NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Master Sgt. Heidi Venable serves as the 926th Wing Career Assistance Advisor. Since August 2018, Venable has served as a guidebook for Airmen and their military careers as well as assisted commanders and supervisors with career counseling.
We wanted you to get to know the wing’s career assistance advisor to better understand how she can help shape your future. So, we asked Venable a few questions that show how she can assist with your career.
Question: What do you want Airmen to know about your role as a career assistance advisor?
Venable: My job is not solely to pay bonuses and do reenlistments. I am here to help Airmen make the most informed decisions about their military careers. I have been in the military for 19 years and hold multiple Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). I have served in the Air National Guard. I have been an Air Reserve Technician (ART), and I am an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) now. My Air Force experiences and knowledge help me help our Airmen.
Question: Can you name one or two scenarios where a member should contact you before making a career decision?
Venable: Scenario #1: If a member is considering not reenlisting or they are not happy with their current AFSC and/or work center, they need to first contact their Unit Career Advisor (UCA). If the UCA is not available, I will do career counseling with any of our members.
Scenario #2: If a member is moving to a different state, I can assist with helping them find a position at another Air Force Reserve unit.
Question: Why is it beneficial to see a career assistance advisor?
Venable: I believe many Air Force Reserve members do not realize all the opportunities to serve within the organization. Our members need to understand the roles of ARTs, AGRs, Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) and special duties as well as retraining opportunities, benefits, entitlements, incentives and Professional Development courses.
Question: Anything else you want Airmen to know?
Venable: I am here to help guide members through their careers. I will do everything I can to provide relevant advice in the best interest of the member and the Air Force Reserve.
Should you need career counseling or just general military career advice, contact Venable at 702-652-5183. Her office resides within the 926th Force Support Squadron.