Military Spouse Employment Initiative Testimonial: Leona Vance

November 23, 2021 - Defence Stories

I have been a military partner for the last 19 years. It has been a rewarding yet challenging experience, but I wouldn’t change a thing. This has given my family the opportunity to see our country and meet amazing people. My children have become resilient and made connections across Canada, while I have had the chance to gain hands-on experience in various positions and build my portfolio.

Being a military spouse, who also wants to have a successful career, I often felt I gave up my own dreams with each move. My jobs often did not align with the direction I wanted my career to go in. It was difficult trying to contribute to the household, while supporting my husband’s military career and taking on deployments, taskings and ever-changing dynamics.

I was hired through the Military Spouse Employment Initiative (MSEI) while my husband was on Imposed Restrictions (IR) (which means when the CAF member goes to a posting without his family) in Wainwright, Alberta (AB) and I was in Dundurn, Saskatchewan (SK). Employment in my field was limited, so I stayed behind with my daughters. I have 10 years of experience in the medical field as an Emergency Medical Responder and Medical Office Assistant. Luckily, I was hired as a Health Services Clerk for a one year term with 12 Canadian Forces Health Services, Wainwright, AB. This enabled my children and I to reunite with my husband, Matthew, and be able to be together as a family again.

This provided me the opportunity to work towards a future, have a pension for myself, and contribute to the Department of National Defence (DND) mission. I have two beautiful children, including one with disabilities. Being together as a family again, with meaningful employment, has made all the difference in our quality of life. I hope this one year term turns into many more years with the Public Service.

A few words from Leona’s husband WO Vance:

I have greatly benefited from the Military Spouse Employment Initiative (MSEI).  Until my wife was offered a job with 12 CF Health Services in July 2021, I was living in Wainwright, Alberta on IR since October 2020 and she was back in Dundurn, SK.  I was only able to visit both my wife and two daughters Emma (15), and Willow (9), every second weekend.  Since Leona received the opportunity to work for the Federal Public Service, it has brought the family back together and we all live in the same house again. This eliminates the long hours traveling and allowing us more time together. It also gives Leona the chance to continue developing her skills and reach goals she sets for herself. Thank you DND for leading on this initiative.

– WO Vance

For more information on how to apply for a job or on how to access the inventory, visit the Military Spouse Employment Initiative website, download the HR GO app or contact the Military Spouse Employment Team.

A few words from Leona’s hiring manager Lt Holly May Stephens:

After recently completing staffing, the priority hire list, the CR-04 (clerical) pools and internal staffing options had already been exhausted and I needed to fill an essential vacant position. I decided to utilize the MSEI inventory to hire for this opening. It was quick and simple, and I was provided assistance throughout the entire process. The Staffing Team was very quick to reply and follow up with me, and the unit is thankful that this initiative enabled us to fill the vacancy with an eager and qualified candidate.