Volunteer Spotlight: Jim
For Hire Heroes USA volunteer Jim Czuprynski and his wife Ruth, volunteering with Hire Heroes is a family activity. Jim and Ruth first joined our volunteer team in 2017, inspired by the military service from both of their families during World War II.
Together, they have spent more than 70 hours volunteering to empower Hire Heroes USA clients in their career search, with Jim being responsible for nearly 39 of those hours. In this month’s volunteer spotlight blog post, we asked Jim several questions about his experience as a volunteer, and why he finds mentoring transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses so rewarding.
How do you apply your own professional experience to your interactions with clients?
“I have over 40 years of experience in Information Technology (IT), but over much of the last 10 years, I’ve worked directly with much younger colleagues to help them understand their options in that industry. I spend quite a bit of time advocating for the use of IT to mitigate all kinds of problems in today’s world – everything from climate change to new “green power” initiatives – and I’ve built a large network of colleagues in my age cohort who can help someone if I don’t have the experience to lend advice to a client.”
What has been the most rewarding part of being a volunteer with Hire Heroes USA? What keeps you involved with our organization?
“When I’ve helped a client understand that there is just so much support out there as they transition to the civilian workforce – they just need to know where it is and who to talk to – it’s as if I can hear a light bulb growing ever brighter above their head! So many companies and organizations today desperately need motivated professionals in their ranks, and (Hire Heroes USA) clients are the perfect fit for so many opportunities out there today.”
How would you encourage others to support veterans and military spouses in finding professional success?
“If your company or organization has a program to hire and support veterans and their families, do everything you can to hire them. If they don’t have a program, talk to your HR department and get one started, because they are missing out on a huge amount of potential! As I see it, veterans and their families are the true one-percenters in the USA. They keep us safe here and overseas – often at immense personal sacrifice! – and they understand mission, team, initiative, improvisation, and overcoming adversity done better than anyone on the planet.”
What else would you like to share about your volunteer experience with Hire Heroes USA?
“I hope I can continue to provide mentorship, advice, and creative solutions to hiring our veterans and their families for years to come. It’s been a great honor to serve those who serve us.”
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of veterans and military spouses, please click here to learn more about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA.