Boots to Briefcases Guides Vets Into Workforce

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), a Navy veteran who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is the co-founder and CEO of MISSION: Boots to Briefcases, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and military families transition to the civilian workforce.

“All services and programs are free of charge not only for the veteran but also for his or her immediate family,” said Vella-Wilkinson. “The Veterans Administration has been studying how reintegration from a military career to the private sector has negatively impacted many new-era veterans and caused some to experience anxiety, depression and chronic unemployment. We want to become their support system through individualized services and help them navigate successfully to gainful and meaningful employment. Our veterans sacrificed many years and even their youth for us. The least we can do is help them achieve new career paths so they can enjoy the next phase in their journey.”

Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi has also asked her to serve as Warwick’s Veterans Coordinator, as she will be retiring from her seat in the House of Representatives at the end of this term.

“I will work with fellow veteran Councilman Tim Howe,” said Representative Vella-Wilkinson. “We already have some big plans to roll out for our vets including the creation of a City of Warwick Veterans Congress and a large-scale Veterans Day Parade next year in 2025. I am thrilled to say that I will continue my advocacy for the veterans community and put my skills and hard work to their benefit.”

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.