Q+A Interview

Can you share a bit about your military background?

US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Special Agent, 20 years 8 months.

What is one valuable lesson, skill, or core value from your time in the service that you still carry with you today?

Integrity…something valuable but fragile. Most recently…I changed my single professional goal to ensuring others success. This focus significantly changed my ability to find personal job satisfaction.

What sparked your interest in MANTECH, and how did you navigate the initial transition from the military to the corporate world?

I was with another defense contractor and sought out a position with MANTECH because I experienced the caliber of leadership in the company. Rare find.

What was the biggest culture shock or unexpected challenge you faced when entering the civilian workforce?

Change in Ops tempo. I had significant Highs and Lows in the military. That dropped off significantly when I transitioned out. To this day I still struggle with the ability to relax.

Were there any specific programs, mentors, or resources (e.g., SkillBridge, veterans networks) that helped you bridge the gap?

When I transitioned out 20 plus years ago…there was very little in the way of transition assistance. Jerry Ainsworth was a retired agent I worked with on active duty that helped me transition. It helps to learn from the ones that go before you.

How do your military skills translate into your current role here at MANTECH?

Putting others before yourself. Part of the AF motto is “Service before Self”. Concentrating on others does not give you time to ponder on activities of the past.

How would you describe your experience feeling “at home” or finding your footing in the civilian world? Do you feel MANTECH understands the value veterans bring?

I think having a significant veteran presence provides a level of comfort that someone has your 6 and knows how to cover it.

What does a typical day look like for you now, and what do you enjoy most about working for MANTECH?

I am extremely fortunate to work from home and provide support across the entire company. Although I am assigned to the Space Division, I have the opportunity to work with other tech directors. This collaboration at this level is paramount to an economies of scale and improved communications.

What do you miss most about being in the military, and how do you find or replicate that sense of community/camaraderie in your civilian life?

I miss the work. I liked being a Special Agent in AFOSI. We worked in small teams to provide Intel and Force Protection to other service members. Every day was different and I was always busy.

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to yourself on the day you separated from the military, what would it be?

Since I was medically boarded and retired, my advice to myself would have been not to fight it…embrace the change and dive in head first. Focus on helping others transition.

What advice would you give to other veterans who are currently looking to break into MANTECH and the cleared field?

Unfortunately there is a limit to our time in uniform. Continue your legacy by joining the other 4500 or so veterans at MANTECH. Matt Tait being a veteran himself is an incredible leader, along with his team continue to make MANTECH not only a great place to work…but a great opportunity to continue service to the country. The military is an organization made up of people as is MANTECH. The people can make or break an organization, engage, don’t sit on the sidelines. We make MANTECH what it is…

What are you most passionate about?

Serving others and ensuring their success. I have far exceeded any personal or professional goal I ever set for myself. Being one of 9 growing up in inner-city Detroit…I never imagined being where I am today…I attribute that in part to the support and opportunity here at MANTECH.

Is there anything else about your journey, your identity as a veteran, or your time at MANTECH that you’d like to share?

One of the great thing about being in the Air Force, was the experiences. I was able to be an extra in Indiana Jones, I spent an incredible four years in a foreign country. I have met some of the most incredible people and seen so many incredible things. That journey picked up again when I joined MANTECH almost seven years ago. This company has extensive potential. We need to stay laser focused on targeted customer mission needs. This country still has personnel in harms way…we need to keep that in the forefront of everything we do in support of ensuring their safety and return to their loved ones wholistically.