Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.

 

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Ross Dickman, CEO of the leading veteran and military spouse employment organization, to discuss leadership development, communication challenges, and the unique obstacles military families face when transitioning to civilian life.

 

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are.

 

Ep. 86 – The Best Resource Veterans & Military Spouses Need to Land Their Dream Job: Hire Heroes USA

Ross Dickman, a former Apache Helicopter Pilot with the U.S. Army, shares his transition from military service to civilian leadership – an experience shaped by mentors, education, and executive coaching principles. With degrees from West Point, Columbia University, and the University of Georgia, Ross applies his leadership training to guide Hire Heroes USA’s mission.

 

He emphasizes the organization’s focus on tailored support for veterans and military spouses, using one-on-one coaching to ensure career placements are meaningful and sustainable—an approach rooted in leadership training courses that translate military experience into professional success.

 

Overcoming Problems Transitioning to Civilian Life from the Military

Ross underscores that no two transitions from military to civilian life are the same, making personalized coaching essential. Hire Heroes USA’s transition specialists act as career and life coaches, helping clients translate military skills into competencies civilian employers value.

 

The discussion also highlights communication problems that arise when veterans attempt to explain their military background to civilian employers. Through targeted coaching, veterans and spouses learn how to articulate their value, bridging the language gap and boosting employment opportunities.

 

Support for Military Spouses

Military spouses often face unique career challenges—frequent relocations, job interruptions, and the need to reinvent themselves. Hire Heroes USA addresses this by fostering a supportive company culture where military spouses receive specialized career services. These programs provide professional development resources, interview preparation, and leadership development opportunities, empowering spouses to pursue stable, fulfilling careers despite geographic changes.

 

Impactful Partnerships with Companies

The conversation explores how partnerships with organizations like Walmart Foundation, Boeing, and LinkedIn expand Hire Heroes USA’s reach. These collaborations provide job opportunities, networking connections, and professional development resources for veterans.

 

Ross stresses that volunteers—both veterans and civilian professionals—play a vital role by offering mentorship, mock interviews, and career guidance, helping job seekers strengthen their leadership and communication skills.

 

Virtual Career Fairs: Modern Solutions for Career Growth

As the workforce evolves, Hire Heroes USA has embraced technology to connect veterans and employers through quarterly virtual career fairs. These events provide continuous professional development opportunities, eliminating geographic barriers and making it easier for veterans to engage with potential employers from anywhere in the country.

 

Leadership Lessons That Shaped Hire Heroes USA

Ross shares how his leadership style was influenced by former COO Nate Smith, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and maintaining transparency in communication. These leadership development lessons have shaped Hire Heroes USA’s company culture and guide how the organization empowers others to grow in their careers.

 

How to Support Hire Heroes USA’s Mission

Tom and Jodi highlight multiple ways individuals and companies can support Hire Heroes USA – through donations, volunteering, or creating employment opportunities. Ross encourages listeners to visit the Hire Heroes USA website to explore ongoing programs, professional development initiatives, and ways to get involved.

 

Military Minute

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

 

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: In what year was Military Appreciation Month made official, and which US Senator championed that formal designation?

●     Answer: John McCain in 1999

●     This week’s Military Minute question(s): What year was West Point established? What is the motto for West Point? And which two U.S. Presidents went to West Point?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

 

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

 

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

 

Visit www.afbank.com