From Service to Success: Jienelle Herndon’s Journey and the Critical Importance of Supporting Veterans
On September 11, 2001, the world was forever changed. For Jienelle Herndon, the tragic events of that day sparked a renewed sense of duty and purpose. “It was a moment that really made you pause and think about what you could do to contribute,” Herndon recalls. Motivated by this sense of duty, she enlisted in the Air Force, determined to make a difference.
A Path of Service and Sacrifice
In the Air Force, Herndon honed her expertise as a paralegal. Throughout her career, she demonstrated a keen attention to detail, an ability to navigate complex issues, and a commitment to supporting the legal needs of service members. “My military experience highlighted the importance of accuracy and integrity,” Herndon says. These qualities were vital in her role and would later prove invaluable as she transitioned to civilian life.
Transitioning to Civilian Life
After leaving the military and earning a degree as a nurse practitioner with the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s support, Herndon faced unexpected challenges due to unforeseen disabilities. This required her to retrain and explore new career paths. Despite her extensive experience, she found that transitioning to civilian life involved not just finding a job but also adjusting to a different world and managing the additional difficulties posed by her disability. “The transition is difficult,” she explains. “It’s more than just finding a job; it’s about finding your place in a world that operates differently from what you’ve known.”
“It’s more than just finding a job; it’s about finding your place in a world that operates differently from what you’ve known.”
The Role of Hiring Our Heroes
This is where Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) became a lifeline for Herndon. Thanks to a collaboration between HOH and Salesforce, Herndon found an opportunity that accommodated her new needs and allowed her to apply her skills in a supportive environment. She also earned a Google Career Certificate in Data Analytics through the Career Forward upskilling program. “HOH gave me the confidence and the tools I needed to succeed in the civilian workforce,” Herndon shares. “They understand the unique challenges veterans face and provide the support needed to navigate them.”
“Hiring Our Heroes understands the unique challenges veterans face and provide the support needed to navigate them.”
Today, Herndon works as a health insurance specialist, where she uses Salesforce daily. As a data and analytics team member, she has created instructional operating procedures, developed training videos, and trained her coworkers on best practices. This role accommodates her needs and allows her to leverage her military and civilian experience effectively.
Why Veteran Employment Matters for National Security
Supporting veterans like Herndon as they transition into civilian employment is not just about honoring their service; it’s also a matter of national security. With the U.S. military facing record-breaking low recruitment numbers, it’s more important than ever to ensure that veterans have the opportunity to reintegrate into society and continue contributing to the nation successfully.
“When veterans succeed, they not only achieve personal fulfillment but also inspire a renewed sense of possibility and commitment in society,” Herndon emphasizes. By offering pathways to stable, meaningful employment, organizations like Hiring Our Heroes help maintain a strong and diverse workforce, reinforcing public confidence in the value of military service. This support is crucial, especially as the country faces recruitment challenges; when potential recruits see that service members are well-supported after their military careers, they are more likely to consider enlisting.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the events of 9/11 and honor those who chose to serve in its aftermath, it’s crucial to recognize that supporting veterans as they transition is about more than just fulfilling our duty to those who have served—it’s about ensuring the ongoing strength and resilience of our nation. Hiring Our Heroes remains at the forefront of this mission, empowering veterans like Jienelle Herndon and their families to build stable, fulfilling futures while reinforcing the vital link between military service and civilian opportunity.
