Frank Peasley, a Navy veteran who served as a Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons and Navigation Systems Technician, found himself in a difficult situation after being laid off from a job he held for over eight years. Thrust into an unfamiliar job search, Frank turned to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for guidance. Recognizing his needs, he was quickly referred to Veteran Career Advisor Brandon Latusek, who began working with Frank to develop a strategy for his job search.
Brandon focused on helping Frank craft a strong resume, while Jessica Villet, a Career Navigator at Michigan Works!, provided essential transportation assistance through Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) funding, supplying Frank with bus passes so he could attend interviews and appointments. Recognizing the challenges Frank faced with limited transportation options, the team sought ways to address these barriers.
Pat Muoio, a Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER), joined forces with Brandon and the Michigan Works! team to pinpoint Frank’s employment goals. Together, they began advocating for Frank at several companies. One of Frank’s preferred employers was Home Depot, but the job required weekend shifts, and public transportation in Otsego County doesn’t operate on weekends. The team knew they needed a solution.
Determined to overcome this obstacle, Pat and Brandon reached out to veteran organizations to explore possible support. AMVETS Post 114 quickly stepped up, purchasing Frank a new bicycle, helmet, and lock. Jessica assisted further by securing front and rear lights for the bike through BRES funding. With his transportation needs addressed, Pat leveraged his connections at Home Depot, ensuring Frank’s application received priority consideration. Thanks to this coordinated effort, Frank was quickly hired.
Frank’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork and veteran advocacy, with Michigan Works! and Veterans Employment Services going above and beyond to help him overcome his challenges and secure meaningful employment.
Pictured left to right, Brandon Latusek Veteran Career Advisor and Navy Veteran Frank Peasley
Comments