Through our partnership with Elevate Rapid City, we are participating in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Military Transition Program. This federal initiative helps us attract exceptional talent while supporting military families’ transition to civilian careers and community membership.
SkillBridge, according to its website, is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service. DOD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.
The program addresses our critical need to attract and retain Caregivers across all roles within our health care system. Military professionals bring proven leadership skills, discipline and adaptability that translate exceptionally well to health care environments.
We recently welcomed retired Master Sgt. John Karel, PMP, who brings with him over 20 years of distinguished Air Force experience. Most recently he served as Senior Advisor to the Director of Public Works at Yokota Air Base in Western Tokyo, Japan. There, he led 739 engineers in the Air Force’s third-largest Public Works Directorate and guided an $89 million construction project that saves $15 million annually in utility costs.
John holds an MBA in Finance and began his four month internship this summer in Fiscal Services with Jennifer Schmaltz, VP Finance and Vince King, Director Financial Services. After two and a half months, John pivoted to work with Dave Ellenbecker, VP Facilities Management and Plant Operations and the Project Management team where he will continue until his SkillBridge stint concludes.
“What’s truly surprised me is how many parallels I’ve found between Monument Health and the Air Force,” John says. “The transition has felt remarkably seamless, especially since both organizations share similar core values. Monument Health’s emphasis on the individual Caregiver reflects the same commitment the military had to taking care of its people. That shared ethos has made this shift not just smooth — but meaningful.”
SkillBridge interns don’t just fill positions — they bring their families to become permanent community members and neighbors. This creates lasting community connections that extend far beyond the workplace, directly supporting our mission to impact our communities.
We provide essential relationships and support during one of life’s most significant professional transitions, helping service members understand both the similarities and differences between military and civilian health care careers.
“The SkillBridge program has been an invaluable experience,” John says. “Monument Health has been fantastic, and I’ve enjoyed working with every Caregiver. Even if a direct employment opportunity doesn’t work out, I’ll always look back on this time fondly and appreciate being part of this community.”
John’s SkillBridge internship ends Dec. 12, after which he will seek an employment opportunity at an organization of his choosing.
Story by Kory Lanphear
Photo submitted