Wounded Warriors at The Exchange Learn Job Skills Through Operation Warfighter
Operation Warfighter intern Ashley Henley talks to a commissary customer about jobs at the Fort Lee Exchange.
At Fort Lee, Va., Exchange HR intern Ashley Henley created a system to track associates who were on leave or traveling on business. She set up more than 130 interviews for people applying to the Ship-from-Store department at the Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.
And those are just for starters.
Staff Sergeant Ashley Henley is one of 120 unpaid interns who have worked at the Exchange under the Department of Defense’s Operation Warfighter program. Career Systems Specialist Pedro Garcia in HQ’s HR Directorate manages the program, which has placed the interns in a variety of retail, service and support positions across the organization. Interns have worked successfully in HQ directorates, main stores, Expresses and distribution centers since the Exchange began participating in Operation Warfighter in 2011.
“Being a part of the Operation Warfighter program has opened my eyes to a different world,” Henley said. “I would definitely recommend this program to other Wounded Warriors because it has been beneficial to my recruitment skills while allowing me to continue working in a military environment.”
Another Operation Warfighter intern is working in the Exchange’s HR office at Fort Carson, Colo. Two potential interns may begin working soon; one in HR at JB San Antonio-Lackland, and the other, in the stockroom at Fort Hood, Texas.
Receiving valuable experience
Operation Warfighter provides wounded or ill Veterans with opportunities to receive valuable experience in civilian jobs, giving them an easier transition into the workforce.
Operation Warfighter began as a Department of Defense and Army initiative to enable Warriors-in-Transition to become productive in non-military work settings so they can build upon their skills and benefit their future.
The Exchange has hired more than 1,200 Wounded Warriors since 2010. In addition, the Exchange recently committed to hire 50,000 Veterans and military spouses by 2020.
“While some of our wounded heroes transition easily back into the private sector, others need assistance,” Garcia said. “Working with the Exchange provides them an opportunity to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills and experience formal and on-the-job training.”
Contributing to Exchange commitment
Participants in the Operation Warfighter program frequently review Exchange job openings for permanent employment, including management positions at Exchanges around the world. As Veterans, they receive hiring preference over others with similar skills.
Henley began her internship in the Fort Lee Exchange HR office in 2017. At the end of her internship in August, she may explore employment opportunities in the private sector, but her experience with the Exchange has highlighted her interest in working with associate recruitment. Her experience in the Air Force included three years in HR with the Defense Logistics Agency.
Henley has advised associates on career and benefit programs and helped managers with staffing, accountability, awards and recognition. She has worked with new-hire orientation, recruited quality candidates for jobs at the Exchange, conducted workshops on suicide prevention and hosted a variety of job fairs at the Fort Lee Exchange for the local community.
“Ashley has successfully contributed to the Exchange’s commitment to recruit military spouses and Veterans, truly demonstrating our core value of Family Serving Family,” Garcia said.
