Development News for Havelock, North Carolina

Military Transition Programs Enable Successful City Employment

The podcast episode features a discussion with Tony Olowette about his transition from military service to employment with the City of Havlock. Olowette initially participated in the Warrior Care program, a DoD initiative that assists ill, injured, or wounded special operations personnel with life-long care, including transition support through job shadowing, internships, and on-the-job training. This program allowed him to work for the City of Havlock for six months while still being paid by the Department of Defense, exploring a career in planning, zoning, and inspections. Unlike Skillbridge, which often focuses on translating existing military skills, Warrior Care facilitates exploration of new career paths. Olowette's experience was so positive that after a short break, he was hired by the City of Havlock as a Code Enforcement Nuisance Abatement Officer. The discussion also touches on the city's established Skillbridge program, particularly within the fire and rescue department, which has also led to hiring a former employee.