Team MacDill trades camo for suits

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shandresha Mitchell
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce hosted Operation Partnership: Civilian Career Day, Friday, June 24, 2016, where members from Team MacDill, both active duty and reservists, were paired with chamber members to learn about a civilian career.

The purpose of the event was to provide service members with an understanding of the Tampa Bay employment sector as they begin transitioning into their civilian career. During the event, service members had the opportunity to partner with a businessperson and learn what a typical day in a civilian career would be like.

“We identified a need for the community to know more about MacDill, as well as realizing that many service members performing their duties on MacDill could benefit from knowing civilians outside the gate,” said Edward Spenceley, Military Council Veterans Employment Co-Chair. “This program is about establishing and promoting relationships at the personal level between our service members on MacDill and the people of Tampa.”

In 2015, the program underwent significant changes when the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce decided to incorporate it under their Veterans Employment Committee.

Spenceley explained this program is a huge benefit to both the community and the service member because currently, for every 100 service members who separate from service at MacDill, 44 remain in the area.

This year’s event began with breakfast at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce office followed by service members shadowing chamber members in their place of business. This portion of the program allowed military members to network and gain insight on various careers outside of their military skill set.

“It’s amazing to see the number of careers available,” said Staff Sgt. Brittany Lightfoot, a contract specialist assigned to the 6th Contracting Squadron. “What we don’t realize in the military is how sharing stories and experiences with our civilian counterparts can benefit us over time, and prepare us for our next step as we begin transitioning.”

Attendees had the opportunity to meet business executives and human resources professionals from more than 20 companies, and for many service members, this was their first networking experience with the Tampa Bay business community.

“Networking is important because we are making those lasting connections, and gaining a better understanding of our community and those who make it what it is,” said Lightfoot.

This year, more than 40 service members were in attendance and the chamber is expecting an even larger turnout next year.

Spenceley said no matter where or who the participants work for, this event is about making lasting connections and building relationships with members of the community, which ultimately benefits the community, families, businesses and military.