Air Force

My Story of Survival and Courage

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

#TBT @simplyebony1 @success.creators #ThursdayThoughts #SimplyEbony #MyStory

Who was this woman four years ago? This woman had just transitioned from the Air Force a world she knew all her adult life. This woman had just launched her non-profit The Next Chapter and started her new position with the government. This woman fled her apartment in the middle of the night fearful of her life. Her abusive, manipulative, and controlling ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her and he was law enforcement. The police and courts failed to protect her. She spent years in court when her abuser refused to comply with the protective order. She lived every night in fear and had to leave her job, her apartment, and the life she knew to escape her ex-boyfriend who was not only abusive but a stalker. This woman was unemployed for four months trying to figure it all out. This woman never lost faith. This woman was in transition on the path to rebuilding her life. She found strength in her Sisters of Queen Esther at @fbcglenarden First Baptist Church of Glenarden. She joined @bosseduporg Bossed Up Courage Community! This woman found a community of Sisters with @emiliearies Bossed Up! This women kept a smile. She wasn’t deterred. She fought her way through her circumstances. She wasn’t a victim nor did she ever once ask for a hand out. She picked herself up. She leaned on her support system. She entered the Next Chapter of her life like a Boss! This woman is a survivor. This woman is ME.

Employment Readiness Tips by Ebony Johnson

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Getting Started: To start inquire with your state sponsored employment services. For example in Maryland we have the Maryland DLLR that provides career training, résumé writing and review, career search help, college/trade programs and grants for unemployed workers to receive training. All of these services are free and state sponsored. Also, look up local non-profits that specialize in job readiness training.

Résumé writing: Every single one of you needs a résumé. Even if you are unemployed include activities such as volunteer work. Do not forget to include your credentials and experience such as college, certifications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access). Write the résumé to fit the job. If you possess those skills in the advertisement make sure it is highlighted on the résumé. Invest in résumé writing books or do a google search for resumes fitting your job skills.

Employment options: Consider owning your own business. Take free or low cost courses on starting your business via your state sponsored Small Business Association. Apply for positions via Temp Agencies. You earn income and this may land you a permanent job.

Job Fairs: Do a google search and look for job fairs in your area. Dress to impress and bring several resumes. Research the employers before you go and ask questions. The recruiters are there to hire but are also willing to answer any questions. Get names of the recruiters and submit your cover letters addressing them to the recruiters.

Career Resource Advisors: Colleges have career advisors and offer job search assistance for alumni students. Use them!

Social Media: Create a LinkedIn account. Join groups relevant to your career. This is one of the top recruitment tools. Ensure your profile is complete with your résumé and make it stand out with your skills. Chose a professional picture.

Networking: Carry business cards and be ready to hand them out to any and everyone. Include your name, contact info, LinkedIn profile, job title, and three or four billets of your skills. Attend networking events. Gather lots of references and ask everyone you meet if they know about any employment opportunities. Most companies offer recruitment incentives, it pays to ask friends/associates about job opportunities.

Job Search: Great sites include USAJobs, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and your State/City employment websites.

Are You a Stay at Home Parent Looking for a Job?

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#FriYAY: Parents are you seeking to enter back into the workforce? Did you know that you have the toughest job on the planet? Daily Skills: Management of the household, Budgeting, Financial Management, Shopping, Meal planning and preparation, Childcare, Scheduling, Advising, and Counseling. Let me help you translate those skills onto a resume so you can transition back into the workforce. The Success Creators provides free career readiness assistance. Like the “Success Creators” FaceBook Page for more career tips: https://m.facebook.com/LandYourDreamCareer/.

The Day I Decided to End My Life

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I’ll never forget the day April 5, 2012 was the day I decided to end my life. I decided on this day to end my Air Force career. I was suffering from chronic health issues and was facing an uphill battle in the military with my First Sergeant. We were friends previously and she said to me: “I’ve never seen you this sick before.” At the time she was going out of her way to make my life miserable because she didn’t understand “why” I was constantly sick and in the hospital. I would ultimately undergo surgery for a Gall Bladder Removal, Appendix Removal, and an Uterine Myomectomy to remove Endometriosis and Fibroids. If you have experienced any of these at one time imagine suffering through it in the course of a year. I was tired and felt like my body was failing me. God had other plans for my life and sent the Chaplain to intervene when I wanted to give up on life. The Chaplain prayed over me and immediately I felt a sense of relief. Chaplain Burrell saved my life.

By July 2012 I opted to separate from the Air Force and start a new life. I had no idea what was in store. But God! I landed by first job post-Air Force after my first interview. The job doubled my Air Force salary. Since then I served as a political consultant on multiple campaigns, established a non-profit and for-profit business, and landed a highly coveted government position.

You can’t tell me GOD is not real HE intervened when I thought it would be best to end it all. I’m forever grateful to Chaplain Burrell for being called by God to pray over me. In that moment he transformed my spirit. I share this not to play victim or for sympathy but to give HOPE to others who may be in a dark place. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. God may close many doors in your life. It’s not the end it’s the beginning of a new journey. Move forward. Trust God.

~Love, Simply Ebony

DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

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DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

Register for Free today: http://bit.ly/Bourbiz

Team VSRG/GCO is excited to start the spring right in DC with the improved Bourbiz Networking format. Veterans/Military Spouses come network with resources ranging from Matchmaking for Businesses, to personal and professional development support in a relaxed but high energy environment:

• Business Matchmaking (Presented by FWDthink)

• Job Seeking and Transition Support

• Resume and Interview Resources

• Compensation and Disability Claims Resources

• 9/11 GI Bill Support

• Veteran/Military Spouse Health/Wellness Resources

• Access to Capital Resources StreetShares

• Legal and Business Compliance Resources

• Meet & Greets with Redskins Fred Smoot, WJLA’s Erin Lynn Hawksworth, @Justin Constantine Jack Mandaville, JW Boothe and more!!!

In addition to the vast networking opportunities, Bourbiz offers our signature a Bourbon, Whiskey, Wine and Single Malt Scotch tasting with over 20 different types to sample from during the event. Additionally, we have added our new icebreaker name tags that allow for easy recognition of resources and connectors for your benefit as an attendee.

Pretty Girl

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#MeToo “You’re too pretty to be in the Air Force. You’re too pretty to fight in a war. You’re too pretty to be an Intelligence Analyst.” These were the outrageous things men would say as a backhanded compliment. Usually shortly after the comment would be some form of harassment: an overly long hug, a sneak feel of my butt, groping of my breasts, an unwanted kiss on the cheek, a sexual comment about my chest or other assets. I was told routinely to smile and accept the compliments. Don’t be so uptight. It’s just a compliment right?

No, it’s wrong! I have a voice to speak up. I’m not “just a pretty girl.” I am intelligent. I worked my ass off to successfully complete the Air Force Basic Military Training and subsequently the Air Force Technical Training school to become an Intelligence Analyst. I served honorably in the United States Air Force and volunteered to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom as a Silent Warrior (Intelligence Analyst). I’m offended by the notion that “pretty” defines who I am when I’m so much more: An Air Force Veteran, an Entrepreneur, a Community Service Advocate and a Leader.

I’m not just a “Pretty Girl!” I’m a BOSSED UP WOMAN!!!

Love, Loss, Death and Grief

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Roderick Dunston’s death has opened my eyes to many truths some painful and some insightful. Quietly attending his funeral here in Maryland and observing others I realized a few things.

#1 He was loved by many. ❤️🖤❤️ He gave tirelessly after his stroke. It was so important for him to raise awareness and help others.

#2 He had a BIG heart. He loved EVERYBODY. There was not one person in the room that wasn’t touched in some way by Roderick.

#3 Compassion. That’s the one Word that rang volumes. His brother Marcus Dunston holds so many of his traits. To just be loving and compassionate to everyone.

#4 Guard your tongue. This lesson Roderick taught me over and over again. Not everything needs to be said. The truth will reveal itself.

#5 Live LIFE to the fullest until your last breath. We truly never know when our last days will be here on this Earth.

Love Freely, Receive Love Openly, Give Willingly, Be Compassionate, and Be Cautious of the words that you say to others for you can never take them back.

Love,

Simply Ebony

#roderickdunston @roderickdunston #rip #strokesurvivor #HeartLove #HeartMonth

#Sponsoraheart

#DontIgnoretheSigns

#RoderickDunstonFoundation