Preparing For Your Future ~ Internships With DOD SkillBridge
- S1E22
- 1:14:00
- September 28th 2022
Did you know the DoD has a program that allows any service member, with commander’s approval, to do an internship if they are within 6 months of separation? The Skillbridge Program was developed in 2009 to help connect service members with industry to get real world civilian experience and skills.
Jose Ontiveros had no idea he was going to be an integral part in the development of the Skillbridge Program in San Antonio, after his own 20 year career. Currently he is the Skillbridge Manager and Co-Chair for Joint Base San Antonio.
Join Jay and Donna, as they have an in-depth discussion with Jose about the Skillbridge Program. When it started in the San Antonio area; what the process is to be part of the program; the benefits and challenges of the program; who is participating, and how it has grown. Jose goes on to explain the benefits of small businesses becoming a DoD approved business.
As Jose says, “this program will not make transition easy, but definitely easier.”
Jose’s Bio
Jose Ontiveros is the Skillbridge Manager and Co-Chair of the Workforce & Transition Alliance for Joint Base San Antonio. After a 20 year Air Force Career as an F-16 aircraft mechanic and supply technician, he found his passion for Social Services while concluding his military service in the Military and Family Readiness Center, providing support to families of deployed service members. He joined Joint Base San Antonio in 2016, launching the then named Career Skills Program, which has since been largely renamed Skillbridge. Jose holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from University of Arizona Global Campus.
Jose’s Contact Information
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseontiveros1/
Professional LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbsa-skb-csp
Links: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/resources.htm
Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book:
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Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
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Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
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Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.