ACP congratulates:

Keith Fenech - California
Nicholas Vondrak - California 

I would like to nominate Keith Fenech for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. I first met Keith in November of last year, and his mentorship has been incredible since day one. Keith’s input on resume design and content have been invaluable. I am regularly told by top companies that my resume stands out from other veterans’ due to its clear translation of my military skills to civilian careers. Keith’s guidance has opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

Additionally, Keith’s feedback during interview preparation has been key to my positive performance. His explanations completely reframed my method of approach and helped me to skillfully react when presented with challenging questions. 

Finally, Keith has always made himself completely available for advice as I made career decisions and has challenged me to remain true to myself when deciding on which path to follow. I know that had if it not been for Keith’s guidance, I would still be floundering my way through this step in my career. My family and I would like to thank Keith for not only giving me the tools to succeed but for keeping me focused on my goals.

- Adam C., U.S. Army, Maryland

I would like to nominate Nic Vondrak for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Nic and I have been paired for over six months. We were introduced while I was about five months from separating from active duty (U.S. Army, Fort Drum, NY). While I had some plans for my transition, I started with very little focus in regard to industry and little real knowledge of what to ask for and how to ask for it.

Nic was able to help me frame my timeline against my short- and long-term goals to make me as effective as possible in the time available. I combined the educational and transition programs I was taking advantage of with Nic’s guidance and translation of the civilian world to greatly expand my understanding and put all of the pieces together. Nic has been able to explain ambiguous pieces of business culture as well as give direct advice on small, but important, details and matters. The military to business transition is as much about learning skills as it is about re-structuring personal confidence. Nic is more than capable in assisting veterans seeking success in those areas.

I am very grateful for Nic’s involvement with ACP. He has placed significant time and thoughtfulness into his work with me in our mentorship. I know that his guidance significantly impacted my success, and I would recommend him as a mentor to anyone negotiating the complexities of leaving military service.

- Evan W., U.S. Army, New York

ACP congratulates:

Phillip Ellikidis - Virginia
Oradee Imvised - New York

I would like to nominate Philip Ellikidis for ACP's Mentor of the Month. I was introduced to Phil in December of 2018. When we first spoke, I was preparing for an in-person interview for a sales position. Phil, having previously held a career in sales, was able to give me advice for my interview, and I got the job. I have now been with my new company for six months and love it.

Phil’s mentorship has helped me tremendously. One particular aspect that stands out is that he introduced me to Salesforce, a platform which has aided me in my new role greatly. I now use Salesforce daily and have become proficient in the software, in part due to Phil’s assistance. He is also currently helping me leverage my newfound skills in Salesforce to push for a promotion within my company.

Phil has been great to speak with and has worked well with my schedule and me — even though his life has been busy with a new addition to his family. I would like to thank Phil for taking the time to help me grow.

- Daniel H., U.S. Army, Colorado

I would like to nominate Oradee Imvised for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Oradee and I have been working with each other for almost a year now. When we were first introduced, I had just separated from the Navy and was doing well but had competing aspirations. At that time, I only had the research I had done myself on how to break into the IT industry to work off of. If it weren’t for Oradee, I wouldn't be on the track I am now.

Right away, Oradee and I discussed short- and long-term plans. Her advice was instrumental in my decision to re-enroll in school to work toward the completion of my Computer Science degree. The reviews of material I worked on and the tasks in her workplace were critical in my understanding of the work environment. Our discussions have truly led me to feel comfortable and proud of my capabilities. Oradee is an exemplary mentor — she not only assisted me from a career perspective but on a personal level as well, as I went through the home-buying process.

I want to thank Oradee for sacrificing her time to help others. I can't say enough about her kindness and concern for the community. She is a great person who gives so much to others inside and outside of this program. From working full-time, to volunteering with her son's Scout program, to dealing with his school's demands, she embodies the definition of selflessness. I look forward to exhibiting some of her traits and becoming a mentor myself one day.

- David S., U.S. Navy, Ohio

ACP congratulates:

Jacqueline Smyth - Georgia
Nicholas Neisen - New York                                                                                   

I would like to nominate Jacqueline Smyth for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Jacquie has been my mentor for just under a year and has been pivotal in my transition from the Navy. I built a portfolio of experience throughout my Naval career and required assistance translating military success into a professional understanding, and Jacquie was there to guide me through every detail.

Our first conversation lasted well over an hour, just as we got to know one another personally and professionally. Her sense of motivation and interpersonal skills stood out immediately, and I knew that the ACP program coordinators had selected the best mentor for me as I transitioned into a career outside of the Navy. I had all of the “meat and potatoes” to fill up a resume and cover letter with ease, but I did not know how to engineer it into the “machine” that it is today. Jacquie reviewed and critiqued it. Then she reviewed and critiqued it some more. She ensured that I understood how to best describe my experiences and got me talking about my skills and abilities, which unknowingly prepared me for our interview practices later in the mentorship. I had several promising interviews lined up during this time, and she gave me the tools and confidence to execute them with ease. Jacquie has been my motivation and my beacon for success and professionalism as I transitioned.

I am currently working as a Logistics Account Manager, and Jacquie was key in preparing me for my new career. Her generous encouragement and endless information will forever be engraved into my memories of my Navy and civilian careers. I proudly thank Jacquie for her service to the military and for helping me through this process.

- David J., U.S. Navy, Indiana

I would like to nominate Nicholas Neisen for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Nick has devoted countless hours — well above the minimum required for the program. He has been supportive throughout this mentorship, never short of great ideas, and has helped me to hold myself accountable to define and meet my career goals and objectives.

Nick and I were first introduced in September 2018, when for the first time in my life I felt like I was lacking a clear career vision and direction. I didn’t know what my next steps were with setting career goals and was having difficulty prioritizing and determining where my time would be best spent.  During our initial call, I felt like I was all over the place and was wondering how anyone could possibly help me sort through my thoughts to clarify what it was that I needed to do to develop a plan. But Nick knew exactly what to do. He began by offering a few suggestions of where I could get started and, from that point forward, he kept me focused and on task. 

No matter what I was working on, what networking event I had recently attended, what book/assessment I had recently finished, or what career related challenges I was having, Nick listened. He provided honest feedback, gave sound advice from all sides of the equation, is famous for saying, “This all sounds great, but have you thought about this?,” had a solid grasp on what needed to happen next, and always made it a point to reassure me that he was my biggest advocate.

Nick, thank you so much for volunteering your time to this program, sharing your experience, providing guidance, and all that you have done to help me take the appropriate steps to advance my career. You not only saved me time by keeping me on point; you provided best practices from which to work from, built my confidence in terms of realizing my value, and helped me learn the process of how to define and set my career goals and objectives. You have helped prepare me professionally for the next stage of my career and any challenges that may lie ahead. I hope that in the future I am fortunate enough to become a mentor of your caliber, as you have set a high bar from which to work from. 

Further, thank you to Nick’s family and employer (UPS) for the time he took away to assist me. He really made a positive difference in my professional and personal life. Thank you ACP and ACP staff (most notably Lauren) for creating and maintaining this valuable program, sharing your resources, and providing assistance throughout this journey. Every veteran should take full advantage of this valuable program.

- Brad H., U.S. Air Force, Maryland

ACP congratulates:

Paula Doroff - Minnesota
Brian D' Anna - New York

I would like to nominate Paula Doroff for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Paula has been instrumental in my transition and has helped me shift from a military perspective to a corporate one. One of the most troubling things that I have had issues with is the interviewing process. Paula has not only given her thoughts and perspectives on the topic, but she also enlisted one of her contacts in the industry to help guide me as well. This allowed for me to receive a comprehensive overview of the interview process from multiple perspectives.

Paula has also helped guide me as I decide what to pursue once I finish graduate school. When I began working with Paula, I was so confused about the different positions and job areas within the financial services industry. Paula was very knowledgeable when I asked about each of the various job functions, and it helped me decide what to pursue when I graduate.

With Paula as my Mentor, I now feel more confident as I look for employment in the financial services industry. I know that whenever I have a question about the process, Paula is just a phone call, text, or email away. I am truly grateful that we connected as Mentor and Protégé. I could not have asked for a better mentor to guide me down this path as I strive for a successful, rewarding career.

- Eric C., U.S. Air Force, Virginia

I would like to nominate Brian D’Anna for ACP’s Mentor of the Month.  We began working together near the end of 2018, as I was finishing up my Bachelor’s degree in Finance at Pace University. At the time, I was nervous about what steps I should take next; but with Brian’s guidance, he has helped me establish a course that was best for me, including beginning my journey toward my MBA and enrolling in a field study class in China.

Brian has also helped me tremendously with improving my resume(s). With Brian’s years of expertise, he has helped me to fine-tune my resume to be geared more toward each specific position that I apply for. He also plays an excellent devil’s advocate when we have our conversations and whenever I am looking for guidance. By doing that, he helps me to realize my actual hopes for my future, instead of just inferring his own.

Brian is, and has been, a phenomenal Mentor, and I don’t know that I would be where I am today without his assistance. Coming from a military and para-military background straight into the corporate world is very frightening, but with Brian’s help and knowledge, he has made the transition much easier. I could not have asked for a better mentor than Brian. He has a plethora of information after his years in the business, and he only wants what is best for his Protégé. I am very thankful for ACP, Robert Rahni, and Brian D’Anna for everything that they have done in bringing us together. 

- Dwayne H., U.S. Air Force, New York

ACP congratulates:

Aaron Fontinel — Florida
Julie Patterson — California

I would like to enthusiastically nominate Aaron Fontinel for ACP’s Mentor of the Month! Aaron has been an amazing Mentor to me, has gone above and beyond, and is richly deserving of being recognized.

In the last six months, Aaron and I have been in regular contact, and he has been extremely helpful, influential, and a wonderful sounding board for all of my questions and ideas. I have found the transition from military to civilian to be a very challenging one, and Aaron came into my life at the exact moment I needed him. Before meeting Aaron, I was constantly thinking, “If only I could just pick up the phone, and ask someone this question!” He is always very quick to respond and also provides follow-up information and resources after our phone calls. His input with resumes, interview preparation, budgeting, and small business questions has been especially beneficial.

Aaron’s positive spirit and encouragement has also been of tremendous help to me. Whenever I feel stuck, he adds much-needed perspective and positive energy to the equation. Aaron could be doing many things both personally and professionally in his retirement, but the fact that he devotes so much time and energy to volunteering as a Mentor speaks volumes about his character. He is very generous with his time, and I can tell he truly cares about my success. I look forward to the next six months with Aaron, as well as the day I can meet him in person. Lastly, I would also like to thank ACP for making this mentorship with Aaron possible and for taking time to regularly check on my progress.

- John L., U.S. Marine Corps, Texas

I would like to nominate Julie Patterson for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. I reached out to ACP after I had already transitioned out of the Army, in desperation really. I was feeling out of place in the civilian workforce, and I did not know where I fit into my new identity outside of the Army.

When I initially contacted Julie, we immediately hit it off, and we now joke about feeling as if we have known each other for years. From our first email interactions and phone calls, Julie reassured me of my worth in the civilian workplace and made me feel confident that I could achieve career goals outside of the Army. The guidance that Julie has given me over the past six months is truly invaluable.

Julie has helped me re-focus my resume and has encouraged me to take a good, hard look at what I want to do with my career. She has also given me great advice in terms of my work/life balance — I truly look to her for advice in so many areas! She has become a huge part of my life, and whenever I think about my transition out of the Army, I have such fond memories of Julie stepping up to help me, reassure me, and guide me.

I am so thankful and forever grateful to Julie, this program, and other volunteer Mentors who step up to help veterans like myself! I wish all service members and veterans knew about this program!

- Jeanette L., U.S. Army, Tennessee

ACP congratulates:

Eric Fussenegger – Pennsylvania

Kathy Paterno - Iowa

I would like to nominate Eric Fussenegger for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. Eric has been my Mentor for about eleven months now. I relied heavily on Eric during my transition from the Army after 21 years of active service. He was there every step of the way as I prepared for the transition, began pursuing employment opportunities, and after the transition as I went through the hiring and onboarding process with a new employer.

I entered the mentorship very nervous and anxious about the changes that come with an exit from the military to civilian employment. From the very first time that we spoke, Eric offered sound advice on the job search techniques and helped me map out a strategy for an approach to seeking opportunities. I also struggled with deciding the career path that I wanted to pursue when I left the military and Eric was able to help me focus my efforts and determine the path to take.

The guidance and mentorship that Eric gave me during my transition were invaluable. He enthusiastically shared his personal experiences in the corporate world and helped me navigate the daunting task of seeking employment for the first time in twenty-plus years. Eric also introduced me to Veteran advocates at his company which added an even greater perspective. More than anything, Eric really helped to boost my confidence as I went through the transition and I know that it would have been much more difficult without him. As I began my first job post-military, I could still lean on Eric for advice for any questions that I had related to the civilian sector. Eric truly has a passion for helping fellow Veterans and I couldn’t have asked for a better Mentor. 

- Stephen R., U.S. Army, Virginia

I would like to nominate Kathy Paterno for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. We began working together 10 months ago when I was roughly two years from separating from the Marine Corps. Looking to explore the opportunities in and demands posed by the corporate sphere, I had an idea about the type of work I wanted to do after 10 years of active duty service, but was anxious about how to best market my skills and experience for those positions.

Kathy has graciously opened her network within her company and through her interactions over the years to find the people best positioned to answer questions about the work they do and companies they work for. In addition, she has provided me a rare level of mentorship in my personal journey to determine what is most important to me as I begin my transition into the civilian workforce. Whether it is discussing potential interview questions, going through my resume with an HR lens, or looking at what positions best connect my skills and experience with my personal interests, she has helped me to develop a realistic idea of what my options may be outside of the Marine Corps. Kathy has been a blessing in assuaging my fears as I head towards the next chapter in my career.

I’m thankful there are professionals who are willing to devote their time to helping veterans and organizations like ACP that serve as the broker to connect and provide useful resources for them.

- Andrew I., U.S. Marine Corps, Maryland