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U.S. Navy veteran and single dad, Tony Turretto, walked into the America’s Job Center of California^SM (AJCC) in San Luis Obispo seeking employment services and not quite knowing what to expect after being laid off from his previous job.

America’s Job Center of California offices are a network of local, state, private, and public organizations offering a variety of employment-related services that bring employers with job openings and qualified job seekers together at no cost. AJCC offices are located throughout California and are a one-stop shop for workforce services, providing a comprehensive selection of no-cost employment and training services for employers and job seekers.

“I found out I could apply in person if I went down to the AJCC office, so that’s what I did, said Turretto. The people were really nice to me, and in their check-in process I happened to check veteran, and I was able to file for unemployment right there on the spot, so I walked out knowing it was complete with that piece of mind. And shortly after I got a call from Alan.” Once in the AJCC office, Turreto was introduced to Alan McKean, a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP). McKean, a Vietnam veteran, has extensive connections in the veteran community and enjoys getting to know the veterans he works with. McKean connects with Turretto on a weekly basis to provide him with assistance.

“As far as what we do here, yeah, finding people employment, that’s one thing. The other thing is helping them to overcome barriers, whatever they may be,” said McKean. “It was mainly going ahead and exposing him to employers, and also polishing his resume just a bit, and also just getting him ready to go ahead and get back into the workforce.”

While in the Navy, Turretto was responsible for handling sensitive public relations issues with the Navy's Seventh Fleet throughout the Pacific. His work included crisis communication management, photojournalism, and creative services. All are outstanding transferable skills for today’s job market.

"I think I bring a lot of transferable skills some of which I didn’t even know I had until recently, after talking with Alan."

– Tony Turretto

“I think being a post 9/11 veteran with a graduate degree and 10 years of experience gives me a pretty competitive edge in the industry,” said Torretto. “I think I bring a lot of transferable skills some of which I didn’t even know I had until recently, after to talking with Alan. And I think the future is pretty bright. I’m confident I am going to land on my feet no matter what.”

DVOP Alan McKean, has some advice for anyone looking for employment.

“Just come in, get the services that you deserve and have earned and move on. Utilize those skills put them together in a package that is marketable and just get the job done. And that’s what we do here,” said McKean.