A Veterans Day story of resilience and the power of skills training
As we honor Veterans Day, we celebrate Annah, a Navy Veteran whose career shows what’s possible when determination meets the right training.
A Foundation of Discipline
Annah’s work ethic was shaped early. Sent to boarding school at 14, she learned to stand on her own two feet, and she earned a perfect attendance record across 12 years of school. That discipline carried into the Navy, which she joined at 32. Training alongside recruits fresh out of high school, she faced both physical and social challenges. She again called upon her determination and resilience to keep going and was trained as an aviation storekeeper, responsible for ordering the critical parts that kept aircraft flying on schedule. “In the military, I learned discipline and how to meet deadlines. These skills have kept me going through every job I’ve held.”
The Challenge: A Changing Job Market
After her service, Annah built a career in retail, television, and mortgage banking. She then, like many women, needed to step away from the workforce due to family obligations. When it was time to return to the workforce, she found a job market that had been transformed by technology. “I was out of the loop on computers,” she recalls. “Young people today are practically born knowing how to use technology, but I didn’t grow up with that.”
The Turning Point: Digital Upskilling
Unable to find employment, Annah enrolled in CWI Works’ digital upskilling program and completed 13 skills-tested certifications. “Learning Excel, Word, and PowerPoint was a game changer,” she says. “Now, I can handle the digital tasks required in my role, and I feel prepared to take on even more.”
The training gave her more than technical skills. It gave her the confidence to take on new responsibilities. When her supervisor faced health challenges, Annah stepped up to keep the office running smoothly for the team and the clients they serve.
A Message for Other Job Seekers
Annah knows older workers can be overlooked, yet she sees what they bring: “Older workers bring experience, loyalty, and dependability. That counts for a lot.” Her advice to fellow Veterans and older job seekers is simple: “Programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the Digital Certification Program (DCP) are out here to help. Keep pushing forward.”
This Veterans Day, we honor Annah and all those who continue to serve their communities with grace, resilience, and a commitment to never stop learning. Visit the Our Programs page to learn more about CWI’s job training programs.