“I had a very rough transition out of the Army,” said veteran Brandon White. “It wasn’t until I returned to school that I got back on my feet.”
White, 34, left the military in 2012. Today, he lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with his “amazing and supportive” wife Jessica and their four children Aubrey, David, Madeline and Alaina.
Army veteran Brandon White and his familyAfter leaving the Army, White used his GI Bill to pay for college. Even with a degree, the job market was highly competitive.
“Many of the positions I was capable of required a master’s degree,” he recalled. “For others, I was told I was overqualified because of my experience.”
For a time, he worked retail and delivered pizzas to support his family. Eventually, White landed an interview with a company that offered a path to the career he wanted.
“So, like any good applicant, I went to get my hair cut before the interview,” he said. “That’s where I saw a poster for the VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”
Before he received the VFW scholarship, White struggled to find support.
He explained, “To become a more competitive job candidate, I tried a vocational rehabilitation program to pay for my master’s degree, but I was turned down.”
“People believe there are organizations taking care of veterans in their time of need, but many fall short,” White continued. “That’s where the VFW makes a real impact for the veteran community.”
Today, White is earning his MBA from Liberty University. After graduation, he plans to move into a lead position at his company. In this new role, he will support DoD acquisition programs to help protect soldiers on the battlefield.
“Having been on the frontlines, I understand the importance of making sure the person on the ground is well equipped,” he said. “This work is a way for me to support those risking their lives to protect our country and way of life.”
White closely relates his professional achievements to his education. To those veterans thinking about going back to school, he advised, “Shut up, stop making excuses and do it.”
“I’ve been given the ability to provide for my family, and I’ve found a fulfilling career offering opportunities to support both my community and country,” he reflected. “The scholarship and funding to continue my education is what made the difference.”
Learn more about the VFW's “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”