Hey all...

I know some of you have been wondering where I have been. And I will provide an update later today. But my request right now has a huge impact on my recovery. I will go into why later...but right now, I'd like to put out this request.

I finally retired from the military last month. Those that know my story know that was a huge problem in the marriage, being away so much. But now, I am unemployed and looking to start my new career. I have been actively searching for 6 months, and it has been a slow process in my line of work (intel analyst, manager).

Anyway, suffice it to say that this isnt going over well in our rcovery. In my update later, you will see why. My wife's number 1 need is financial security. We also have to move fro mthe hosue we are renting at the end of this month.

So, if there is anyone out there in my field, or even out of it, or even anyone that might know someone...I would appreciate some help in the job search. A lot of pressure on me because of this. Financially, yes. But even more so with my marriage. My wife's father just died, so things for her personally are not the best. And all of this is happening right when she has made steps to move us even further forward. And now she is getting scared.

Anyway, I dont want to get into my update yet. If anyone has any help or suggestions, please email me at Mortar29@yahoo.com.

Thanks again.

In His arms.

Mortarman -

Do you have a resume on line with usajobs.opm or donhr.navy.mil) I work for the DOD - they do all their hiring through resumex. The Dept. of Homeland Security is always hiring, also many others.

If you need any help, email me and I will put your resume in. I'm at digsblues@aol.com.

Yes believer...have put into those places. It has been unbelievable that I am not getting the responses I should, considering the ton of positions avaliable out there. It has me very puzzled.

In His arms.

Okay, it does take some time. But here is a trick. The resumes are read by a computer. Unfortunately the computer is not so smart to figure out what kind of experience is relevant. So you help it along by coping word for word the job requirements, a paragraph here and a paragraph there into your resume.

It is funny how you have to help it out. I put in a long resume and got no responses. A friend at work put in a short one that said " In my job I ............................................" and she copied word for word. She got the interview. So help out that computer today. You will be surprised. Just pick out the key words, and sentences, that is the way to improve your chances.

Hey MM, so good to see you! I just read your outstanding post to LLG on the other thread and am so grateful you popped in. Hope you come around more. We have LOTS of new men here right now who could use your perspective. JL has his hands full!

Good luck on the job hunt, I suspect God has a good one in store for ya. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Believer,

Thanks. I actually just heard that from someone else, so I am trying to tailor my resumes as I send them. I am just very anxious because of where we are at in our relationship, and the fact we have to move in three weeks and I have no money coming in shortly. This is not helping our recovery, right as it was taking a positive turn.

MelodyLane,
Good to hear from you. Yes, I'm back. Had to finish up the last of my tour and then get retired. It has been a long twenty plus years!! Especially the last three, if you know what I mean!?!?

So, I should be around more like I used to be.

I still hope someone out there might be in a position in the DC area to put me in front of someone that can make the right decisions. It has been uncanny how many jobs I am qualified or over-qualified for...and still not getting the jobs. It is like there is some "conspiracy" against me. Just joking...but it is still weird.

In His arms.

MM,

Have you sent your resumes to the Beltway Bandits? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

There are a few that might be a good fit for you. I just don't know the contracts that are out there right now. If you have any contacts with any of them even second hand via the Puzzle Palace use them. I am thinking of one particularly large one with a big office in McClean. I used to work for them 20 + years ago. Also, you might want to talk to some of the military installations around there as they are tyed to Homeland Security as well. Also you might want to talk to DOE which is abit out of town in Md.

I'll do some checking and see what I can find in the next week or so. Unfortunately I am working some short fuse stuff for the rest of the month.

I liked your advice to LLG. I think she will listen to you more than to me.

Hang in there MM.

God Bless,

JL

So glad to hear from you. I can only offer prayers on the job front but as we know when you lay things in Christ's hands you cannot go wrong. It may be tough but that is nothing new.

What you wrote to LLG was excellent...you realize the sharing you are able to do is a gift to yourself and others. When I began reading LLG I thought this girl needs a dose of MM, I almost emailed but thought I better just pray you would should up when you needed to and when you were needed.

Take care of yourself and your family,


continued prayers,


ayslyne

I don't know if you would be interested, but many of the refineries and chemical plants here in Houston give strong preference to veterans when hiring process operators. A process operator can make anywhere from $75K to $100K+ depening on how much overtime is worked. Some plants have raised the bar on requirements, but some have not. I can email you some more information if this sounds interesting to you. By the way, my plant will be hiring soon.

Hey Mortarman,

Check your e-mail...

Semper Fi,
RIF90

RIF90,

Thanks. Check your mail!!

In His arms.

<small>[ July 12, 2004, 11:40 AM: Message edited by: Mortarman ]</small>

JL,
I have been doing all of that. For the last 5 months. it has been weird how things havent taken off. So, I am still trying.

Asylyne,
It is great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Thank you for your prayers and your support. I will be posting shortly on what's up and see what everyone thinks.

mfisher1967,
Thanks for the info!! My problem is that due to my wife's job, I really cant leave the Washington DC area right now. But thanks again and I will keep that in my pocket for future use (sincemy wife is from Texas and would love to move back someday).

In His arms.

Hi MM:

Good 2 hear from you again. I'm confident that this "dry spell" in employment will be only temporary for you.

I hope when you give your update, it's with net good news.

best,
-ol' 2long

Hey MM!
Good to see you!
Hope you're luck turns around with the job search! Don't give up! You know how perserverence pays off!
I lurk mostly now....I'm in process of D for financial reasons mostly unfortunately.
Take care

Mortarman -

I have missed hearing from you. I'm glad you are back now but I hate to see you in this current position.

I have very dear friends that work for Halliburton/Kellog Brown & Root in DC. I've sent them an email to see if they know of any openings. I think it might be helpful to hear what types of positions you'd be interested in. I know they have jobs open for people willing to go abroad...I wouldn't consider that since you just retired from the Military to get away from being deployed. I do know that H/KBR pays very well and they do favor military experience.

Do you mind posting that information here or would you rather email it to me?

Heroswife,

I missed being on here. Hope all is well with you and Hero. I would rather just email that kind of info. Thanks for the help. Oh, and please make sure your H or some other person is in the CC line so that you are acoountable, since we are both married. Dont want a mess started, if you know what I mean?!?!

In His arms.

<small>[ July 12, 2004, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: Mortarman ]</small>

Mr. Mortarman -

Check your email. And yes there's someone on the cc line. I've gotten used to that lately.

Thanks Heroswife...check your email.

Did you send to the hotmail address? I haven't received anything from you.

Did you send to the hotmail address? I haven't received anything from you.