Finding Employment After Service: AbilityLinks’ Mission for Veterans

This Veterans Day, we are honored to shine a light on the remarkable contributions of the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. From the battlefield to the boardroom, Veterans bring a unique blend of leadership, discipline, and resilience to the workplace. In the following interviews, we’ll hear from Veteran employees and leaders who are making a difference in their company’s workforce and communities.

Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company that provides a wide range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations. Every day, the people of Accenture embrace change and create value for all their stakeholders, in every part of the world— they call it 360° value.

Let’s hear from two Veterans who are members of the North America Accenture Veterans ERG!

Autumn Tolliver, Management Consultant Sr Manager at Accenture

Autumn is the NA Military ERG Lead at Accenture and served in the Army for 8 years as a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Officer. She served in an Aviation Battalion, primarily in El Paso Texas and deployed to Iraq.

What types of initiatives or supportive services does the Veteran / Military Affiliate ERG organize?

“Our ERG organizes national events for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, along with quarterly calls that provide Veterans with access to guest speakers, updates on relevant topics, resources, policy changes, and mental health support. During challenging times, we host additional calls to offer a space for Veterans to share their experiences and learn about available mental health resources. We also have policies in place to support National Guard and Reservists when they are called to active-duty orders. For military spouses, we offer flexibility with location and remote work options, and we have a dedicated Military Spouses ERG. Additionally, we engage with local communities by partnering with Veteran nonprofits, and we foster networking and relationship-building through various MERG events and social gatherings,” Autumn explained.

What role does the ERG play in helping Veterans advance their careers
within the company?
“The ERG, both at the national and local levels, plays a key role in helping Veterans advance their careers. We support Veterans through a buddy program to assist with integration, partnering them with people leaders who guide them in navigating their career paths. We provide skilling pathways tailored for Veterans, host learning calls, and create networking opportunities to help them connect with leaders and peers who can support their career goals.”

What is your goal for the future in supporting Veterans at Accenture?
“Our goal is to continue fostering a strong sense of community and purpose for Veterans who join our organization. We plan to achieve this by enhancing and expanding Veteran recruiting, integration, engagement, and development programs. We will continue to grow our Buddy program for transitioning Veterans with a focus on learning and development, improve internal and external partnerships that support Veteran development, and raise awareness around mental health. Additionally, we will provide Veterans with opportunities to give back to the community, offering them a continued sense of service akin to what they experienced in the military,” Autumn concludes.

Tamara Norwood Senior Analyst, Change Management at Accenture

Tamara is a Senior Analyst in Change Management at Accenture. She supports organizations through complex transitions and helps teams embrace new processes. Before joining Accenture, she served for 9 years in the U.S. Air Force as a 4N0 (Aerospace Medic), where she honed her skills in leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. Her military background continues to guide her approach to facilitating change and fostering collaboration.

How has being a member of the Veteran ERG personally impacted your experience at
work?
“Being part of the Veteran ERG was a lifeline when I first joined Accenture. Coming through the Junior Military Officer (JMO) Program was a great opportunity, but it felt intimidating to walk into orientation alongside recent college graduates, many experiencing their first job. I found myself caught between two worlds: eager to absorb new knowledge yet unsure how to bring forward the leadership experience I had built in the military. The Veteran ERG helped me realize that my past experiences weren’t something to hold back—they were strengths to embrace. They taught me that the key wasn’t to fit in by downplaying what I’d achieved, but to respect my journey and allow it to complement my growth here. This gave me the confidence to trust the process, knowing I didn’t need to have all the answers from day one. Over time, I’ve found a way to blend what I know with what I’m learning, and it’s made all the difference in shaping my path forward,” Tamara explained.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?
“One of the biggest challenges I faced during the transition was adjusting to an environment where many of my peers were just starting their careers. Coming from the military, I was used to having autonomy, leadership responsibilities, and trust. At Accenture, I initially found it challenging to strike the right balance between demonstrating my leadership skills and recognizing where I needed to listen, absorb, and learn. There were moments when the desire to lead conflicted with the need to step back and build my industry knowledge. However, I focused on maintaining a positive attitude and fostering trust within my team. Within four months, I was given the opportunity to lead my first deliverable. This experience taught me how to embrace continuous learning while owning my strengths, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that supports both growth and trust for Veterans like me.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“Leaving the military isn’t just the end of one chapter—it’s the beginning of an exciting new one. This transition will have its challenges, but just like before, you have everything within you to adapt, lead, and thrive. You’re not starting over; you’re building on everything you’ve already achieved. Embrace the good and the bad, the wins and the setbacks—they are all part of the process. Trust in yourself and remember that your best days are not behind you. You’ve already proven you can overcome anything. Now, it’s time to take that strength and create something new. Believe in the path ahead, and most importantly, believe in yourself. You are capable of amazing things—military or not,” Tamara concluded.

ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation

ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation form the backbone of supply chain operations for Ahold Delhaize USA, one of the nation’s largest omnichannel grocery retail groups. Serving well-known brands like Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop, our self-distribution model ensures efficient and reliable product delivery to keep stores stocked and communities nourished. As one of the largest supply chain networks and private fleets on the East Coast, we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, innovation, and purpose. At ADUSA D&T, every associate has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, driving transformation within a values-driven, supportive environment.

We're excited to share insights from ADUSA D&T’s Veteran BRG members!

Jeff Heller, Food Safety Supervisor at ADUSA D&T

Jeffrey Heller is from Moorestown, NJ. He is the Food Safety Supervisor at DC 93 in York, PA. He enlisted in the Army in 2002 as a 92G PV2 and retired in 2023 as a CW2. He served multiple tours overseas, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea. He spent three years as a recruiter in Brooklyn Center, MN. He is married and has three kids. His biggest accomplishment was retiring from the U.S. Army. His hobbies include hanging out with his family and watching Philly sports. “GO EAGLES,” Jeffery said!

What types of initiatives or supportive services does the Veteran / Military Affiliate BRG organize?

“Our military Affiliate BRG organized a program called “The Buddy Program”. This program initiated in DC04 in Dunn, NC with a team of military Veteran associates leading it. This program is designed to connect newly hired Veterans with those who already are part of our team. Newly hired Veterans also receive a welcome packet and gift.

“When I first joined the team, I was paired with a retired Sergeant Major and another retired NCO who worked in operations. They helped me with my transition from my military career to my civilian career and till this day we keep in contact.

“The Buddy Program is still in its early stages; it’s official launch will be in 2025. I found this program to be extremely helpful, as starting a new position in the civilian world can be intimidating and stressful especially because we don’t know where we stand or what position it is that we hold in the civil world,” Jeffrey explained.

What role does the BRG (or company) play in helping Veterans advance their careers?

“The company plays a very important role in advancing Veterans through a program that offers a stipend to further continue your education, increasing your eligibility for promotions within the company.”

What is your goal for the future in supporting Veterans at ADUSA D&T?

“My future goals are to represent the Veterans here at ADUSA D&T. Offer them information that’ll help get them proper benefits that they are eligible for. Teach them how to better their resume and their interviewing skills. This will be all through the programs and contacts that have helped me through my transition,” Jeffery concluded.

Tyrell Croughter, Senior Operations Manager at ADUSA D&T

Tyrell was born and raised predominantly in Harrisburg, PA, He is a 1990 graduate of Harrisburg High School where he participated in wrestling and Navy Junior ROTC. After high school he attended the US Naval Academy, graduating in 1994 as a Surface Warfare Officer. He spent 5 years in Norfolk, VA serving in various roles onboard both USS Samuel B Roberts (FFG-58) and USS George Washington (CVN-75). He is married, a father of 6, and grandfather of 8. He enjoys most sports, standup comedy, and a good cigar. The biggest accomplishment so far in his career has been having the opportunity to help others realize their potential and accomplish some of their biggest career goals.

How has being a member of the Veteran BRG personally impacted your experience at work?

“One of the keyways it has impacted me is by introducing me to a host of fellow employees with similar backgrounds as Veterans. It provided me with a network within the organization that I can reach out to, consisting of individuals with whom I’ve shared similar experiences. I can follow up with them about things I am currently dealing with or have questions about regarding the organization. Additionally, this is the first organization I have worked for that truly recognizes and celebrates Veterans and their service in a variety of ways through the events they sponsor,” Tyrell explains.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?

“One of the biggest challenges Veterans face transitioning into the civilian workforce is the loss of the camaraderie we experience in the military. If you ask any Veteran, almost to a person, they will tell you how much they miss esprit de corps they shared with their fellow sailors, soldiers, and marines. ADUSA D&T does an outstanding job a creating a similar culture in which each individual feels connected and proud of what the organization represents. Focusing on treating everyone fair and valued while also operating with a very high degree of integrity are at the core of the company’s values. Shortly after joining ADUSA D&T, I became aware of how much the company values their associates and how important creating a safe and inclusive environment was to the organization. Early on I was exposed to training designed to both grow my career and while promoting a healthy productive workspace.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“ADUSA D&T has a host of positions and roles that may either fit into your military background or may be a desired change of pace. Visit our website and take advantage of an opportunity to join a great organization that truly values their associates. Come join the team!!!” Tyrell concluded.

Avnet

Avnet is a global technology solutions company that helps businesses bring their products to market, from idea to design and from prototype to production. They specialize in distributing electronic components and providing a range of services to help professional engineers, entrepreneurs, and startups take their tech projects from idea to design and from prototype to production.

Let's spotlight a few voices from Avnet’s Veteran ERG!

Griffin Peters, Customer Operations Manager at Avnet

Griffin was commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2019 as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). For five years I was responsible for the navigation of two different ships: the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and the USS Montgomery (LCS 8). His billets on those
ships were Strike Officer and Electronics Material Officer, respectively. He was deployed to the fifth and sixth fleet area of operations, as well as participated in several multi-unit events on both coasts of the United States. Following his time in the Navy, his family and him moved back home to Arizona where he joined Avnet as a Customer Operations Manager. He is an avid golfer, enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves watching sports, and spending time exploring Arizona.

How has being a member of the Veteran ERG personally impacted your experience at
work?

“Being a member of the Veteran ERG at Avnet has allowed me the opportunity to join a group of colleagues who I have things in common with. Avnet is the first company I have worked at since leaving the military, and right away I knew that I needed to join a Veteran ERG so I can connect with professionals with similar experiences.”

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?

“The greatest challenge with transitioning into the civilian workforce is the individuality. Depending on your role in the civilian workforce, you may only interact with a few people and most times it is virtually. Service members are used to the close interactions that come with military service. I personally was a part of divisions in the Navy that ranged from small unit teams of 7 people, all the way up to over 300 Sailors, all joined together to complete the assigned mission. The civilian workforce is a complete shift in operations and can seem daunting at the beginning. But, in the end, if you find the right group, talk about your experiences and challenges transitioning into the civilian workforce, you will find a lot of similarities between the two professions. Avnet helps address these issues by being extremely inclusive, acknowledging our differences and striving to create a strong team environment. I am blown away by Avnet’s ability to incorporate everyone into their team, and they truly care about the development of their employees.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“My best advice is to just go for it. Go all in with the job search, grow your professional
network, research where you want to live and what kind of industries you want to get into. There is a large network of Veterans out there that are willing to help and can be great resources. The company that you end up at will be very different than the military service you just left but be excited about the opportunities and keep an open mind. Finally, embrace the challenges,” Griffin concludes.

Geoffrey Davis, Senior Financial Planning Analyst at Avnet

Geoffrey joined the Army Reserves in December of 2010. His MOS was 88M/Truck Driver. At the time he thought it would be fun to learn how drive all the different vehicles. It also let him get back to school, now paid for, in a reasonable amount of time. He went to bootcamp in South Carolina, Fort Jackson. AIT was in Missouri, Fort Leonard Wood. After my first annual training, he was granted an early promotion, became a squad leader, and was presented with a certificate of achievement. He enjoyed his time in the reserves but both college and his contract were ending, and he decided to start his next chapter. In school, he aligned with what he was learning in the Military and obtained a bachelor's and master's degree in supply chain management. He has been at Avnet for 9 years. During that time, he has worked as a Product Specialist, Profit Control Analyst, and currently he is a Financial Analyst.

How has being a member of the Veteran ERG personally impacted your experience at
work?

“Being a part of a Veteran ERG is fantastic because it allows you to connect with other individuals that have shared experiences. There is a foundation build through sweat, tears, trials, and tribulations. The average person wouldn’t understand much of what you’ve done or been through, but these individuals do. They’re a kind of battle buddy on the civilian side. The ERG gives you a space to reminisce on the good times and laugh about the times you had to embrace the suck,” Geoffrey explains.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?
“I would say that many Veterans face a mental hurdle when moving into the civilian
sector. There is a sense of loss when you exit. You don’t have your battles anymore. The
structure is different, the cadence is very ordinary. Finding a new purpose in what you’re
doing is not easy. Many soldiers lack transferable skillsets, and they get looked past. I
think creating a Veteran ERG is a great step in addressing these concerns. They are
showing that being a Veteran is both an accepted and desired trait.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?
“When you finally decide on the company you’d like to apply, seek out an individual that
was in the service prior. See what type of Veteran or Military benefits they offer. Do not
just blind fire. Go in with a plan of action. Make sure you go to military career fairs. While
they might not have a role for you now, these connections will be your advocates in the
future. Get the offered help on your resume and practice interviewing. Learning how to
translate your military experience is not easy, seek out the professional help,” Geoffrey concludes.

Easterseals PORT Health

Easterseals PORT Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and those facing behavioral health and addiction challenges. With a mission to help people achieve their fullest potential, they provide a comprehensive array of in-person and telehealth services. These include therapy, counseling, case management, job training, and supportive programs designed to promote independence, well-being, and meaningful participation in the community.

Anna Roberts, IT Service Desk at Easterseals PORT Health

She joined the Marine Corps right out of high school in 2013. She got to be part of the trial of women going through infantry school. It was the beginning of the integration of women completely into combat roles and said it was “a lot of fun.” After getting done with all her various training, she spent a year as a Motor T mechanic and then two years as a training NCO. The Marine Corps taught her a lot of skills about being responsible, how to act professionally, and how to be successful. When she got out of the Marine Corps, she worked in various admin jobs for several years using the experience she gained while in the Marine Corps. She than decided that she wanted to get into the IT field and went to school for her bachelor's in information technology. She then got an IT job at UNC Health. She worked there for almost two years. She decided she was ready for a new challenge and got a job at Easterseals on the service desk.

How has being a member of the Veteran ERG personally impacted your experience at
work?

“Being a member of the Veteran ERG has made me feel more appreciated for my past experience in the military. Most companies say they value Veteran employees, but I have never actually felt like my military experienced was valued until I joined Easterseals Port Health,” Anna explained.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?
“Veterans typically face an issue with getting a job and housing when they transition to the
workforce. Easterseals Port Health provides a job and benefits to employees on day one which is more beneficial to Veteran employees that have families.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“My advice for Veterans looking for employment is to make sure to talk about your military
experience in an easy-to-understand way. Most people don’t know what different military terms mean and will not understand your experience if you can’t translate it to civilian terms,” Anna concluded.

Newpark Resources

Newpark is a leading provider of sustainable technologies and services primarily supporting energy infrastructure markets. They have a global presence in large-scale, long-term markets with business segments positioned across the spectrum of the energy transition. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, they serve markets around the world, with an established presence in all continents, demonstrating their commitment to be a strong and reliable partner for their customers.

Hear firsthand from two current employees, Kevin Wilson and Chris Collins, at Newpark Resources about the supportive environment that employees experience!

Kevin Wilson, Lead Operator at Newpark

Kevin is a former Army service member, Kevin served five years with the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, training at Fort Knox and later stationed at Fort Hood. During his 16-month deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kevin led numerous high-stakes missions, providing critical front-line support and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his team and mission.

How has being a member of the U.S. Military personally impacted your experience at work?

“Serving in the U.S. Army has made a huge impact in my work life. Simple things like being on time - every time, to planning & completing difficult tasks, to managing & motivating coworkers around me,” Kevin explained.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?

“Veterans typically operate at a higher level than civilians. This can be a good or bad thing depending on the work culture. Some management at Newpark are Veterans as well, so they understand, relate, and identify work performance and work potential.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“Continue to be and do your best at everything you do. Always show respect and be an honorable and dependable employee. Motivate those around you to do the same,” Kevin concluded.

Chris Collins, Business Development Manager at Newpark

Chris supports their business globally and has been with Newpark for 1 year now. He is a Veteran of the 1st Infantry Division (2/63 Armor Battalion), Chris served 7 years, including deployments to the Middle East. He was awarded the ARCOM and several service campaign awards for OIF, OEF, and GWOTS.

How has being a member of the U.S. Military personally impacted your experience at work?

“A great deal! My MOS was petroleum specialist which started me on my path to working in the utility and energy sector which has ultimately led me to my current role. Also, the leadership opportunities have helped me grow into someone that has strong core values modeled after things like Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage (LDRSHIP),” Chris explained.

What challenges do Veterans typically face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?

“Some of the challenges all Veterans face once they have left the service is figuring out how their military skills translate to civilian job requirements and just adapting to a different work culture. Newpark excels at making you feel like family and knowing you belong, not only to a team of professionals but people that let you know that you matter.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“Stay the course. You do have a community of people and support out there. When you served your decisions were often not always your own so take some time to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life and get after it,” Chris concluded!

Northwestern Medicine

Northwestern Medicine is a nonprofit academic health system with 11 hospitals and more than 200 locations, serving patients in Chicagoland and around the world. It's a renowned healthcare provider known for its academic medical centers, research hospitals, acute care facilities, and a wide range of clinical services.

The Veterans Chapter of the NM Champion Network launched in October 2023. Since then, the Chapter has met every month, grown to 157 members, and facilitated numerous community outreach and volunteer events to serve the SMVF Community (service members, Veterans and their families).

We're excited to share insights from the team behind Northwestern Medicine's Veteran NM Champion Network!

Jennifer Koziel, Practice Manager at the Northwestern Hospital Health Network

Jennifer is an Illinois native who upon graduating high school, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1997. Jennifer then graduated from Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois, and Optician "C" School in Yorktown, Virginia. She left Active Duty in 2002 and joined the Navy Reserves in 2003. She was mobilized to Active Duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2005. She remained on Active Duty as a Mobilized Reservist until 2019, where she served with various commands supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). After serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Corpus Christi, Jennifer retired in 2022.

She joined Northwestern Medicine in 2019, working as the Patient Relations Liaison for Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. In 2020, she was promoted to her current role of Practice Manager for the Northwestern Hospital Health Network. She joined the Veterans Chapter in 2023 as a Co-Vice Chair and assists the Community Outreach Lead.

How has being a member of the Veteran ERG personally impacted your experience at work?

“Leaving Active Duty in 2019 and moving back to Illinois, I found myself missing the camaraderie and the daily interaction with my military family. While the healthcare space was familiar, my routines and interactions changed dramatically. I found myself feeling discouraged because I felt like no one around me truly understood my experiences. Discovering the Veterans chapter has dramatically changed my work life. Like the military, I made instant friends in colleagues who related to my military experiences. What makes the Veterans Chapter special for me is the considerable number of people who are not Veterans and are active in this group. Volunteers range from family members of Veteran’s, friends, and co-workers. People from all areas of this organization, including several executives, take time to attend our meetings, volunteer efforts, and social events. The support from family, friends, and NM co-workers has been nothing short of amazing.

“We as Veterans believe in giving back and remembering our brothers and sisters in arms. Every month, we honor a Veteran member of our chapter and remember a brother or sister in arms who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. This year, we will be participating in Wreaths Across America. This organization provides wreaths for past military Veterans who are no longer with us; ensuring we honor their service, and they are never forgotten.

“I am proud of how highly active the Veterans chapter is in the community. We consistently get incredible turnout for volunteer events. This year, we participated in five volunteer events and are planning several opportunities for next year,” Jennifer explained.

What challenges do Veterans face when transitioning into the civilian workforce, and how does your company help address these?

“Since I joined the military straight out of high school, I did not have experience in resume writing or interviewing. The thought of having to interview was terrifying me. Something as simple as figuring out what to wear to an interview was intimidating. I did not know how to explain the experience or the titles I held in the military in civilian terminology. How do I explain what I did? We use a lot of acronyms in the military, so I had to be careful not to use them in my resume or during interviews. To give back, the Veteran’s Chapter is looking at the obstacles Veterans are facing when trying to find a civilian job; we are actively collaborating with local Veteran groups on ways to better prepare job seeking Veterans. In addition, we are hosting a lunch and learn session for hiring Managers and Directors providing dialogue advice on how to interview a Veteran to recognize the skills they can bring to the organization.”

What advice do you have for a Veteran who is looking for employment?

“In my experience preparation is the main component to success. I found several organizations that help Veterans with the transition from the military to civilian life. The organization I found to be most helpful is Hire Heros. They specifically did a great job both in helping me interpret my military service and experiences into civilian language and helped me translate that into my resume. Additionally, I leveraged my family and friends who are in leadership positions to help me with mock interviews which provided me with multiple perspectives and opinions to consider,” Jennifer concluded.

Mike Diakoumis, Talent Development Manager at Northwestern Medicine

Mike is an Illinois native who enlisted in the US Army in 2007 upon graduating high school. Mike served as an 11B (Infantryman) with the 1st Ranger Battalion stationed out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA. He deployed once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). He is a graduate of the Ranger Assessment & Selection Program (RASP) and US Army Ranger School. Mike began his career in healthcare at Northwestern Medicine as a Talent Development Partner in 2018. He and a few colleagues banded together in 2023 to start the Veterans Chapter of the NM Champion Network and is continuing to serve as the inaugural Chair for the group. Mike has been married to his wife Kristin for 10 years, has a 5-year-old son named Everett, and has another baby on the way!