School of Social Work, University of Illinois > Stories > Alumni > Honoring Those Who Served: Geri Young

Honoring Those Who Served: Geri Young, MSW ‘12

In the days leading up to Veterans Day 2019, we will highlight School of Social Work alumni, faculty and students who are veterans, those who have served in the military, and those whose current practice serves the needs of veterans. Thank you to all for your dedicated service.

  1. What branch of service did you serve in?

    United States Air Force, Air National Guard

  2. What got you through basic training?

    I lived for the days they served corn dogs at chow.

  3. Where were you stationed while in the service?

    As a guardsman, I have spent most of my career with the 182nd Air Wing in Peoria, Illinois.  Currently, I am a member of the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron in Savannah, Georgia, and have been since May of this year.  When I was deployed in 2010, I was stationed predominately in Kuwait in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

  4. Can you describe your experience of military culture in one word?

    Diverse

  5. What are some recommendations that you would give to our fellow social workers who are providing services to former or current military personnel?

    The military experience is unique to each generation, branches of service, and even gender – it’s not what you see in movies.  Try to learn the some of lingo so you can follow along, but be ready to listen to truly understand.

  6. If applicable, what did you go on to do as a career after your service?

    I continue to serve in the Air National Guard part-time, and am a Senior Social Worker with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs specializing in transitioning Veterans from active duty service to civilian life.

  7. How did your service and experiences affect your life?

    As a service member, I’ve been able to participate in activities, take on responsibilities, and manage programs at a young age in a forum most my civilian peers did not.  At the age of 24, I was the non-commissioned officer in charge of a convoy program responsible for procuring construction materials for government projects.  I coordinated missions, managed relationships with local and third country nationals, and was responsible for 18 junior members.  By the time I was 29, I was considered the Subject Matter Expert for my career field, and executed actions and initiatives that had a national impact.  Such responsibility so early in life provides opportunities for personal and professional growth and leadership that are, in my opinion, unmatched in the civilian world.

  8. How has your service and experiences intersected with your role as a social worker?

    A lot of why I am a social worker is because of my military experience.  I knew I wanted to work with Veterans in some capacity, and social work was the best fit for me.  When I was selecting my internship placement, I only applied for the VA.  No back up plan – all my eggs in one basket.  Fortunately, it worked out in my favor and not only did I land my dream internship, but I was hired on full-time right after graduation.

  9. Do you have a memory that you want to share?

    The fondest memories for me are the people I worked with.  On the active duty side, members tend to change locations and duty stations with more regularity.  Being in the Guard, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to stay with the majority of the same people as when I initially enlisted, even 14 years later.  A buddy and I were talking the other day about this.  We both enlisted one month apart in 2005, participated in student flight together, and were assigned to the same basic training squadron in Texas.  Even after our initial training, we’ve been members of the same military units up until I moved last year.  Essentially, we grew up in the organization together.  We saw each other through some awesome times, and some very challenging moments in both our professional and personal lives.  I think we’ll be friends forever because of it.  It’s funny to think about who we were when we first joined – wide eyed and clueless – to seeing us now running the show as senior leaders within that same organization.

  10. Is there anything you wish others knew about military service that you wish more people understood?

    I think it’s important to know and learn the differences between full time military (active duty) and those who serve in a part time capacity (reservists).  Because how they serve is different, their needs will be different.  In the current conflicts, our guard and reserve members have made up approximately 50% of the total fighting force; yet return home and are often geographically separated from their military peers and are miles from the nearest base/post.  All the components bring something unique to the mission, and personally have come to value the organic capabilities a reservist force provides.  I think our members are incredibly adaptive and highly innovative in how they bring their civilian experiences to meet military needs and capabilities.

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