20Dec

Jobs For People with PTSD

There’s no question that having PTSD alters the way you live your life, but it doesn’t have to rob you of your livelihood. There are lots of PTSA jobs available for veterans. Among the jobs for PTSD sufferers, you can find a way to earn an income in most any industry. We’ve put together some of the best jobs for PTSD sufferers for you to consider.

1. Plumber

Did you enjoy working with your hands while serving our country? Sometimes, keeping the hands busy helps you to avoid PTSD symptoms. With this trade, you can make a good income as well, with an average salary of around $53,000 a year.

2. Teaching Assistant

Do you enjoy educating the next generation? Even if you don’t want the responsibility of being a teacher, you can assist and receive just as much gratification. Plus, these valuable personnel make around $27,000 per year.

3. Light Truck Delivery Driver

With so many people ordering online these days, there’s never a shortage of delivery drivers. If you enjoy being out on the road, this might be the profession that suits your needs. Plus, you can make an average of $33,000 a year.

4. Computer Technician

If you love to tinker with computers, it’s to put your skills to work. As a computer technician, you help others and can also make around $51,000 each year.

5. Accountant

If you know a lot about managing money, there are plenty of customers that would pay for your expertise. Teach others about finance when you become an accountant, and you can earn around $71,000 a year.

6. Security Guard

You have protected our country; now it’s time to put those skills to work by guarding private property and other valuable locations. You can feel accomplished after a day at work and make around $29,000 per year.

7. Groundskeeper

Does working with plants and being outdoors make you feel better? Enjoy the warm sunshine as a groundskeeper. Be one with nature and make around $29,000 each year.

8. Dog Trainer

Spend time with man’s best friend when you train dogs. Teach them a new trick and watch your bank account increase about $29,000 per year.

9. Business Owner

You can be your own boss by putting whatever knowledge you have to work. Not only do you get to make your own hours and rules, but you can also make an unlimited amount of income.

10. General Manager

If you don’t want to run your own company, consider helping someone else by managing employees and operations. The income level will vary based on what industry you choose.

PTSD And Holding Down A Job

PTSD sufferers can maintain a job with the help provided by Mt. Carmel Service Center. We are here to help you train for the job, interview and maintain it year after year. Talk to us about resume building, job training, mock interviews and PTSD counseling.

Mount Carmel Service Center Career Services

Mt. Carmel is dedicated to helping veterans just like you. We will work with you to build your resume, perform mock interviews and even help you find that next job. We even pair veterans to recommended employers and the resources that get you hired.

03Dec

Best Transition Jobs for Military Veterans

It’s possible to find high-quality jobs for veterans in every industry. By utilizing the skills you’ve already learned, you can build an enjoyable career without a lot of stress. Here are some of the 10 best transition jobs for military veterans to consider.

1. Plumber

You might have already learned the basics of plumbing while serving your country. You can choose to work for an established company in your area or venture out on your own. The average salary for a plumber is around $53,000 yearly.

2. Carpenter

Another skilled trade for veterans is a carpenter. If you enjoy working with your hands and creating high-quality pieces, your expertise is in demand. You might even make, on average around $46,000 yearly.

3. Teacher

Likely, you’ve already taught a lot of people during your time in the service. If you want to pursue a job in education, there are many positions available to you. From making an average of $26,000 as a teaching assistant to $60,000 yearly as a high school teacher, there’s no end to the ways you can use your passion.

4. Mechanical Engineer

Military vets often have engineering training, which is why it makes sense to pursue a job in this field. Some companies prefer to hire veterans because they understand that the quality of work will be top-notch. You can make on average, about $87,000 yearly.

5. Airline Pilot

Do you have flying experience from your time in the military? If so, you might thoroughly enjoy flying for one of the major airlines. It doesn’t hurt that the average pay is also about $140,000 yearly.

6. Light Truck Delivery Driver

If you prefer not to travel from home, consider driving trucks locally. You can drive during the day and be home with your family at night. The average pay for these types of jobs is $32,000 a year.

7. Registered Nurse

If you enjoyed taking care of the sick and wounded during your time in the military, it makes sense to continue that career as a nurse. You can work as much or as little as you want as nurses are always in demand. You can also expect an average pay of $71,000 a year.

8. Computer Programmer

Because our military systems are high-tech, you likely have some IT experience that proves to be valuable in the civilian sector. Consider the benefits of computer programming and enjoy an average salary of $84,000 a year.

9. General Manager

Did you build leadership skills in the service? Put them to use when you become a general manager over a team. You can work in almost any sector and make an average of $100,000 yearly.

10. Police Officer

You already have the skills to maintain law and order. Serve your community by providing valuable protection for your neighbors. The average pay for a cop is $61,000. While most people might not consider this a low-stress job, you will likely feel at home after your time in the service.

Mount Carmel Service Center Career Services

Whatever career you want to pursue, Mt. Carmel is available to help you. We work with veterans to create the ultimate resume as well as perform mock interviews so you can be comfortable. If you need further training to land that job, we are ready to provide additional education. We also pair our veterans with recommended employers and other resources to ensure that your job is the one you have hoped for.

See our Employment page to learn more.

03Dec

Benefits A Veteran Receives from a Veteran Service Center

Both the veteran and their family qualify for numerous benefits from the Veteran Service Center. While the list is endless, we will take a look at a few of the top benefits offered for free to both the veteran, their spouse and the entire family.

Career Services

– Career placement

We help you and your families find meaningful employment. This can be either a contract position in the field of your choice or a permanent job.

– Employer Networking

The best way to find employment that matters is to participate in employer networking. We bring together the top companies in the area with qualified workers to ensure a perfect match.

– Job Fairs

Join one of our local job fairs to connect with even more employers in your chosen industry.

Job Training

– Resume Building

To stand out, you must have an exceptional resume. Our professionals know how to use your skills and talents to make a lasting impression on employers.

– Mock Interviews

Before you head to that interview, gain some necessary skills by practicing with our team. We will help you become confident and land that job.

– Career Training

If you need additional training to work into a position, we are ready to help you get the education you deserve.

– Skill Assessments

Our staff assesses your skills to help you determine if you need further training or you are ready to go. We work with you to figure out what field is best for your expertise.

– Personality Tests

Different personalities excel at various positions and we can help you fulfill your deepest passions by matching you to a job that caters to your personality type.

– Aptitude Tests

Our aptitude tests allow us to figure out your abilities and gauge how you will react in various situations.

– Certifications

We can help you receive the certifications you need to excel at your dream job.

Spousal Support

Your spouse gains full access to all of our career and job training resources. Both of you have access to career counseling and other benefits at no charge.

Educational Benefits

– Back-To-School Planning

If you plan to head back to school for additional training, we will help you prepare.

– Tuition Assistance

Our team finds the means to help you pay for your tuition. You don’t have to navigate the financial aid sector alone.

Financial Education

– Financial Coaching & Planning

We want you to succeed with money, which is why we have coaches on staff that work with you on a financial plan and coaching.

– VA Mortgage Education & Financing

If you are ready to buy a home, our financial team also provides education and financing for that mortgage.

Behavior Health

– PTSD

It’s not uncommon to suffer from PTSD after deployment. Our trained support team knows how to bring you peace of mind effectively.

– Counseling

You can discuss all of your issues and concerns with a trusted counselor. Our team understands what you are going through and offers practical guidance.

– Wellness Retreats

Treat yourself to some additional refreshment when you participate in our specialized wellness activities. We work on creating a whole person through the mind, spirit and body.

– Tai Chi Boxing & Energetics

You can get physically active and relieve some stress with our Tai Chi boxing classes.

Legal Support & Assistance

– Civil Legal Advice

If you face a civil legal matter, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let our expert team guide you.

– Family Law

Don’t tackle the stress of family court on your own. Whether you are dealing with divorce, child custody or support, our team knows how to make the process easier.

– Bankruptcy

If you need to file bankruptcy, you want an expert by your side.

– Foreclosure

Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid a foreclosure, but we know how to get through the process with ease.

– Pro Bono Lawyers

Our pro bono lawyers are ready to direct and guide you to success.

Additional Resources

The list of benefits from the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is endless. Whether you or your family require some extra support, you can find it all at our veterans service center. Contact us for more information.

27Nov

Season of Giving is here – Mt. Carmel is ready

By Ret. Army Col. Bob McLaughlin
Chief Operating Officer

We joined the community to kick off the Season of Giving with two important events: a wreath telethon timed ahead of Veterans Day and our annual Operation Turkeys for Troops before Thanksgiving.

The telethon, in partnership with KRDO News Channel 13 and coloradohonor.com, is part of a nationwide effort to place wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans across the nation on Dec. 14. Our team will assist the community with placements at 10 a.m.

As families of the fallen visit local cemeteries to celebrate their cherished veteran over the holidays, a simple holiday wreaths will signal that this grateful community remembers and honors the sacrifice.

Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, we continued an important Mt. Carmel Tradition: Operation Turkeys for Troops! With the help of generous donors and sponsors, we provided 1,396 turkeys to families of service members assigned to local military installations, 100 complete Thanksgiving baskets to local Gold Star Families, and an additional 200 baskets to the veteran community.

Heartfelt thanks, smiling faces and deep appreciation was the response from our military and veteran community for the Thanksgiving bounty. While many were honored (or embarrassed) to be recognized for their service, we know others face hidden challenges – food insecurity, employment difficulties, struggles with post-traumatic stress, and more. It was a unique opportunity to highlight Mt. Carmel as the Beacon of Support.

As the Season of Giving continues, collection boxes are in our lobby and ready for Toys for Tots, 4KidzSports and non-perishable food donations to provide a hand-up this holiday season. In 2018, generous donations from community organizations and military, veteran and civic collection efforts made Mt. Carmel the largest Toys for Tots collection site in the Pikes Peak region.

Toys for Tots requests new, unwrapped toys for infants, children and teens. Mt. Carmel is also a collection site for, 4KidzSports, a local non-profit that provides gently-used sports gear to help youth advance their lives through their faith and participation in sports, music, the arts, academics, and leadership training. And, as part of Mt. Carmel’s ongoing efforts, we’re requesting non-perishable food donations to help veterans and their families.

As the nation continues the longest period of sustained combat operations in our history, communities struggle for new ways to support our troops, veterans and families in meaningful ways.

Beyond wreaths and turkeys, we need to re-dedicate ourselves to offer a more impactful hand-up. This means good jobs for veterans and families; easy access to behavioral health and supportive services; and sometimes a listening ear when a veteran is ready to share the story of their service. Providing a hand-up requires a strong grip and these are the muscles required.

At Mt. Carmel, this is our focus each day and we’re thankful to many community partners who serve alongside our staff – all with a servant’s heart.

To all who see this message: if you need our services, or know someone who does, please visit; to future partners and supporters wishing to make a positive and direct impact, please reach out so we may personally introduce you to Mt. Carmel.

On behalf of the entire Mt. Carmel family, we wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving!

27Nov

Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS 2019

Mt. Carmel’s annual holiday tradition, Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS, ended in record time Nov. 21 as 200 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed in less than 30 minutes to members of the military and veteran community with all supplies exhausted before 4 p.m.

Earlier in the day, 100 food baskets were set aside for presentation to Gold Star Families who lost a family member in combat service to the nation, and an additional 1,200 individual turkeys were provided to chaplains and first sergeants for distribution to families on local military installations.

“We’re grateful for the support of generous community partners, donors and volunteers who have ensured Thanksgiving celebrations for 1,500 military and veteran families of the Pikes Peak region. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving,” said Retired Army Col. Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Chief Operating Officer.

This marks the third year Mt. Carmel has conducted Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS. Beyond Operation TURKEYS FOR TROOPS, Mt. Carmel and its partners provide food and beverages year-round to returning Soldiers at the Fort Carson Special Events Center. Mt. Carmel also partners with base chaplains and local organizations supporting military widows and wounded warriors to provide food assistance vouchers and more, as needed, throughout the year.

08Oct

Eyeglasses for Larry

Retired Army Maj. Larry Mooring admires his new eyeglasses from Veterans Optometry Partners of America.

Larry Mooring was pretty excited about his new eyeglasses when he picked them up at Mt. Carmel this past week. He showed them off to most of our staff members and fellow veterans.

“I was treated like a general back there; it’s embarrassing – I don’t think I deserve it,” said Larry of his experience with Veterans Optometry Partners of America, Mt. Carmel’s in-house partner that provided a complete eye exam, digital lenses and name brand frames without out-of-pocket expense – fully-covered by his annual VA optical benefit.

“They really appreciated me for my service and let me know it,” said Larry. “I’m going to tell other Veterans they should do this – they should call Mt. Carmel and use this great service. They even checked for cataracts!”

As he shared features of his new eyeglasses and details of outstanding customer service from Keegan Meyer’s VOPA team, we learned quite a bit about Larry.

After his commission in West Point’s Class of 1962, the retired Army major served two tours of duty in Vietnam, 29 months total, as an artillery and infantry officer. After the war, he served in Panama and Germany with three assignments to California sprinkled throughout.

Jeremy Parnell of Veterans Optometry Partners of America helps Retired Army Maj. Larry Mooring with his new eyeglasses at Mt. Carmel.

In Germany, he met and married the love of his life; he and Hannelore mark 46 years of marriage on Dec. 7. Peering through his new glasses, “Isn’t she a looker?”, he asks, holding up a smart phone picture of the two of them on a recent trip to Las Vegas.

Retiring from Army service in 1982, Larry went on to support Colorado Springs students and staff for 20 years leading the supply and logistics team at the Deaf and Blind School as a State employee. He retired from the Colorado Department of Education in 2000.

We wanted to learn more, but Larry wanted to share more about his new eyeglasses.

“…and they have all name-brand frames and great customer service,” Larry continued. “Today, I came in and picked up my glasses, and it didn’t cost me anything. These are super-lightweight, scratch resistant frames — fully-covered by my VA benefit; has to be worth more than $500 with the exam!”

Retired Army Maj. Larry Mooring models his new eyeglasses from Veteran Optometry Partners of America at Mt. Carmel.

Are you interested in a thorough eye exam, name brand frames and digital lenses? VOPA at Mt. Carmel welcomes military, veterans and families – and all other community members – to access their insured benefits.

“We welcome all forms of Tricare, Medicaid, Medicare, and most other insurance plans,” said Keegan. “For the uninsured we offer affordable packages as well. We consider it a great privilege to serve the military and Veteran community.”

Learn more: https://veteranscenter.org/vopa/

26Aug

A hand-up for Danielle

Above: Danielle McCarthy, August 2019

In 2017, Danielle McCarthy’s son returned home from college to Montrose, Colo., to care for her as she recovered from complications related to a medical procedure. At the time, Danielle was responsible for the care of her husband, Air Force Reserve & Army Veteran David McCarthy, Jr.

Air Force Reserve & Army Veteran David McCarthy, Jr., carries his bride Danielle, across the threshold in 1992.

Tragically, David passed in 2017 from the effects of Gulf-War Syndrome. In the wake of so much personal tragedy, Danielle was forced to sell most family belongings, cash out her last $2,000 of pension, and relocate to Colorado Springs for continued medical care and to rebuild her life.

In a short time, she launched a new business and now serves on several community boards. However, this past July, despite her best efforts, she was unable to pay her rent and walked through the doors of Mt. Carmel for help.

“There are a lot of great organizations that help veterans. But it was nice to walk into Mt. Carmel and just say, ‘I just need this boost up. That’s all I need,’ and I wasn’t made to feel I’d done anything wrong,” said Danielle. “Please understand – it does mean a lot. It is the small, little things that matter. Being back amongst veterans is amazing to me. What you do does make a difference; you made the difference that prevented me and my two sons from being homeless. Thank-you.”

Following a year of extraordinary medical challenges, Danielle is no longer on portable oxygen. In August she successfully ascended the incline in Colorado Springs, gaining 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile at grades from 45 to 65 degrees, to a height of 8,590 feet. Mt. Carmel is grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand-up to Danielle and her children.

25Jul

Vote for Mt. Carmel at Goat Patch Brewing Company celebration July 27

Shown Above: Former Army Ranger Justin Grant, owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company, and Retired Army Col. Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Chief Operating Officer, hold up voting tokens at Goat Patch Brewing Company.

Social Impact Helps Veterans:

Join us for a Beer at Goat Patch this Saturday

Mt. Carmel proudly salutes Goat Patch Brewing Company’s, “It Takes a Tribe Initiative,” a year-long effort celebrating two local non-profits. When Goat Patch visitors order award-winning, It Takes a Tribe Red Ale, they receive a token to cast a vote representing a 25-cent donation to one of two organizations.

At the Goat Patch Anniversary Party, July 27, 11 am-9 pm, a check will be presented at 3:30 pm to Mt. Carmel (and the other non-profit) representing the year-long initiative. “The minute we opened our doors we started giving back to our community and this is a big part of it,” said Justin Grant, former Army Ranger & Owner. “This is why July is such an important time – you can bring your friends and vote over and over in support of great organizations, up to and including our Anniversary Party.” Goat Patch is located at the former Lincoln Elementary School, 2727 N. Cascade. Learn more: goatpatchbrewing.com

Watch the video:

21Jul

Veterans among latest Electrician Apprenticeship Grads

With veterans among them, and some veteran-owned companies to benefit from their new skills, Mt. Carmel joined celebrations for the newest Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training graduates recognized in ceremonies July 19. The event was hosted by IBEW Local Union 113 and NECA Southern Colorado Chapter. The 67th Annual Apprentice Completion Ceremony also celebrated 330 years of service represented in presentation of service pins to first-year apprentices through 65-year members. “I still love what I do and have a passion for it; when you have a passion, it’s not a job,” said Dan Rockhill II, owner of Rockhill Electrical Systems. Every Rockhill job still has his Dan’s hand on it. He was presented his own pin representing 50 years of membership and watched his son James receive his 20 year pin at the ceremony. Dan served on the apprenticeship committee over 25 years interviewing apprentice candidates referred from organizations including Mt. Carmel and our partners at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. “We have 20 minutes to interview and determine if a candidate has potential to succeed in this apprenticeship.” Electrical workers remain one of the most highly-skilled and in-demand trades with wages ranging from $27-100K-plus from a first year apprentice to a supervisor electrician. Mt. Carmel and our partners can help Veterans enter this growing career opportunity.

Dan Rockhill II with his son, James. Regional business owners, the two longtime electricians routinely hire and mentor new electricians from the veteran community.

23May

Celebration and Reflection on Family, Service and Sacrifice

by Retired Army Col. Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Chief Operating Officer

The many special dates on the calendar in May brought great celebration and reflection this month. Allow me to highlight just a few.

On May 10, we marked Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The spouses of our military heroes face many unique challenges as they support their service member serving our nation, not the least of which is the hardship of managing and maintaining a career of their own as they transition from one duty station to another.

As the nation enjoys historically low unemployment of less than five percent, our military spouses do not. They face nationwide unemployment of 16 to 24 percent, depending on which survey you read, and underemployment averaging 56 percent. These stats are unacceptable and negatively impact quality of life for military and veteran families. The Mt. Carmel team is doing its part to combat this inequality.

In partnership with regional ABC affiliate KRDO and the MilHousing Network, we hosted the National MilSpouse Career Summit with live-webcast from Mt. Carmel. The effort was carried via webcast to ABC affiliate pages in 13 cities with large military and veteran communities. The effort featured employers and resources responding to audience questions submitted over social media. Bringing awareness and viable employment options to a wide audience is one positive step we have taken. Video of the informative and inspiring event is posted to our website at veteranscenter.org

As we near Memorial Day, we will pause and take a knee to honor our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice so we could live free and bountiful lives. With several inspiring community services on that day, please find an appropriate moment to honor all who died in service to our nation.

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Your donation can make a difference in a Veteran’s life today!

Your generosity enables us to provide vital services to veterans and their families through our programs, resources and education. At Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, we make it easy for military and their families to receive the support and services they need by bringing a broad range of agencies and programming together under one roof.