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National Able Network is very grateful to have United States Navy Veteran, Beatrice ‘BJ’ Johnson and United States Army Veteran, Jonathan Jankowski, serving as fellows to assist the Veterans Forward program! BJ and Jonathan have been awarded a six-month Fellowship with the Veterans Forward program through The Mission Continues, an organization that empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. The fellows are currently working with the Veterans Forward program staff to help assist veterans in their transitions from military to civilian careers.

The Veterans Forward staff is happy to have BJ and Jonathan on board! Read more about our fellows below:

Beatrice ‘BJ’ Johnson

Beatrice ‘BJ’ Johnson is from Chicago, Illinois and served in the United States Navy from May 1985 – September 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and will be pursuing a graduate degree at Chicago State University in Spring 2015. During her military career, she has served in countries all around the world; but recalls the most memorable assignments were those served aboard ships: USS Samuel Gompers where BJ was one of two female crew members selected to serve as engineers alongside boiler technicians all male division, USS Butte which embarked with the first crew of enlisted females to integrate aboard an ammunition class ship, and the USS Barry where BJ was one of the first female crewmembers to serve aboard an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer.

“The Mission Continues has given me the opportunity to make a connection of hope and opportunity through the Veterans Forward program at National Able Network. My reverence to our veterans is demonstrated through sharing information, resources and activities uniquely entitled to the veteran community, which is instrumental in the hierarchy of veteran needs and self-sufficiency. Commitment of (H)elping (O)our (P)eople (E)xcel is crucial to the overall success of moving veterans forward,” said BJ.

Jonathan Jankowski

Jonathan Jankowski is from Chicago, Illinois and served in the United States Army from August 2002 – June 2006. During his military career, Jonathon was an M1A1 Abrams Tank Crewmen stationed with the 3^rd Infantry Division in Ft. Stewart, GA.  Jonathan served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2005 where he earned numerous medals and commendations. After receiving a service connected injury while in combat, Jonathan decided to head back home and rehabilitate his mind and body. After some lifestyle changes, Jonathan decided to serve his community and help his fellow veterans by accepting a fellowship with The Mission Continues.

“I am passionate about helping veterans find a meaningful, sustainable living wage that will allow them to serve the community that they so honorably and faithfully served while in the Armed Forces of the United States of America,” said Jonathan.

Stay tuned for more updates from our Mission Continues fellows in the following months!