Steve W.

Finding ‘your’ success after transition

“There are many moments where, as a young Veteran, you feel lost in unfamiliar territory and don’t know where to locate assistance. While on Active Duty you feel like you can accomplish anything, you feel grounded and supported. Once you leave, it’s as if you’re starting over… this was, and is, a significant mental and physical challenge.”

Steve served for 6 years, 4 years in the US Air Force and 2 in the Air Force Reserves. When he left the military in 2002, he felt as if he was starting over. As many Veterans know, finding the assistance you need after leaving the military can be hard. He was discouraged from applying for disability benefits and not sure how to get assistance for additional education. The Montgomery GI Bill helped to cover some basic living expenses, but he was still having to take out student loans for the rest of his educational expenses. Transitioning was harder than he had expected, and Steve missed the support he had found in the military.

“Getting involved with Still Serving Veterans has been a huge relief. SSV had resources available, people that seem to care and help, and an opportunity to connect with folks that had similar career experiences.”

Eventually Steve found his way to SSV's Huntsville office where we provided guidance on employment, VA claims, and the continuing education opportunities he was eligible to receive as a Veteran. Now he has been appropriately assessed by the VA for a rating. He also gained full-time employment as the Unmanned Aircraft System Aviation Safety Officer for The University of Alabama in Huntsville.  

“SSV has also been an enormous help with starting my business.”

Steve’s Success story doesn’t end there. He also received support from SSV and other Veteran friends in starting his own business. Steve is now part of the estimated 300,000 veteran-run businesses in America who employ nearly 4,000,000 people and make up a big part of the US economy.

Steve is now the owner of Tint World (Huntsville, AL location.) Steve had always wanted to own his own business, but providing window tinting needs was a little outside of his comfort zone of the Aviation industry. However, after receiving advice from other Veteran business owners, he was ready for the challenge. He did his research on the franchise as well as the Huntsville market and began developing the business in 2021. SSV assisted Steve with leads on Veteran employees, business resources, industry contacts and advised him on small business development.

From getting the benefits he was owed to finding full-time employment and owning his own business, SSV helped Steve find success in civilian life after transition.

— Steve W., US Air Force Veteran

Still Serving Veterans' primary mission is to offer no-cost career and transition counseling services that help Veterans build rewarding careers and meaningful lives. This is done by meeting the Veteran where they are at in their journey. It’s easy to connect with the Counselors because they are also Veterans themselves and know the challenges of transitioning into the civilian world.