From Instability to Leadership in Security Management
Michel is a proud Air Force veteran whose military service was defined by discipline, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. He began his career in Boston, Massachusetts, and separated at the rank of (E-4) Senior Airman, bringing with him a strong foundation in safety, leadership, and operational effectiveness.
Despite his service and strong academic achievements, Michel faced significant personal challenges after transitioning out of the military, including housing instability and difficulty securing employment aligned with his professional experience. Determined to rebuild, Michel found Services for the Underserved (S:US) while seeking support with both housing and employment. He was subsequently enrolled and assigned to a Job Developer and Case Manager who provided targeted employment skills development and placement support.
Michel’s educational accomplishments reflect both resilience and ambition. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs & Policy from Empire State College and a Master of Science in Security Management from John Jay College. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Security Leadership, Management & Policy at New Jersey City University, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028. In addition, he has completed numerous professional certifications, including emergency management, tactical response training, and hazard mitigation and prevention, further strengthening his expertise in the security field.
On February 4, 2026, Michel met with his assigned S:US Job Developer seeking guidance on his employment search. At the time, he expressed frustration with previous job search efforts, noting that opportunities he encountered were not aligned with his skills or career trajectory in security operations management. Recognizing his potential and clearly defined goals, the Job Developer partnered closely with him to revise his resume, refine his job search strategy, and pursue leadership opportunities within the security sector.
While employment was a key goal, housing stabilization remained the immediate priority. With dedicated support from the S:US housing team, Michel successfully secured and furnished a permanent apartment, creating a stable foundation from which he could focus on his professional advancement.
Simultaneously, the Employment and Training teams maintained consistent engagement, encouraging his active participation in the program. Through support funded by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Michel gained access to specialized training opportunities aligned with his interests in security operations. He also received ongoing support through direct job referrals, interview preparation, and coaching focused on strengthening communication and professional presentation skills. Though adapting to employer feedback presented challenges at times, Michel demonstrated perseverance, growth, and a strong commitment to achieving his goals.
His dedication paid off.
On April 9, 2026, Michel attended the S:US In-House Veteran Career Fair at Homebase, where he was connected to Alliance Building Services. Following an initial interview, he was invited to meet with the hiring manager to explore leadership opportunities within the organization. Just weeks later, on April 21, 2026, Michel received an offer and was hired as an Assistant Security Site Manager with a salary of $70,000, along with benefits and eligibility for annual bonuses.
Today, Michel’s journey stands as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the impact of comprehensive, veteran-centered support services. With stable housing, meaningful employment, and continued academic pursuits, he is not only rebuilding his own life but also positioning himself as a future leader in the field of civil security.
This success story was made possible through a generous grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, with funding from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which enables S:US to expand our support services for service members, veterans, and their families across New York City and Long Island. We’re proud to be a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s #GotYour6 Network and thank them for helping us continue this critical work.
About The Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $165 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures. Visit the Bob Woodruff Foundation for more information.
