August 2025 - Mentorship Success Story

Whether you’re 20 days or 20 years out from your military transition, you can always take advantage of new opportunities and resources. Terry Casin, a US Army Veteran, had already banked years of civilian work experience when he signed up for an American Corporate Partners (ACP) mentorship in 2024.

Let’s look at how Casin’s ACP Mentor helped him achieve greater professional fulfillment and success.

Plan your route

Casin left the Army in 2006 after serving an enlistment as a Food Inspection Specialist. Post-separation, he held different warehousing and logistics roles, but always felt there was something more out there for him. In 2024, he assessed the path he was on and determined he’d like to earn a business degree, as well as find a role with more room for advancement. 

“A major area of my life [where] I felt I needed support was what direction I should take my skillset and knowledge,” Casin says. “I also needed [someone] I could reach out to who understands what it takes to be an effective leader.”

Using his interests as a guide, ACP was able to match Casin with a Mentor who ticked both of those boxes and more. Tom Feifar, a logistics manager with over 30 years of experience in the field, was well-versed in leadership and had helped many transitioning Veterans prep for civilian careers. After their introduction, the pair started creating a blueprint that incorporated Casin’s professional and educational goals. 

Stay the course

Like many students who attend college later in life, Casin was balancing a night shift job with daytime classes. Having frequent touchpoints with Feifar helped him stay focused on the ultimate goal: obtaining the degree that will open up opportunities. “Tom has given me great guidance and direction on how to tackle the challenges that have been presented to me during a very busy and jam-packed schedule [such as] working full-time and going to school,” Casin says.

Likewise, Feifar enjoyed watching Casin work through roadblocks and challenges with a positive outlook. “It’s been inspirational for me,” says Feifar, who even had the chance to join Casin and his family for an in-person breakfast date. 

Take inventory

As their year of mentorship progressed, Feifar and Casin covered a lot of ground: how to advance in your current job, the importance of keeping your résumé updated, tips for maintaining work-life balance. It’s paid off for Casin, who says, “Tom’s mentorship has taught me… the value of maintaining a consistent professional attitude [and] how vital communication is between coworkers to have a productive and successful team.”

The final months of mentorship brought a chance for the pair to assess their progress and to narrow their lens on the roles that excited Casin most, giving him a solid foundation for future achievement. “Tom is keeping me motivated and focused on the goals I wish to achieve,” Casin says. “It's been a pleasure having him as my Mentor.”

Don’t ride alone 

Casin encourages other Veterans and Active-Duty Military Spouses to sign up for their own mentorship. His bottom line to prospective Proteges: “Prepare to meet someone who will have a monumental impact on you professionally [and] increase your chances of being successful in your career path.”