MILITARY FRIENDLY, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN

AWARD AND A COMMITMENT

UNITED STATES MILITARY

REASONS THEY SERVE

• Love of country, patriotism• Family Tradition• Income• Educational Benefits• Travel• Adventure

WHY THEY RETURN TO CIVILIAN LIFE

• Retirement• Medical issues• Completion of enlistment• Family• Employment opportunities• Involuntarily separated/ troop

reductions

OBSTACLES UPON SEPARATION

• Unemployment• Loss of team concept• Unfamiliar schedule• Unrealistic expectations• Relationships• Finances• Less support structure

EMOTIONS

• Excitement• Joy• Fear• Anxiety• Doubt• Out of place

OPPORTUNITIES

• Reconnecting• New career challenges• Educational assistance• Healthcare• Non-profit memberships

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP

• Reach out and connect• Be an active listener• Build trust• Provide resources• Make them feel needed

CONTACT INFO

Kevin Flanary

Director of Military and Veteran Affairs

TN Tech Universitykflanary@tntech.edu

kflanary@tntech.edu