Rafael helps veterans find jobs
Throughout his 20 years in the Army, including five years in combat, Rafael Lopez recalls being legitimately afraid just twice. “One was the first air assault combat mission I flew in Iraq, the second was when I was retiring from the Army and trying to learn what I wanted to do next,” recalls the Workforce Initiatives manager and former UH-60 Helicopter Crew Chief.
For Rafael, like so many others, translating years of military experience into meaningful employment in the private sector can be daunting. That’s why he now helps other service men and women, and their spouses, through SkillBridge, a Department of Defense program which allows military personnel to train in a position for 12 weeks at companies like CVS Health before they retire from service.
“Both business units and potential colleagues get a chance to ‘test drive’ each other. And, because candidates are still active duty, they receive full pay and benefits from the government,” Rafael explains, noting that he joined CVS Health as a store manager in 2017 through SkillBridge.
A variety of career opportunities
Originally focused on retail, the program has expanded, offering positions for business intel analysts, continuity managers and more.
Sarah Smith, lead director for Enterprise Resiliency overseeing CVS Health’s Business Continuity and Crisis Management programs, worked closely with Rafael to hire four veterans.
“A big advantage is the work ethic they bring from their experience in the Armed Forces,” Sarah explains. “Also, my team needs to perform under pressure. That’s something military personnel are trained for.”
Roxanne Lyons, a 22-year Airforce veteran joined Sarah’s team a year ago as a Watch Officer. She proactively monitors hazards that could impact colleagues, assets and business operations.
“I was ready to retire from service, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Rafael explained the company is much more than retail stores,” Roxanne shares. “It was amazing to join CVS Health.”
“A service member does so much to give us our liberties. They do this at a great sacrifice and deserve as much support as they can as they transition into the civilian workforce,” Rafael adds. “In this role I get to serve others, just in a new uniform.”
Thank you, Rafael, for building bridges that benefit both our company and our amazing military men and women.
*Learn more about career opportunities through our SkillBridge partnership.
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