, and most of all, to network. I could go on and on about all the things that Sherry has shared with me about being successful and selling yourself, but that would be far larger than an email. In my life, I have never had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with such a confident and successful woman that was willing to share her tactics on "how to be successful." In the end, all the tasks and methods seems so simple that I feel I should have known how to do it. I guess I just didnt know where to start and how to get to where I needed to be. I will forever be grateful for ACP for the opportunity that allowed me to climb under the wing of such a knowledgeable and confident mentor. I now feel that I am armed with the proper tools to increase my employability, and will continue my mentor program for the year. After my time has ended, I hope to stay in contact with Sherry because I believe she is indeed a good person as well as an excellent mentor."
- Sandra O., National Program, Army Reserve, Winter 2012
"I have had the great pleasure of being assigned Mr. Duffy of Johnson & Johnson as my mentor through the ACP program. Although it has only been three short weeks from our initial contact and Mr. Duffy was in China and I in Virginia, we have already had two successful in person meetings at the J&J offices in New Brunswick. Both meetings have exceeded my expectations for the program, as Mr Duffy has gone out of his way to make himself available based on my availability, which is no easy task due to my heavy course load, student employment, and continued commitment to the Navy Reserves. We have already begun formulating a detailed plan, which under Mr Duffy's guidance, I believe will allow me to forge meaningful business relationships as I transition from active duty service through college and back into the civilian workforce."
- Paul C., New York City, Navy, Winter 2012
Alumni
As of February 1, 2012 1030 veterans are ACP Alumni.
What is an ACP Alumnus? An ACP Alumnus is a veteran Protégé who participated in an ACP mentorship for at least 6 months and reported that the program had a meaningful impact upon his or her transition out of the armed services.
Protégé Spotlight
To recognize the successes of ACP’s Protégés, ACP periodically spotlights Protégés who have gone above and the beyond the requirements of the Mentoring Program to make the most of their mentorships. Mentors nominate their Protégés for this recognition by submitting a brief description detailing what their Protégé has done to help ensure their mentorship has been beneficial. ACP then reviews the nominations in order to select which Protégés to spotlight. Protégés are spotlighted on the website and through ACP’s social media.
If you believe that your Protégé deserves to be spotlighted, please email a brief synopsis explaining their dedication to the mentorship to spotlight@acp-usa.org. Please note that ACP reserves the right to post all nominations on our website and social media.
Mentors are encouraged to submit nominations as they wish.
Protégé Spotlight: Robert Swithers, National Program, US Army
Mentor James Ogden, National Program, Energy Future Holdings
I would like to nominate an amazing man for the Protégé Spotlight – Robert Swithers. He returned from war as a Wounded Warrior and was retired from the military but not from life. He has a deep heartfelt need to do something and to help people. He is not satisfied to sit around and it is definitely not in his character to feel sorry for himself.
Although he can no longer do what he truly enjoyed he wanted to choose a new career where he could be of assistance to people – he wanted to go into the field of Emergency Management.
Choosing not to rest – he immediately started to seek educational opportunities that would lead to certification or a degree in the field of Emergency Management. While plowing through the numerous universities offering advanced degrees in the field, he sought opportunities to volunteer in the field in his home state of Indiana and then in locations around the country where major disasters occurred this past summer.
In the meantime, he applied and was accepted by Harvard University for an advanced degree in his newly chosen career, Emergency Management. As this New Year – 2012 rolled in Bob was preparing to get back into a classroom to pursue his dream. His character, drive, and get-r done attitude will see him through his advanced degree and certification in the field. He will be a great asset and leader in Emergency Management. Watch for his name in the future.
Protégé Spotlight: Vivianne Wersel, Washington DC, Gold Star Wife, US Marine Corps
Mentor Paula Patinella, Washington DC, IBM
I have to say that Vivianne and I have had a great time in our mentor/protégé relationship. She is an amazing person who can dazzle a room full of Gold Star Wives and yet didn't have the confidence in herself that she needed to defend her career choices. I've watched Vivianne come from a position of self-doubt and concern, to a confident advocate of her own capabilities. She has grappled with so many decisions and I think she is finally in a position where, although she has had to reposition some of her expectations, she is now excited about what she is doing and looking forward to great things ahead.
Vivianne is a dynamic woman who was dealt a terrible hand, and she has been gracious and generous in how she engages others who have been through similar situations. People rally around her as she promotes the truth around the grief and trials of surviving spouses and through it all, she is lifting their spirits and giving them hope. She really is an amazing woman.
My hope is that she has given you supporting feedback to say that she benefited from our relationship. I know that I have. I have a new respect for the people who serve our country through the military. I hope that my participation in the program is helping, in some small way, to give back to my country.
Mentor of the Month
To recognize the outstanding work of participating Mentors, ACP has created the Mentor of the Month contest. Each month, ACP staff reviews nominations and selects 1–3 Mentors who have had the greatest impact on their Protégés. To commemorate the winners, each selected Mentor is featured on the ACP website and both Mentor and Protégé receive an ACP memento.
If you are a Protégé and would like to recognize the outstanding work of your Mentor, please send up to one paragraph explaining how your Mentor has had a positive impact on you. Please email all submissions to motm@acp-usa.org. Please note that ACP reserves the right to post all nominations on its website.
Veteran Protégés are encouraged to submit nominations as many times as they wish.
Thank you for pairing me with my Mentor, Jun Choi, from Deloitte. I am a Navy veteran and recent graduate from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Currently, I am taking advanced accounting courses preparing for the CPA, headed for a career in auditing. Mr. Choi has truly gone out of his way to help me with my career and personal aspirations. From our first conversation, I appreciated that Mr. Choi understood where I was coming from as a student veteran. Mr. Choi and I have spoken for many hours about school, careers, and our military experiences. From our conversations, I have learned that the core values that I learned in the Navy are key skills to my success in the professional world. On my second meeting with Mr. Choi, I met his family. It was an honor. Mr. Choi has provided me with the tools I need to be successful in my endeavors and also inspired me by his dedication to his career as well as his family. I would love to nominate him as Mentor of the Month. Thank you, Mr. Choi, and thank you ACP.
-Kamran F., Los Angeles, US Navy
Daniel continues to be a great Mentor. We got a chance to have our second meeting in person a couple of weeks ago. It was a great experience during which he provided me a lot of context to think about my own job search and skills. Since then, he has reviewed and advised me on how to modify my resume for my upcoming job applications. We plan to meet for a mock interview over the next couple of weeks to further prepare me for interviewing this winter. Dan’s background blends military service, family/life balance, civilian work experience, and senior leadership perspective. This impressive combination makes his advice unusually pertinent to my life at a level most career civilians cannot match. I don't know how he juggles it along with his very senior job and young family. I feel very blessed to have him as a Mentor.
-Dan D., Chicago, US Army
I continue to enjoy working with LtGen Soligan. He is an excellent Mentor and a growing friend. We speak by email at least once per week. During our "conversations," I let him know about my ongoing job, what my future goals are, and what I am trying to do to transform my goals into reality. I also provide him with any feedback that my current boss has provided to me. In return, LtGen Soligan provides me with candid, honest feedback and recommendations.
Bottom Line: I am very, very happy with this program. Thanks for picking LtGen Soligan as my Mentor.
-Anthony A., Washington D.C., US Army
I would enthusiastically like to nominate Brendan for Mentor of the Month. So far the mentorship with Brendan has been great. I currently talk to him once a week on the phone as well as trade emails on a regular basis. Brendan has been extremely helpful in helping me figure out my career path and how to reach the goals we have set in place. He was generous enough to invite me to his office and scheduled a full day for me with informational interviews with other members of the BlackRock team. I cannot speak more highly of Brendan's professionalism and willingness to do whatever he can to help me succeed. Our current goals include learning more about the financial services industry, building a strong solid network, and working towards eventually finding a career in finance. Brendan is a great guy and was a great match.
-Matt C., Philadelphia, Marine Corps
I would like to take this opportunity to nominate my mentor Eric Busko of Morgan Stanley for Mentor of the Month for the outstanding and spirited efforts he has put into the ACP mentorship program. Eric has been incredibly helpful in helping me polish my career goals and aspirations along with translating my desires into actionable items. As an active duty member, my knowledge of working in the finance industry is limited to what I have read on my own. He has greatly helped me learn about the critical skills required to enter and succeed in this industry along with explaining all of the nuances that make it truly unique. Having expertly advised me in résumé writing, networking, and developing my strategic career goals, I have much greater confidence that I will be able to successfully transition from active duty into the civilian sector. I owe both him and ACP an incredible debt of gratitude.
-Tim J., Atlanta, US Navy
I would like to nominate my Mentor for Mentor of the Month, and to be completely candid, Mentor of the Year. He has made more introductions for me, as well as spent more time ensuring that I was adequately prepared for potential opportunities than I ever could have anticipated. Additionally, Joe has taken a personal interest in my success well beyond that which is required. He has made my transition out of the Marine Corps and into the civilian world, specifically New York City, as smooth as it could be.
I will honestly be disappointed if he is not awarded some type of accolade for his hard work. Not because I have any selfish interests in him receiving one, but because he deserves it. He has embodied everything ACP claims to stand for.
-Jeff M., NYC, Marine Corps
I would like to nominate Joe Purcell as Mentor of the Month. Joe is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and from the beginning Joe has made himself available to answer my questions and provide me with advice on how to best approach the next chapter in my life. I'm sure most, if not all, mentors are very busy, but Joe adjusted his schedule, while dealing with client meetings, to accommodate mine and even made time to enjoy some breakfast with me before I headed back to school.
Joe has made it clear that he takes mentoring a fellow veteran seriously and I'm thankful for the opportunity to know him!
-Patrick G., NYC, Marine Corps
Nick Ashooh has been a fantastic mentor. Each time I leave his office after a meeting, I feel a sense of elation and excitement--he is an inspiring guy. Not only has Nick provided an excellent introduction to the business world and opened the doors of Alcoa to me, he has also arranged fantastic networking opportunities in finance, health care, and journalism. Nick worked to help me quickly establish a large number of contacts at Johnson & Johnson, leading to multiple meetings and phone conversations with top-level executives. I am going into significant debt through four years of medical school and for all of that investment, I haven't had 1/100th the exposure or doors opened that Nick has provided through his contacts. I am very grateful to have him as a mentor.
William B., New York City, US Navy
My mentor is awesome! She gives me encouragement to keep up with my studies when I feel lost on the outcome. It's also great to get a picture of how she is operating in an environment, which will be similar to mine once I get my degree. Although we aren't in a position to meet, we do talk fairly regularly through email. I have to say that at first when I got out of the military I felt pretty lost; being told what to do for so long had left me without a mind of my own. Heather has helped me find a career goal that fits my personality, and we're a lot alike, so that helped! This program is pretty cool, as I haven't met too many females out there that share my interests and can carry on a conversation that interests me. Heather is one in a million! Thanks!
Heather S., E-Mentoring, US Air Force
After learning of my interest in consulting, Andy set up a meeting with an extremely exclusive consulting firm that has performed some work with his company Alcoa. At Andy's request, the consulting firm set up a special presentation specifically for me. This presentation explained the various forms of consulting, the different opportunities within consulting, and specific work that their firm conducted. Not only did they provide me with invaluable information, but they also introduced me to several key players within their industry. This proved to be a priceless experience that helped narrow my career search. Andy has constantly connected me with executives in my fields of interest, which is been instrumental during my transition process.
Leonard G., Washington, US Navy
I wanted to give a special thank you to the ACP Mentorship Program for introducing me to my mentor. Although we don't speak often due to busy work and travel schedules, she is always available via phone. We are both in the Insurance industry and we both understand the military, which means that when we are able to meet we can talk about careers, goals and life with ease. Recently I had a career decision to make and I needed someone who understood my industry to use as a sounding board. I called Regan, we met for coffee, and just chatted about our industry and career paths. Without knowing it, Regan provided me with sound advice that resulted in a positive career move for me and motivated me to actively start planning my next career move.
-Patricia W., Chicago, Army
I wish to nominate my mentor, Andrew Miller, of Aon Corporation for Mentor of the Month. He has improved my professional skills in numerous ways including, but not limited to, résumé writing, networking skills, interview etiquette, job searching and many more. We remain in constant contact and usually email back and forth at least several times a week. We have progressed from a Mentor/Protégé relationship to one of long-lasting friendship. He has invited me to his home for a dinner and a chance to meet his family. Mr. Miller has gone above and beyond the 'normal' duties of a Mentor by introducing me to people at his large corporation, which has allowed me to network with important political figures within my field of interest. His work ethic is another indirect influence that I will always be thankful for learning from him. I nominate Andrew Miller for Mentor of the Month, because he is not only a resource for advice, but a role model for a person's lifestyle.
-Matthew K., Chicago, Marine Corps
My mentorship has been everything I had hoped for and more. Lachlan Tidmarsh from the Aon Corporation has been tremendously helpful in reaching out to me and making himself available when I have questions, or just want to chat. He has offered me several of his personal contacts that he felt would be beneficial for me to talk with about my career goals. We have met a total of three times, usually for lunch, for about an hour each time. I look forward to meeting him in another week or two. I have told other Chicago veterans about the program and I know that a few of them have applied.
-Aron P., Chicago, Army
My name is Spiro and I have served in the Illinois National Guard for 22 years. During my 22 years of service, I deployed 2 times to the Middle East. I have been working for a large insurance company but was lacking motivation to do anything else after my deployments. I came across the ACP program and figured I would give it a try. The ACP staff was very helpful and easy to work with so immediately they assigned Colleen Canny to be my mentor. Colleen has been an awesome leader and motivator to me; I wanted to take this opportunity to nominate her for Mentor of the Month as my way of saying thank you. Colleen has introduced me to others who are also experts in the field that I’m heading towards. They periodically check in with me to hear of my progress and also to offer any assistance with projects I’m working on or just to provide some coaching. Since I have been working with Colleen, I have enrolled into Northwestern University majoring in Leadership and Organizational behavior. Because of Colleen’s coaching, I have followed her recommendations and started working with leadership in my current position to gain more leadership skills and responsibilities. I’m currently being considered for a leadership role within my company and that would not have happened if it wasn’t for Colleen’s mentoring. I feel that it takes a great person to motivate someone like me to attend a school like Northwestern University considering the fact that I had dropped out of a community college 15 years ago. For these reasons, I feel that Colleen Canny should be Mentor of the Month because of all the time and dedication she brings to this program as a mentor. I only hope one day I can be a Mentor at ACP and follow Colleen’s footsteps.
-Spiro T., Chicago, National Guard
I nominate my Mentor, Mr. George Ochs of JPMorgan Chase & Co., for his outstanding leadership, guidance and source of inspiration for me as I transitioned from a 22-year career in the US Army/National Guard. George has shared not only his knowledge and experience but countless hours coaching me to refine my interview techniques. We have met face to face on over a dozen occasions during the last ten months. Though he has a busy schedule, he makes time to effectively mentor and meet with me time and time again. He is always positive and a wealth of corporate experience. He had me continue to refine my résumé - substantially improving it. In addition, he opened up his vast network of business contacts to me - introducing me to many members of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Asset Management and JPM Corporate Real Estate personnel. We have attended Urban Land Institute meetings together in New York and networked at other similar events. His ability to keep me focused and continue to sharpen my "three minute stories" has been invaluable. I am grateful for this mentor-protégé experience and for valuable corporate Americans such as George, and I know that he embodies all that an ACP mentor should be.
-Phillip S., New York City, Army
My mentor is Mrs. Connie Armbrust, a Learning Integrator with IBM. She is an outstanding professional, mother, spiritual leader, teacher and mentor to so many people. From the very first time Connie and I communicated she established a compassionate and truly concerned rapport. Now I would like to share with you some measurable results of the things she has assisted me with accomplishing:
1. Reviewed and provided key input to my résumé (key in helping me to obtain a future job in the Public Health career field).
2. Mentored me on key civilian terminology.
3. Motivated me to learn the current job (human resources) that I am in (results: I was selected winner, #1 of 300+ civilian employees, at the military installation where I work.)
4. Shared with me some sound "missionary work" opportunities (my heartfelt passion).
Connie is more that just the mentor of the month, she is Mentor of the Year!! She is the ultimate obvious choice when it comes to a mentor.
-Keven W., E-Mentoring, Air Force
I would like to nominate my mentor, Dan Ball. While he has been very busy, Dan has taken the time to talk with me on a wide variety of topics and has a very genuine concern to do what he can to help me, and in this day and age this is so much appreciated. I would have been proud if I could have served with him but am proud to be associated with him. Thank You and God Bless America.
-Kraig M., E-Mentoring, Army Reserves
I would like to nominate Kent Blossom from IBM. Kent has been working with me for a few months that have had a lot of transition and change for me. He has provided a solid ear and helped me keep a strategic focus on how best to navigate my course in my corporate environment. He asks great questions, provides relevant examples and guidance from his past experience, and shows a genuine interest in my continued growth and progress. His appreciation for my military perspective also has helped me as I continue my career in the National Guard and work to balance the many competing interests in my multiple roles.
-Dana T., Raleigh-Durham, Army Reserves
I would like to nominate my amazing mentor, Jesse Greenberg, as the mentor of the month. Jesse has been an amazing mentor. He is knowledgeable, open minded, sincere, and inspires me to be a role model. We've had lunches together, played golf, done charity work, revamped résumés, and pursued internships. He has introduced me to industry leaders and provided me with unprecedented opportunities for insightful learning. Jesse's guidance and words of wisdom provide constant motivation and inspire me to excel and grow as a protégé and on a personal level. I am grateful to American Corporate Partners for providing me with such an inspirational mentor.
-Sunny S., New York City, Marine Corps
Bruce has been my mentor for five months or so and we have had a great relationship from the start. As a consequence of a reduction-in-force I have been officially unemployed since February 2011. Bruce has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement as I have embarked on my career search. He has asked challenging and thoughtful questions about the opportunities I am pursuing and has likewise offered invaluable advice. Bruce's thoughtfulness has shown through on a number of occasions as he has emailed and texted words of encouragement along the way. We recently met face-to-face for lunch and I am confident that we will remain lifelong friends.
-Clarence C., E-Mentoring, Army Reserves
Mr. Heath has gone out his way in terms of time and commitment to help me achieve success in my transition from the military. As a newcomer to the City of Boston, he initially helped me through the culture shock of city living and the integration into a new lifestyle. Immediately afterward, he proofread through a plethora of the application essays I had written as I was applying to a number of competitive graduate school programs. His revisions played a pivotal role in how I presented myself to college admissions committees - as an employer, he simply knew what they were looking for. Dan and I also rehearsed and discussed the job/school interview process which provided me the knowledge and confidence needed for my graduate school interviews. Needless to say, I was accepted to Boston University's MBA program, my top choice, and was awarded a 20,000 dollar scholarship towards tuition. I was also accepted to Northeastern University, where I was offered a nearly full-ride scholarship. I could not imagine myself achieving these successes without Dan's assistance, time, patience, and expertise grown out of years of corporate experience.
What impresses me most about Mr. Heath is his considerate nature, quality business and managerial skills, and background of knowledge. Outside of interviews, applications, and insurance, I am learning and observing what it takes to be a successful civilian manager. I can't elaborate enough how humbled and appreciative I am that a stranger would blindly dedicate so much of his time to assist a veteran. Dan's patriotism and intentions are inspirational and a refreshing display of American sentiment. I couldn't have asked for a better experience than to be paired with Mr. Heath.
-Randolph W., Boston, Army
Despite being a senior executive at a Fortune 100 company, with direct responsibility over one of its biggest business units, Duane has actively made quality time for our mentor-protégé relationship. Since our first meeting he has been a trusted mentor who has taken an interest in my professional development and has encouraged open conversation. Most recently Duane helped guide me through one of the most difficult career decisions that I have ever had to make. Through Duane I have gained a deeper understanding of the business community and the tools needed to be successful in my career. Duane has been down to earth, incredibly insightful, and an exceptional model of leadership. I am truly humbled to have had the opportunity to work with such an incredible business leader and am confident that our mentor-protégé relationship will continue long after ACP.
-John B., Hartford, National Guard
My Mentor is Brenda Zimmerman; she is Vice President of Middle Market for Travelers. If I could sum up all the feelings and great qualities about Brenda, I would say she is Smartnovativemeticulousstrongresourceful. OK, you got me, it's five words, because it is impossible to describe an individual with so much to offer and the will to help others. With Brenda’s already exhausted schedule, I find it remarkable she has found time to speak with me on several occasions and even set up a mock interview through HR at Travelers. Brenda’s meticulous attention to detail has kept me on my toes and has inspired me in many ways to continuously reach my profession goals. I’m more nervous not accomplishing items discussed with Brenda, than an actual interview with a major company. She is truly an inspiration; if I can accomplish part of what she has in her life time, I would be grateful.
-Albert Y., Dallas, Navy
I would like to nominate Kevin D. as a Mentor of the Month. This is due to far more than the time he has spent in meeting with me or setting up meetings with others in his organization that he feels would be helpful. Coming from a 29 year career with the military, transferring to the civilian world was, to say the least, a daunting task. From the first meeting I had with Kevin, I could tell he truly cared and took a personal stake in helping me prepare for the job search that now is in the 4th month.
By setting up a meeting with Internal Review and Compliance staff, I was able to have a sense of what level my capabilities would hold in the civilian world. This propelled me with confidence to work harder to obtain a senior level position in the Internal Auditor career field.
He has now set up a meeting for me to meet with his HR Director to assist me in understanding what HR personnel look for in a candidate.
If it wasn’t for Kevin, I would not be as motivated, educated, and confident in my current search for an Internal Auditor/Compliance position. I feel that the business of mentoring with Kevin is personal to him and he has made it personal to me. I consider Kevin a friend and someone I can call when questions arise, regardless of what they may be.
I ask that you select Kevin as the Mentor of the month. You could not make a better selection.
-Christopher K., Boston, National Guard
Ed and I meet at least once a month and have made progress towards my short and long term career goals. When I started this program, my job changed significantly as my division director rolled a branch under my current branch which significantly changed my work load. Ed and I talked through some of these challenges that we discussed to include the following: daily operations, staff communications, employee performance (or lack of), discipline, and other items. We worked through a way of staff operating called Agile Scrum, which I’ve slowly incorporated into my staff operations. This, along with other recommendations Ed provided, has been extremely beneficial. I do feel the program has been very meaningful as far as positive impact on my career. I’m hopeful that we continue this relationship even after our time with ACP ends. Ed is also a good guy so he’s been easy to talk to and just to be a soundboard of ideas.
-Robert G., Boston, US Army
My mentor is Wendy Lyons from Integer, a part of Omnicom Group. She is an awesome person who has, from the beginning, made me feel that she genuinely cares about my goals and is willing to help me, using all the resources she has. She has been inspiring and helping me move along on my goals. Just when I think I am done with one part of it, she tells me about a different step I must go to, that I had forgotten about. With her guidance, I know I will one day be a published author and have my inventions of kitchen products selling on the market. I think that Wendy is a "secret plan" that God had for me. I just had to meet her at the right time in my life. Thus far, she has helped me get one of my books edited. Now, it is up to me to find a publisher or to self-publish, if I wish. Wendy is also helping me with a marketing plan for my inventions, as well as helping me improve my résumé so I can apply to internships at my university and apply for grants and scholarships. I am a full time student and a mother, so any help I get is extremely valuable to help me reach my goals. Wendy is a blessing and a great gift in my life, as well as my family's life. I know that with her guidance I have nothing but success to look forward to. I wish I could so something as great for her. Perhaps in the future, I will figure out how to show her how much she means to me. For now, I try by telling her any chance I get.
-Dali R., E-Mentoring, US Army
My name is Al Telese and I served this country in the military for over 32 years. Since my medical discharge in August 2010, it took me awhile to want to re-engage in the corporate world to say the least. Then, I was asked to participate in the Mentor-Protégé program sponsored by American Corporate Partners (ACP), and I will say I was apprehensive. I have now been affiliated with the program since August 2010 and I will have to say that this is the best program that I have had the opportunity to participate with in my career. My mentor is Buz Price, Senior Vice President Operations for Javelin, an advertising agency in the Omnicom Group. Buz is my mentor, my friend and is and has been an inspiration for me integrating back into the corporate business world. Not only Buz, but also his boss, Michael McCartin, as well as others with Javelin and the Omnicom Group. In an earlier testimonial submitted to ACP I said that “working with Buz and his organization is.... well... over-whelming because they really are extending their resources to me…. It is a fantastic experience to say the least…” This is an understatement. In conjunction with getting to know each other as we have, with their help and assistance, we are developing and implementing a new program which will continue and further help and assist us, the Military Veteran, obtain the benefits we earned and deserve. Through their mentorship, I have been able to focus and define the mission, the vision and the implementation strategies to be successful with this program. Buz, Michael, and other colleagues within Javelin are ensuring that their participation in this program is successful and will have a long lasting meaning of participation in the ACP Mentorship program. Buz, Michael and others within Javelin believe and support us all the way and will continue to support us however they can! Therefore, it is my extreme honor and pleasure to nominate Buz Price as mentor of the month.
-Alphonse T., Dallas, US Army
