From intel to craft: A master sergeant's distillery journey through U.S. Air Force SkillBridge Program

Photo By Ismael Ortega | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Elder, Special Warfare Training Wing readiness flight chief, poses for a photo at a distillery where he is performing his SkillBridge internship in San Antonio, Texas, May 10, 2024. The DOD SkillBridge Program allows separating service members to intern with approved industry partners for up to 180 days prior to their separation date as long as the obtain their chain of command approval. The program is designed to give service members valuable industry experience and help smooth the transition between military and civilian life. Elder used his SkillBridge benefit to explore career opportunities in the distilling and beverage industry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ismael Ortega)  

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

05.10.2024

Story by Jarrod Vickers 

502nd Air Base Wing

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — After 21 years of dedicated service to his country, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Elder is hanging up his uniform to begin a dynamic role in the distilling industry. Elder’s journey reads like a recipe for reinvention. After years in the intelligence world, he’s now elbow-deep in the world of whiskey and beer.

"I’ve always loved enjoying a good whiskey. Learning now about all of the variations, what goes into making it, the sales side, everything about it is so engaging and interesting," Elder shared, highlighting his newfound passion for the craft.

Elder says the SkillBridge program was instrumental in helping pivot his career. Recognizing the program's ability to bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers, Elder seized the opportunity to explore this new avenue.

"[The SkillBridge program] is an excellent opportunity,” said Nicole Garcia, 802nd Force Support Squadron education services specialist. “It allows service members to start planning their lives after the military and taste test civilian life before their date of separation.”

Transitioning from a role in intelligence to a “taste test” of distilling posed its challenges, but Elder's experience with the SkillBridge program provided invaluable insights into being a civilian.

"This experience with SkillBridge has been super rewarding and has helped make that transition a little bit easier," Elder shared.

As Elder prepares for the next chapter of his life, he encourages service members to thoughtfully plan their transitions and capitalize on programs like Skillbridge.

"Take advantage, use it to your ability, because it really is helpful," Elder emphasized.

The SkillBridge program is not only beneficial to the service member, but also the employer and Department of Defense. The program is a direct result of the U.S. Labor Bureau finding solutions to combat veteran homelessness by encouraging job growth with vetted industry partners.

“SkillBridge is beautiful for individuals who are active guard reserve, active guard or active duty,” Garcia explained. “The employer [gets] 180 days to work with these individuals and train them with an established training plan. During that time, we encourage our service members to be recruiters on the outside. If the employer has a good experience with their SkillBridge participants, they’re more likely to bring on more veterans through this program and it helps everyone.”

Elder's story underscores the impact of the SkillBridge Program, bridging the gap between military service and civilian careers while exemplifying the resilience and adaptability of service members transitioning to new horizons.

The DOD SkillBridge Program is a Career Skills Program that links transitioning service members from all branches with civilian training opportunities and is authorized by the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. The program provides eligible transitioning service members with opportunities to participation in apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, on-the-job training, employment skills training, and certifications. To participate, service members must expect to be honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions and released from active duty within 180 calendar days of starting this program.

To learn more about local opportunities, visit DoD SkillBridge at https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm and search for "San Antonio" in the keyword field. Or call:
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: [phone]
JBSA-Lackland: [phone]
JBSA-Randolph: [phone]

• Date Taken: 05.10.2024
• Date Posted: 11.20.2024 17:34
• Story ID: 485325
• Location: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US