Chamber of Commerce hosts 'Lucky 11' to raise money for local veterans Published Oct. 19, 2011 By Robin DeMark 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. -- Military veterans and their families desiring to retire in Wayne County can have fun and receive career assistance from the base and community to prepare for and find jobs in today's challenging economy. The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is stepping up to show local veterans and military families they are welcome to live and work in the community by hosting a Lucky 11 Party at the Brick Village on Patetown road in Goldsboro, Nov. 11. "The Chamber created this 11-11-11 Veterans Day Reverse Raffle party so the public, base and community can mingle with each other. Someone will win a grand prize of $5,111 and 11 other prizes will be awarded every 11 minutes while we raise money to support the Chamber and our local veterans," said Rick Sumner, committee chairman. "Our goal is to sell 300 tickets by next week and they're selling fast." According to Sumner, 11 percent of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Airman & Family Readiness Center Transition Assistance Program that offers career counseling and skills to prepare servicemembers for the civilian workforce. "Our military families are truly honored to have a supportive community who always finds ways to show their support. We do our part by preparing retirees for the civilian workforce through Air Force career programs to ensure local businesses can select and hire the best," said Col. Anne Winkler, 4th Mission Support Group commander. The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee unites business and civic leaders with base leadership to form lasting partnerships through programs such as the Honorary Commander's program. "This will be the party of the year celebrating the base-community partnership we've enjoyed for several years," said Marian Mason, president of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. "Our community is taking Governor Purdue's message to heart, helping our military veteran's transition into the workforce. Taking care of Seymour Johnson and our military community is one of the Chamber's top priorities." Mason expressed her sincere appreciation to the presenting sponsor, Branch Bank & Trust, and local media, businesses and food vendors. "Our honorary commanders, the public and chamber members are all invited to the party," Mason said. "This event can be a tremendous success for all of us." The military TAP provides an extensive array of services and benefits designed to equip service members with basic job-hunting skills, tools and provide the self-confidence necessary to secure successful employment in the community. The TAP consists of two major components: pre-separation counseling and transition assistance. The Airman & Familiy Readiness Center on base manages the TAP. Pre-separation Counseling: The TAP schedules a mandatory pre-separation briefing for all separating and retiring personnel that must be completed at least 90 days before separation of service. The briefing is designed to inform servicemembers of the many benefits they may be entitled to once they leave the service. Topics include Veterans Affairs benefits, education, the Air Force Reserve and more. Transition Assistance Program: Classes and workshops are designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully find employment. The TAP workshop is a four-day workshop providing a job search overview and addresses job-hunting skills, work values, goals, résumé preparation, interviewing, salary negotiations and a variety of other topics involved in the transition from military to civilian life. The workshop is a Department of Labor-sponsored and facilitated program. Service members are encouraged to attend two years before their scheduled retirement date or one year before scheduled separation. Classes teach resume basics, how to maneuver through the federal employment process by networking and preparing forms before the interview. The small business workshop provides information about starting a small business. There is also one-on-one assistance to develop a plan of action for those considering a career change. To purchase tickets and find more information about the Lucky 11 Reverse Drawing party, call the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce at (919) 734-2241 or visit http://j.mp/Lucky11. For detailed information about upcoming TAP classes call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (919) 722-1123 or visit, www.veteransbenefitsgibill.com/2011/10/13/atap-air-force-transition-assistance-program/ or www.turbotap.org