ACP congratulates:

Mitchell Jacobson - New York
Robert Mallon - New York

I would like to nominate Mitchell Jacobson for ACP's Mentor of the Month. Having separated from the Army to pursue a job in the business world, Mitchell and I began working together about nine months ago as I settled into a new company and contemplated making a career change to a different industry.

Mitchell brings a wealth of business knowledge and experience that has been instrumental in helping guide my career choices. Through dozens of calls and in-person meetings, Mitchell has selflessly dedicated his time to be a sounding board for ideas and offer valuable insight into the pro's and con's of each path. He's helped develop my resume with his own input and the input of other professionals in his network, and connected me with successful friends and colleagues to open my mind to entrepreneurship, business school, and roles in other industries. 

I'm grateful to ACP for giving me the opportunity to be mentored by Mitchell, it's been a great experience and this recognition is well-deserved.

- Patrick D., U.S. Army, New York

I nominate Rob Mallon for Mentor of the Month. His time spent helping with my job hunt and aiding me with my personal goals has greatly contributed to getting the job I have today. I signed up for ACP my final semester of college looking for someone who could help guide me not only through the job hunting process, but also early career development, and with making intelligent personal decisions. Rob and I were paired due to his previous experience working in the alcohol distribution industry while I was searching for work in beer sales. He was an important resource for me during my last semester at college providing me with advice on interview skills, my resume, and different job opportunities. With his help and support I was able to analyze job offers, be prepared for interviews, and finally select the best option available.

As I now begin my career in the corporate world, our discussions have switched from job hunting concerns to matters of personal finance and career aspirations. No matter the topic, I know I can count on Rob each month to hear me out and help me develop a plan to achieve my goals. Because of his excellent guidance I have recommended ACP to several of my student veteran friends who are in a similar place as myself. His efforts and time spent mentoring me are vital to ACP’s mission of helping veterans achieve success in the civilian world and I greatly appreciate it.

- Andrew P., U.S. Navy, Michigan

ACP congratulates:

Tim Heinemann - Minnesota
Sarah Jelken - Minnesota
Elizabeth Kokesh - Minnesota 

I enthusiastically nominate Tim Heinemann for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Tim and I began working together five months ago as I prepared to separate from the Army after twenty-nine years of service. I enjoyed a successful military career, but I remained apprehensive about finding a job. Tim’s calming voice and perspective relieved my anxiety and allowed me to approach my transition more confidently.   

I didn’t need a résumé during my time in the military; I had no concept of how to write one to accurately reflect the value of my unique skill set. Tim used his expert industry knowledge and experience to help me highlight specific skills that are most beneficial to prospective employers, which allowed me to develop a strong résumé.

I’ve gained tremendous confidence by working with Tim. Halfway through our mentoring relationship, I started to focus on writing business plans instead of résumés. Tim didn’t flinch. He remained a tremendous supporter and advocate when I told him I’d decided to start a small business. True to form, and demonstrating tremendous flexibility, Tim shared his ideas about where I might seek business opportunities and how I may want to market my business. Although I’d always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, I certainly would not have had the confidence to pursue this dream without the support of wonderful people like Tim.

In the short time I’ve worked with him, Tim has helped replace my anxiety with confidence. I am very grateful to have him as a mentor and as a friend, and I look forward to working with Tim for many years to come. He is a very valuable asset to the ACP Mentorship Program.

- Donald S., U.S. Army, Virginia

I would like to nominate Sarah Jelken for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. As a lot of veterans do, I struggled with finding my purpose in the corporate world as I transitioned. I felt a little lost stepping into a new environment where things were not as structured and there was no clear path. Sarah helped me transition between corporate jobs and assisted in finding what matters to me most. Whenever I was feeling unsure about my career path, it was comforting that I could talk with Sarah and receive her candid feedback. Having someone to talk with who was willing to listen and provide meaningful insight was instrumental.

I am grateful to Sarah for our yearlong mentorship. Even though we had a "closing" call, she is still someone I plan on reaching out to in the future. Thank you, Sarah and ACP!

- Matt S., U.S. Army (Ret.), Georgia

I would like to nominate Liz Kokesh for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. We began working together about a year ago, after I had separated from the Air Force and started a job as an auto glass quality inspector. I was relatively inexperienced in the auto industry at the time, but Liz’s wealth of professional wisdom from Cargill helped propel me in my path to become an engineer in the manufacturing industry.

Without Liz’s guidance and insight, I do not know where I would be today. Liz has helped with my résumé by providing me with not only her own input but also with the input of other professionals in her network. Additionally, she has helped with interviewing techniques and building both my network and my confidence. Most importantly, Liz was my sounding board, and she offered her moral and spiritual support. There have been times when I was extremely frustrated and upset about my job stress, and Liz was there to listen to my rants and complaints. In November 2017, Liz and I had the chance to meet in Cleveland for a nice meal together. I couldn't think of a better Mentor than Liz, and it was ACP that brought us together

- Chi “Micah” S., U.S. Air Force, Ohio

ACP congratulates:

Teresa Hutton - Wisconsin
Justin Patrick - Wisconsin

I would like to nominate Teresa Hutton for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. We began working together about six months ago when I had suffered a great loss that left me devastated to a degree that I had forgotten my worth. In turn, I lost my passion and North Star. 

Without Teresa’s encouragement and patience as I processed through the steps to find my new North Star, I would still be struggling to find my way. Without her empathy, kindness, and guidance, I would still be questioning my value.

Teresa has been my greatest single advocate throughout the last few months of redesigning my life. In a short time period, she went from being a stranger to a mentor to an advocate, and she is now a member of my tribe and someone who I couldn’t possibly envision my journey without. Thank you ACP for bringing me together with such a giving and authentic leader. 

- Crystal W., U.S. Air Force, Texas

I would like to nominate Justin Patrick for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Justin and I initially connected when I was only a few months away from separating from the Navy. I had a plan, but I had no one to talk with to make sure I was progressing through my transition as intelligently as possible. Justin reviewed my resume, and he gave me advice on interview techniques and how to best present myself to a potential future employer.

After accepting a position with my current company, Justin served as a professional development mentor. We discussed how to make a great impression when first starting in a role, and he shared what he looks for in new employees and teammates at his company. Justin provided sage advice and guidance on how to best ingratiate myself into my new company’s workplace structure. We discussed the importance of joining cross-functional teams to learn about all aspects of a company to better understand the big picture.

Justin was absolutely instrumental in my successes. He’s a highly motivated individual; he has served as encouragement to me to keep pressing in my career, even when I’m unsure of the next step. He’s a high-performing individual who is no doubt in the very top tier of ACP mentors.

- Patrick B., U.S. Navy, Maryland

ACP congratulates:

Kristopher Schmidt - New Jersey
Jordan Weigle - Tennessee

I would like to nominate Kristopher Schmidt for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Kris and I started our mentorship a couple months before my transition out of the Navy. Both Kris and ACP have been instrumental throughout my transition. 

I already knew that I wanted to be in the supply chain field, because I spent 10 years in the supply chain world in the Navy. Kris and I started off with the basics, editing my résumé and networking opportunities. Kris always made himself available within a 24 hour period if I had any questions about upcoming interviews or interview techniques. Furthermore, since Kris is in the supply chain field, he set me up with personnel within his organization to further collaborate on my résumé and steps I could take to bolster my chances of being selected for a role within the field. 

I am happy to announce that I accepted a position as the Business Operations Manager at a local roofing company in Jacksonville, Florida, and I have Kris and ACP to thank for my new position.

- Chris S., U.S. Navy, Florida

Please accept this as an enthusiastic recommendation for Jordan Weigle as Mentor of the Month.

Jordan has been my Mentor for nearly the last year. Throughout this time, Jordan provided invaluable guidance to me as I went through some very difficult career changes. He helped me develop my résumé, leave a toxic job, and begin a new career in a different industry. During this journey, he provided extremely insightful feedback that helped improve on my interview skills that ultimately earned me my current role.

As I transitioned into my new role, Jordan helped me navigate my new industry’s culture and helped to develop my written communication skills. Jordan has also provided guidance on methodologies of choosing a graduate program.

I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to work with Jordan. His efforts have directly contributed to the professional success that I have had and I highly endorse him for Mentor of the Month.

- Kevin C., U.S. Army, Florida

ACP congratulates:

Stephen Janawsky - North Carolina
Kiley Pontrelli - North Carolina

I would like to nominate Stephen Janawsky for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Stephen and I began working together during a time of tumultuous change in my life; I was eight days from leaving the Army with a one-month old baby at home. His guidance helped me keep my feet on the ground as things stayed upside down, both professional and personally.

I am currently headed to Salt Lake City to start a new job, and I can say with certainty that I would not be here without Stephen. He helped me with all aspects of my job search, from my résumé and LinkedIn page to cheering me on and talking over my interviews and conferences. I will never forget sitting with Stephen at lunch, worried about making the wrong decisions and completely unsure about everything. After talking with Stephen, I decided on my current job and the future that I am heading towards.

Stephen has been invaluable in helping me through personal hurdles. Having a child is the hardest thing I have ever experienced and Stephen, having a son only a few months older than my own, has served as a source of advice and encouragement to get me through the sleepless nights and days of interviews.

Without Stephen, I would not have been able to transition out of the Army. His assistance in every aspect of life was priceless and something I will never forget. He has been an amazing mentor so far and I will continue to look to him for guidance as I step into my new role.

- Mario P., U.S. Army, North Carolina

I would like to nominate my mentor, Kiley Pontrelli, for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. It is an understatement to say that she has gone above and beyond to ensure my success once I exit the Marine Corps next month. When Kiley and I were paired together last fall, I didn't have a résumé or any working knowledge of writing cover letters, and had very little confidence for my upcoming transition. Now, not only do I have a strong résumé and the proper tools to write a cover letter to any company, I also have the confidence to go forward and find the job that I desire.

Since the mentorship began, we have met in person numerous times. I feel fortunate that Kiley has sacrificed many of her Sunday afternoons to sit down and work through current and upcoming goals. When we meet, we work on current tasks such as scrubbing my résumé, a cover letter for a job, or networking. We also discuss goals for the month ahead and start the cycle over again when we come together the following month. Kiley has connected me with her colleagues and personal friends who have provided educational guidance. Together we have built a strong professional foundation and are now in the process of job hunting. 

I can say with confidence that without Kiley's mentorship I would not be anywhere near as prepared and excited for my approaching end of contract as I am right now. Thank you to ACP and Kiley for making all this happen!

- Terry G., U.S. Marine Corps, North Carolina

ACP congratulates:

John Gregory - Maine
Maureen Sheehan - New York
Jan Wade - Wisconsin

I would like to nominate John Gregory for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. As a Veteran in the process of starting my own small business, John has provided me with valuable insight to help grow and market my business. John has been very helpful in providing me with ideas and action items to help me market my business and develop positive customer management relationship tools to help maintain constructive customer engagement. He also has provided me with valuable feedback regarding some of my business processes and products. During this mentorship process, I have made a sincere connection with John, and he always makes himself available to me for guidance and brainstorming sessions. 

John is someone who I now consider a friend, and I look forward to one day meeting him and his family. I also look forward to professionally networking with John in the future, as he is well connected and respected in his industry. I really appreciate the opportunity ACP has provided with this mentorship program. John is a personable and consummate professional, and I am honored to have him as my Mentor.

- Bryan B., U.S. Air Force, Maryland

I would like to nominate Maureen Sheehan for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Maureen has a very busy calendar as in-house counsel for Hearst, but she has taken the time to help another person become her best self – not without sacrifices of her own. She has willingly given me her time, at the expense of something on her calendar- likely personal time. She is helping me translate my military legal experience into civilian practice, has sought out the help of her colleagues in areas where they are strong, and, through it all, she has been someone who has given me back a sense of community.

When I have an interview or when I’m working through my professional papers (resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, etc.), Maureen is always there cheering me on and providing me the perspective I need to go out and be successful. She has become someone in my corner to whom I can email both when there are disappointments and when there are victories.

When I left active duty, I did not know how much I would miss the sense of belonging, and my time with ACP and Maureen has encouraged me that there is community here, too. I am grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by Maureen, and I look forward to the next six months.

- Nicole H., U.S. Air Force, Iowa

I would like to nominate Jan Wade for ACP's Mentor of the Month. Jan has proven to be an excellent resource for understanding the media market in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. She has provided me interesting ways to look at my experience and has helped me frame my leadership skills so they are more appreciated and understood by civilian employers.

I have visited Milwaukee numerous times in the last six months, and Jan has always cleared her schedule to spend afternoons mentoring me one-on-one. She is an excellent listener and always offers valuable feedback. As an added bonus, during each visit, she's introduced me to key leaders in the community. She's also taught me the importance of considering the community first when making editorial decisions. My perceptions and understanding of media have changed as a result of our conversations.

Most of all, Jan has given me her time. As President and General Manager of WISN-TV for Hearst-Argyle Television, Jan already has a tremendous amount of work and responsibility. Yet, she always makes time to meet with me -- even on short notice. I look forward to continuing our professional relationship when I leave active duty. I am confident she will remain a mentor and professional colleague for life, no matter where our careers take us.

- Ann K., U.S. Air Force Reserve, Wisconsin