ARMED FORCES BUILD

Sara Milbourne, lead social worker for Charlotte Bridge Home, an organization that helps Charlotte veterans successfully transition home after military service, was the keynote speaker for a luncheon at Bissell House hosted by Lisa Dubois. The event, held as part of Women's History Month, honored female students, faculty and staff for their military service.

Photos by Wade Bruton.

Interview Tips from Entrepreneur Magazine April 2013 Issue

• Smile. And keep smiling until the interview is over. Unless the interview is about a grave subject, smile like you mean it.
• Speak slowly. But not too slowly. Youdon'twanttotalklikethis. And, like, you, um, don't want to, like, talk like, um, this.
• Stand or sit up straight. And make eye contact (BUT NEVER stare down an interviewer). And listen (REALLY listen).
• Have details ready. An answer isn't interesting unless it involves details.
• Never interrupt an interviewer. You'll seem impatient and nervous.
• Wait a half beat before answering a question. You'll seem measured and authoritative. Anything longer than that and you'll seem confused and lonely.
• For the purpose of your time together, the interviewer is your friend. The interviewer might surprise you with questions you hadn't prepared for, but the interviewer is your friend.  The interviewer might belittle you and make you feel awful, but remember the interviewer is your friend.
• Remember that your performance is always going 30% less than however you think it's going. If you think it's awkward, it's 30% LESS awkward than you think. If you think you it's fascinating, it's 30% less fascinating than you think. If you said during the interview "This is a total disaster," then it probably was a disaster. But 30% less than you think. As long as you smile.

When the Warrior Returns: Making the Transition Home

Ten Most Important Things to Do to Help Improve your Family's Reintegration

1. Do not be afraid to seek help if you need it for anyone in your family - all of you are going through turmoil of this process.
2. Be patient and take it one day at a time. You are going through a marathon rather than a sprint.
3. Take time for yourself for the things that you enjoy. Keep active. Exercise regularly, read for pleasure or take a long bath.
4. Understand that life progressed and people have changed during the deployment. Your partner, your kids and the rest of the family are not the same people you know before the deployment.
5. Learn what resources and organizations are available and do not be shy in accessing what you need from them.
6. Keep the lines of communication open in your family and talk to your loved ones regularly (but choose the right time to talk).
7. Work to understand your loved one's perspective - your service member could be really hurting.
8. Be assertive and continuously advocate for your family's needs. Work with other military families and join veteran's service organizations to broaden your advocacy work.
9. Remain active in your community, your local organizations and religious groups, and continue your contacts with your friends. Let them know what you are going through and seek their support.
10. Speak with other military veterans going through the reintegration process so that you can learn from their experiences.

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