Silvia Azrai Kawas’ Post

Our Beginnings. If you didn't know it, the US Patriot Chamber of Commerce started because a financial advisor & US Army veteran had clients transitioning out of the military. They had their TSP and planned to make a go out of a private sector career. Some of those clients succeeded, and others found themselves, only a few short months later, discovering that the grass wasn't as green as they thought. The corporation they worked for was not as pro veteran as they assumed, and they didn't feel like they understood how to fit in. Some of those clients ended up becoming government contractors and went back to work in the exact same space for the exact same boss they had before. We wanted to make a difference, not just in the lives of veterans, but also in the cultures of corporations. As the Patriot Chamber, we don't just want to help our transitioning service member gain employment, we want to help them sustain senior leadership roles within private sector companies. So, we take the extra step of providing mentorship, and helping our nation's heroes develop the unique skills required for private sector leadership. And we're a great place to network for both patriots and veterans! We aren't just a chamber of commerce. We are, uniquely, a chamber of commerce that is "by civilians, for veterans". This is the place where freedom works. #transitioningservicemembers #veterans US Army United States Air Force US Navy United States Marine Corps US Coast Guard Academy

Stories have the power to connect, inspire, and transform. Working with Neighborly® to capture these veteran journeys reminded us just how impactful a well-told story can be. These veterans aren’t just building businesses... They’re redefining their purpose and inspiring others to do the same. Through storytelling, we help brands like Neighborly showcase the real people behind their success— Highlighting their challenges, victories, and the deeper ‘why’ that drives them. When done right, storytelling goes beyond marketing. It creates meaningful connections. If you’re curious about how sharing authentic stories can elevate your brand, take a look at these powerful examples from Neighborly. ❤️🎬 Trevor Rappleye, CFE Claudia N. #Storytelling #FranchiseSuccess #Veterans #PurposeDriven #FranchiseFilming

Did you know that as an Enlisted Reserve Component Cadet that’s serving in either the Army National Guard or US Army Reserve, you can still commission into an Active Duty Component?

What is your why for serving? In this video, Major General Carruthers (Assistant Adjutant General, Commander of the Florida Army National Guard) takes the time to explain why he continues to serve in the Florida Army National Guard. We would love to hear your why, so feel free to share it in the comments! #whyIjoined #whyiserve #armynationalguard

Thank you for your time today discussing this important topic. I am honored to work under Erika Irish Brown (she/her)'s leadership and having a role that focuses on Development Planning for all employees. We can all continue to improve no matter the stage of our career we are in or what your role is.   So many takeaways, and here are a few… Research multiple avenues and take the best from every perspective; trust the process and yourself, attitude is key; focus on what you can control; be open to the change, surround yourself with people who are rolling with the change and going to push you to be better; be prepared for plan A, but anticipate plan B-Z so you don’t stop at plan B; development looks different depending on your level and tenure, vertical for new employees vs horizontal for seasoned ones...such great advice and tips. 

When I think of David Goggins I think of myself at my very weakest. And a man I didn't know could even exist... appeared. And screamed at me with words on a page. To be better. Do better. Dream more. To drink his suffering and become a better person. The way he describes his upbringing made me tougher and more resilient. I am not a black American. But my God David Goggins screamed at me like I knew his pain. And the way he described his life? I was totally defenceless. Disarmed. How can anyone not be? Read Can't Hurt Me and try not to feel. It's not possible. That book breaks you down. Patience. Consistency. Discipline. When I think about what it takes to be great? At playing the violin, or studying until 5am at the library - or recording an album until everyone involved is falling asleep and one of us might crash the car on the way home. These are the three key ingredients. No mentor worth their salt is about breaking you down without building you right back up and turning you into an invincible war machine of a person. And that's what David Goggins does. I am glad to have met a few women who have learned David's message because I would like to think it's for everyone. The kind of patience David cultivates? Unbeatable. And, the very same patience all of my favourite artists have. From the Russian violinist David Oistrakh to Charlie Chaplin - to our era's reigning pop queen Taylor Alison Swift. Watch their patience. It is endless. Mine too. Consistency? Have you heard Larry David talk about his writing process for Seinfeld? He would literally RUN back to his office to make changes. Me too. After I heard that? Naturally. Why wouldn't I? He's my hero. Have you heard Jerry talk about how long it takes to craft his famously streamlined and perfectly conceived jokes? He is a social scientist; the most scientific comic of all time. His deconstructions of processes were the very basis for the inception of Seinfeld. At least, the very way he and Larry would deconstruct the ideas of items in a Korean supermarket in an amusing way. The nuts and bolts of things: amusing fact and theory and query by amusing fact and theory and query. How about Paul McCartney's recording process when he was in the Beatles? So gruelling it pissed off the other Beatles. Even John. No one in the Beatles cared as much as Paul about process. So? Incidentally, he was the first billionaire musician ever. Incidentally.... Discipline. Do you know who has energy for bullshit? Undisciplined people. Me when I'm undisciplined. You when you're undisciplined. Anyone. 'Idle hands' have the WORST reputation of any hands in all of human history. Why? Guess. Alcoholics need someone to scream and screech at. So do lazy people who expect wild and instant success. So do artists with no gumption. And accountants with no drive! But truly. You need discipline to practice, compose, record, release, tour, interview and repeat. Watch carefully. The most successful don't complain.

do this

Killer summit, killer team. (A million miles outside my workday wheelhouse - Talk to Lori Meyer/Corey Young about the freight ops/transportation logistics of it all if/when needed. They're darned marvelous coaches.) #freight #freightforwarder #freightbroker #shipper #supplychain #pharma #pharmaceuticals #hazmat #hazardousmaterials #logistics #operations

Check out this CMF from #AUSA2024 to learn how the US Army is strengthening the #USArmy profession. #BeAllYouCanBe | #BAYCB

The best veteran community networking this side of the Mississippi! Come out and build your network. Here are five tips for someone attending a networking event: 1. **Set Goals**: Before the event, decide what you want to achieve. Are you looking to meet potential employers, find a mentor, or simply learn more about a particular industry? Setting clear goals will help you focus your efforts and choose the right people to engage with. 2. **Prepare an Elevator Pitch**: Have a brief, compelling personal statement prepared that you can use to introduce yourself. This pitch should be no longer than 30 seconds and cover who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. Tailor it to your audience or the specific context of the event. 3. **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: When you engage in conversations, ask questions that encourage a detailed response, rather than simple yes or no answers. For example, ask about challenges in the industry, recent trends, or the projects they're currently working on. This not only keeps the conversation flowing but also shows your interest and engagement. 4. **Listen Actively**: Show genuine interest in what others are saying. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and interjecting with thoughtful questions or comments that show you're engaged and understand the conversation. 5. **Follow Up**: After the event, make sure to follow up with the people you met. Send a personalized email or connect with them on professional social media like LinkedIn. Mention specific details from your conversation to remind them who you are, reinforcing the connection and potentially leading to further dialogue. By using these tips, you can maximize the benefits at the VBC and build meaningful professional relationships. Let’s go!