As the home of multiple U.S. military installations, Northeast Florida is a prime location for active duty personnel as well as veterans transitioning out of service. Employment opportunities for veterans extend well beyond military-related jobs. In fact, many organizations in the region’s target industries look to hire veterans and utilize their unique skills in the workplace. These are a few of the many stories from Northeast Florida veterans who successfully shifted into civilian life and the regional economic landscape, highlighting their career pathway at that point in time.
Loveann Burch – U.S. Navy
Loveann was in the Navy for 14 years, during which she served as a corpsman in orthopedics. As Loveann prepared to exit the Navy, she explored educational options in the region, made available through the GI Bill. FSCJ was a perfect fit, as they accepted Loveann’s transfer credits and offered hybrid courses for the Biomedical program that she could begin taking before leaving the service. Loveann’s experience working in orthopedics during her time in the Navy led her to pursue a Physician’s Assistant degree from Nova Southeastern University, with a plan to work as a PA in pediatric orthopedics after graduation.
Beth Wilder – U.S. Navy
Beth worked as a mechanic and in quality assurance during her time in the Navy. Additionally, she had jobs in multiple areas as she transitioned to civilian life. When new opportunities arose for her kids’ athletic pursuits, Beth and her family relocated to Northeast Florida. Beth balanced motherhood while also being enrolled in Keiser University’s Business Administration program and working at TOTE Services. Beth’s naval experience primed her for a position as a Marine Personnel Specialist, where she processes paperwork for safe boarding and interfaces with officers to ensure their processing needs are met.
Roguens Stinvil – U.S. Marine Corps
Roguens was motivated to join the military and become a problem-solver after a catastrophic earthquake struck his home country of Haiti in 2010. Already a Jacksonville resident at that time, Roguens enlisted and served as a Fuel Petroleum and Water Distribution Coordinator alongside his job as a Financial Representative at UF Health Jacksonville. Roguens’ undergraduate business degree from FSCJ and his MBA from UNF provided him with the knowledge and tools he needed to have a successful career in logistics with the U.S. government.
Chad Cahoy – U.S. Navy
Chad left the Navy after a 20-year career with drive and ambition. Chad said he loves to help others be the best versions of themselves. This quality made him an ideal command fitness leader in the Navy. His passion for fitness and athletics inspired him to open Jacksonville Strength & Athletics, LLC, which is the only Olympic weightlifting focused gym in the city. The resilience that Chad taught to others encouraged him as the doors to his new business opened during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The gym is now thriving and continues to help others grow.
Northeast Florida is made stronger by the veterans and military personnel who call this region home. Whether they are bringing service-related skills to our target industries or starting businesses of their own, veterans continue to be an integral part of the region’s success.
