GOOD NEWS STORIES

PaYS Partner, Doosan Bobcat, hires and supports Veterans in the workplace.

By: Lakisha Carter-Hyche

Doosan Bobcat recently announced their partnership with the US Army through the PaYS program to support Veterans and transitioning Soldiers in the Civilian workplace. PaYS Marketing Analyst, Lakisha Carter-Hyche had the chance to interview Chelsey Singhateh, Early Talent Program Manager, about her journey into the Civilian sector.

Why did you join the Army/Reserve/ARNG? What was/is your MOS?
I joined the ARNG for two reasons - 1. The challenge: I was a junior in high school when I enlisted. Being a young female, I had a lot of people that told me I couldn't do it, I'd never make it, etc. so first and foremost, I wanted to prove them wrong. 2. The education benefits. I didn't know what I wanted to do after high school, but I knew it involved post-secondary education. My family was not in a position to pay for my education and my other option was to take out student loans. Looking back, I'm surprised and proud of the maturity I had to think about those things and set myself up for a successful future. I hold 3 MOS - 27D, 42A, 68G.

How did you learn of the PaYS Program and what is your opinion of the program?
I learned about the PaYS program through our Training and Operations Officer, Chief Willard. We are in the same unit, and he brought it up and asked if Bobcat would be interested in being a partner. Bobcat is a company that is committed to innovation, excellence, and collaboration. We focus a lot on making a difference for people, supporting our communities, and bringing positive change to the world. Being a PaYS partner aligns with that vision and so it was an easy decision.

Share your experience in connecting with PaYS and how it helps Doosan Bobcat.
Doosan Bobcat is a global company that has been growing at a rapid pace over the last 5 years. We strive to be a first-choice employer for people from all different backgrounds. There is no better pipeline of diverse candidates than from the military and so being a PaYS partner puts us that much closer to those we want to connect with.

How did your military experience help with your current position at Doosan Bobcat?
I had a military background in HR prior to starting at Bobcat in 2017. That experience helped me be noticed through the application process and offered my first HR position here. There are many other skills I've learned as a byproduct from being in the military for 19 years that help me in my role at Bobcat - resilience, adaptability to change, and responsibility are probably the biggest.

What advice do you have for Soldiers reaching out to PaYS partners?
Talk about your training and your military experience. Many civilian employers are unfamiliar with what our "training" entails - leadership, perseverance, technical skills, etc. Most people think of military training as crawling through the mud, running and push-ups, or being at the shooting range. We do those things, but we bring a lot of other skills that align with what a civilian employer needs. Connect what you have learned and accomplished to the skills required for the position.

PAYS REPRESENTS AT AUSA 2024

Story By: PaYS Staff

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition took place from October 14-16, 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The theme for this year's event was "Transforming for a Complex World".


The AUSA Annual Meeting is a three-day event that features:
* Presentations on the State-of-the-Army
* Panel discussions and seminars on military and national security topics
* Networking events
* The presentation of the Association of the U.S. Army's highest award, the Marshall Medal


The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program was at the center of it all! Teaming up with Soldier For Life (SFL), the Army's Retirement Services Office (RSO), Program Manager Antonio Johnson and Marketing Analyst Samuel Armstrong leveraged the annual meeting to promote awareness of PaYS and all of the program's updates to stakeholders in attendance. Antonio and Samuel also registered over 100 Soldiers for PaYS during the event.

Photo left - Antonio Johnson (r), PaYS Program Manager
Photo right - (l-r) Marketing Analyst Samuel Armstrong and Antonio Johnson, PaYS Program Manager
Photos below - AUSA seminars and break-out sessions

PaYS was the topic of discussion at several seminars and break-out sessions as SFL's Director, COL Jarrett Thomas lauded the program for its recent improvements and new capabilities. Antonio responded to feedback and questions from the audience as the subject-matter-expert.





The Soldier For Life exhibit space was visited by several Army Senior Leaders including The TRADOC Commanding General, GEN Gary Brito and TRADOC's Deputy Commanding General, LTG David Francis. The leaders engaged in conversation, offered their support and posed for group photos with the team.

Photo left - (l-r) COL Jarrett Thomas, GEN Gary Brito, CASA Angela Showell, Antonio Johnson

Overall, the AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition was an outstanding event and PaYS was able to benefit from the positive exposure to Soldiers, stakeholders and businesses in attendance. We look forward to next year's annual meeting and hope to have even more good news stories from PaYS.

PAYS SIGNING CEREMONIES

Strategic Alliance Business Group

By: Victor Fleming

This month the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) and Strategic Alliance Business Group (SABG) conducted a signing ceremony at the Westin Hotel, Huntsville, AL. The event formalized the partnership between the U.S. Army and SABG.

The ceremony was hosted by LTC Micheal Miles, Commander, Montgomery Recruiting Battalion and Keri Mungo, CEO, SABG. Phil Jolly, Program Manager, SABG, was in attendance along with other representatives from SABG and CASA Kristen McBride.

During the ceremony, LTC Miles, stated "The PaYS program is game a changer. It's a win-win opportunity for everyone involved. This partnership provides our nations employers with a pool of highly trained and discipline Soldiers that will help fill their personal needs. This program reinsures parents that the Army is investing in their sons and daughters' future as they move from service to successful Civilian!"

Photo top right - Mrs. Keri Mungo signs the SABG ceremonial MOA with LTC Miles
Photo right - LTC Miles and Mrs. Mungo cut the cake following the ceremony
Photo below - (l-r)Victor Fleming, Mr. Phil Jolly, Mrs. Keri Mungo, LTC Miles, CSM Ponder.

CEO of SABG Keri Mungo stated, "As a company comprised of 50% Veterans, I am proud of SABG's commitment to our Veterans and servicemembers, not only in the work we do, but also, in our recruiting and hiring practices. When a Veteran joins our team, we know we are gaining a teammate with a unique and specialized skillset, as well as a dedication to SABG's values of integrity, reliability, adaptability, and accountability. I look forward to taking our commitment to our nation's heroes a step further with this extraordinary partnership."

Mr. Phil Jolly had this to say, "Veterans and servicemembers bring a level of professionalism, discipline, and experience that sets them apart in the defense industry. Hiring these extremely capable, motivated patriots strengthens our company. It is an honor to partner with PaYS to share hiring opportunities with this exceptional group and bring them into the SABG family."

Photo right - CASA Kristen McBride speaks as the guest speaker.

Strategic Alliance Business Group LLC (SABG) is a customer focused, mission driven privately-owned professional services company passionate about our customer's goals. SABG offers small business advantages (responds quickly, leadership involvement, and low prices) with large business benefits (great pay, low turnover, amazing employee benefits). SABG is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

Trihydro Corporation

By: Frank McNeil

Trihydro, a leading environmental and engineering consulting firm conducted an awe-inspiring signing ceremony at Trihydro's main headquarters in Laramie, WY. The signing ceremony marked an important step in bridging the gap between military service and Civilian career opportunities for Soldiers transitioning to Civilian life. LTC Paul Leoni, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander, Wyoming Army National Guard (WYARNG), and Mr. Mark Donner, Chief Executive Officer, Trihydro hosted the ceremony.

The company recognizes the unique skills that Veterans bring to the workplace, including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. At the ceremony, Mr. Donner remarked, Trihydro's commitment to supporting Veterans and creating a diverse workforce. "Our partnership will not only offer job placement for our Veterans, but also mentorship and training programs tailored for transitioning Soldiers," he stated during the ceremony.



"The Wyoming Army National Guard and Trihydro maybe small, but I guarantee that we are fierce, we do things the right way, we're hard workers, we take care of each other" stated LTC Leoni. "And today, we are joining forces to make our communities stronger and to provide great jobs for our Soldiers."

Photo above right - Mr. Mark Donner (CEO, Trihydro) is awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by LTC Paul Leoni.
Photo far left - Mr. Mark Donner and LTC Paul Leoni sign the PaYS Memorandum of Agreement.
Photo left - Ceremony reception

City of Abilene, TX

By: Frank McNeil

In Abilene, TX, community leaders, military representatives and local residents gathered at City Hall to celebrate a significant partnership between the City of Abilene and the PaYS program. The ceremony was hosted by Robert Hanna, City Manager and CPT James Hill, Executive Officer, Dallas Recruiting Battalion. Mayor Weldon Hurt kicked off the event, highlighting the importance of this collaboration for the city. "This partnership represents our commitment to investing in the future of Abilene's Veterans and transitioning Soldiers," he stated. "By joining forces with the Army, we are opening doors for our Veterans to succeed after and during their great sacrifices to our country."

Mr. Hanna said, "The PaYS Program is about more than just career opportunities. It's about building a community of support and opportunity for our Veterans. Together, we can support them as they continue to support us."


"The Army is pleased to officially partner with the City of Abilene to help provide job opportunities to Veterans as they transition from Military Service," said CPT Hill. "The City of Abilene is now officially a PaYS partner, which means that as Soldiers join the Army, they will have the opportunity to sign up for a guaranteed job interview with the City of Abilene. This commitment from the City of Abilene to our Soldiers is why we are excited to continue to help them Be All You Can Be!"

Photo above right - (l-r) CPT James Hill, Mr. Robert Hanna, Mayor James Hill, City of Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt, CPT Nate Ohlinge
Photo far left - (l-r) CPT James Hill and Robert Hanna
Photo left - Robert Hanna, City Manager and CPT James Hill, Executive Officer, Dallas Recruiting Battalion

Doosan Bobcat

By: Travis Carter

This month the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) and Doosan Bobcat conducted a signing ceremony at their headquarters in Fargo, ND. The event formalized the partnership between the U.S. Army and Doosan Bobcat.

The ceremony was hosted by CSM Jason Magnuson, Senior Enlisted Advisor, North Dakota National Guard (NDARNG). Roy Greco, Chief Digital Officer, Doosan Bobcat was in attendance along with other representatives from Doosan Bobcat.

Following the ceremony, Mr. Greco stated "At Bobcat, we recognize the invaluable skills and experiences that individuals with military backgrounds bring to the workforce. And these include, but are not limited to honor, integrity, confidence, teamwork, and leadership."



After Mr. Greco and CSM Magnuson signed the ceremonial agreement, a cake cutting and reception was held where CSM Magnuson commented, "Soldiers bring an incredible amount of technical training, leadership training, and the application of that training in real-world experience. Much of those experiences are under high stress situations making it even that much more valuable."

With an enduring commitment to innovation, technology and sustainability, Doosan Bobcat has become a world-renowned brand and industry leader in the global marketplace. We manufacture world-class versatile compact equipment, used in markets as diverse as construction, landscaping, agriculture, and private sectors, while carrying out R&D, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, and sales activities in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Photo above right - Mr. Roy Greco, Chief Digital Officer, Bobcat is presented a plaque by CSM Jason Magnuson, Senior Enlisted Advisor, NDARNG
Photo far left - Mr. Roy Greco, Chief Digital Officer, Bobcat, and CSM Jason Magnuson, Senior Enlisted Advisor, State of NDARNG, sign the PaYS Ceremonial Agreement.
Photo left - Mr. Greco cuts the cake with CSM Magnuson following the official portion of the ceremony, finalizing the partnership between Doosan Bobcat and PaYS.

PAYS MARKETING TRIPS

PaYS travels to strengthen partnerships in Pittsburg, PA

By: Crancena Ross

PaYS Marketing Analyst, Crancena Ross traveled to Pittsburg, PA to conduct program overviews to current and potential partners. She visited the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and met with Mr. Robert Bojarski, Command Executive Officer and Mr. Bob Pleczkowski, U.S. Reserve Ambassador. She conducted an in-depth overview of the Army PaYS Program.


In addition, they spoke about their upcoming Yearly Training Briefings (YTB), which will be held in February 2025. Ms. Ross was invited to attend the event to spread awareness about the PaYS Program, ensuring that all Soldiers of the 316th Sustainment Command are registered for the program.


Then, she visited partner, 1800-Got-Junk, where she briefed Jason Ginsburg, Human Resources Manager, who provided a facility tour. They were able to discuss ways to maintain positive relationships, and opportunities to share employment information to PaYS Soldiers.

PaYS Marketers take off in Salt Lake City, UT

By: Travis Carter

PaYS Marketing Analysts Alfredo Harris and Travis Carter conducted a marketing trip to Salt Lake City, UT. While there Mr. Harris briefed a number of PaYS partners and military support groups, like the Salt Lake City Recruiting Battalion, local Army Recruiting station, and the Utah Army National Guard (UTARNG) Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB). They explained the updates to the program, allowing more access for Soldiers.

Mr. Harris briefed the PaYS Program to the Taylorsville Recruiting Station recruiters. While there, he answered questions and got a couple of them to use the self-register feature of the PaYS Program. Following the visit, Mr. Harris briefed the Salt Lake City Recruiting Battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Joseph Luque, on PaYS, how to use it as a recruiting tool for the Army Reserve, and ways to find potential partners.

Mr. Carter visited the UTARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion and spoke to CW3 Darren Carter, RSP Commander. Mr. Carter broke down the changes to PaYS as well as the role RSP plays in it to help Soldiers find employment opportunities post training.

Mr. Harris and Mr. Carter visited a couple local partners in Salt Lake City. The first was the Salt Lake City Police Department. While there, Mr. Harris spoke to Detective Michael Ruff and updated him on PaYS. They then went to Ken Garff Automotive Group and met with Robbie Sargent (photo right.) They shared with him about PaYS and set up a follow-up meeting to discuss it more in detail and how they can utilize it more.



Lastly, Mr. Harris and Mr. Carter met with the Recruiting Operations Officer for the University of Utah Army ROTC, Mr. Dale Anderson (photo left.) They spoke about the changes to the PaYS Program, and how it is important for Reserve and National Guard Cadets to use. They exchanged information and are going to set up meetings for the marketers to speak to the Cadets about PaYS.

The trip was a resounding success with partners getting their concerns addressed as well as finding new strategies through discussion with their PaYS Marketer. Mr. Harris was on his first PaYS trip and was able to meet with many shareholders as well as partners. There were also future meetings set up from the trip allowing the PaYS Program to grow and help Soldiers find potential employment opportunities.

Southwest Regional Marketing Analyst Builds Connections Throughout Oklahoma

By: Frank McNeil

Photo left - (l-r) Frank McNeil stands with CPT Craig Womack, Assistant Professor of Military Science, ROTC, University of Oklahoma
Photo right - Frank McNeil poses with CASA Offel
Photo far right - Frank McNeil and CASA Brown

Marketing Analysts Frank McNeil and Samuel Armstrong traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and visited with local Recruiting Stations and the OKC Battalion Command Team to provide in-depth briefings on the PaYS program. During the briefings, Frank emphasized the program's success in providing Veterans with valuable career pathways. "Our goal is to ensure that every Soldier has a clear path to success after their service. Collaborating with our local recruiters, supported by their leadership is essential to achieving this," he said. During this trip, Samuel and Frank also had the opportunity to meet with the Oklahoma University Army ROTC to discuss PaYS to both cadre and cadets. In addition to the briefing, they answered questions and provided information on potential career opportunities after their military service through the PaYS Program.


In a remarkable display of collaboration between military and civilian sectors, they met with CASAs Kevin Offel (Oklahoma City, OK) and Michael Brown (Lawton, OK). The meeting aimed to strengthen PaYS awareness efforts to local government organizations and enhance overall community engagement throughout Oklahoma. Other topics discussed were current and potential partners, fostering stronger relationships and expanding opportunities for veterans.


Another key event during this trip was a meaningful and insightful engagement with the Fort Sill Transition Assistance Program. The TAP team, led by Julie Cunningham, Program Manager, expressed enthusiasm about PaYS. The team expressed their commitment to helping Soldiers prepare for civilian life and agreed that collaborating with PaYS enhances the services they offer. This meeting was a vital step in creating a seamless transition experience for transitioning Soldiers. Key topics of discussion included the integration of PaYS resources into TAP workshops, outreach strategies to raise awareness about available opportunities, and potential partnerships with local businesses to create more job openings for Veterans.

Photo left - (l-r) Frank McNeil shakes hands with Julie Cunningham, TAP Manager, Ft. Sill.