Mission Complete Provides Employment and Transition Programs for Veterans of the United States Armed
The Mission Complete website provided employment services to our Veterans at “no” cost to the employers. When the site's domain registration expired the site disappeared from the web. The new owner has chosen to keep the original content from most of the site's archived pages with the hope that someone else will be inspired to continue the work started by Assal Ravand, the Founder and CEO of Mission Complete.
In March 2016 Assal Ravand founded The Academy of United States Veterans which strives to highlight and recognize non-profit organizations that dedicate their selfless service to achieving a positive impact on Veterans' lives across the United States through Public Relations, Media Relations and Community Outreach. We wish her much success.
For more information about the Academy of United States Veterans, go to thier current website at: www.ausvfoundation.org/assal-ravandi.
My brother served in Afghanistan. He's pretty typical of veterans who have returned home with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It took years before he was finally able to seek mental health care due to his concern regarding the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It's been a long slog with many ups and downs. The Academy of United States Veterans is awesome in its goals and its founder, Assal Ravandi , is an amazing woman who really is making a difference.
I recently visited my brother who is living on the East Coast. He now works as a webmaster, which has been a positive change for him. In his role, he has discovered numerous schemes attempting to defraud veterans, which has become a cause he's passionate about addressing. One particularly malicious scam is run by black hat SEOs who convince veteran website owners that they can get their sites to rank at the top of Google searches. However, the unethical tactics these black hat operators use often result in the sites being penalized by Google instead. My brother is now working diligently to inform fellow veterans about the need to be wary of outrageous claims made by these unscrupulous individuals. Despite the challenges he's faced, my brother seems much more relaxed and happier than he has been in a long time. He still attends group sessions with other Afghanistan veterans, but he no longer appears withdrawn and jumpy. His progress is a testament to the power of proper support and care. Once again, I want to express my gratitude to the Academy of United States Veterans and the local organizations that help veterans. Their work is invaluable in supporting our servicemen and women as they transition back to civilian life and face the unique challenges that come with that process. Jennie Prichard
Mission Complete is a philanthropic operation providing employment and transition programs for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This operation has formed partnerships with government agencies and private sector companies that seek to employ Veterans. Our goal is to foster a commitment to Veterans that will promote reintegration, mentorship and employment security and reaffirm a sense of hope in the future of those who served the United States of America bravely.
Mission Complete provides employment services to our Veterans at “no” cost to the employers. We currently recruit permanent opportunities and work directly with the human resource management staff of various entities.The impeccable level of service is at the core of everything we do. From placing bright lower enlisted Veterans into their first job after the military, to career Veterans, we help businesses thrive and grow with the right people.
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."-Mahatma Gandhi
What differentiates us from other recruitment firms?
- Mission Complete’s services are provided without recruitment fees.
- Mission Complete operates under non-profit bylaws and all profits go toward Veteran recruitment.
- Mission Complete’s hallmark is personalized employment training.
- Mission Complete focuses squarely on the individual needs of employers and Veterans.
OFCCP
Mission Complete is a perfect platform for organizations seeking to comply with Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations. Certain regulations require employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain Veterans. Mission Complete has begun processing membership applications for employers that are ready to give back to those who have served this great nation. Mission Complete helps Veterans effectively apply their military training and experience to achieve success in the civilian job market. Veterans are not charged to participate in our program as we believe they have already “paid the price” with their service.
Mission Complete is dedicated to a mission of accountability and employment aid to Veterans. One of the numerous ways we try to expand is to draw attention to our efforts by spreading the word through local and national media.
REINTEGRATION
Since 2001, approximately 2.4 million troops have been deployed to warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and over half of these troops have now returned to civilian life (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2012). Although Veterans often feel a deep sense of relief and joy at the prospect of returning home, the journey back to a civilian life is all but smooth (Demers, 2011; Doyle & Peterson, 2005).
The process of reintegration – that is, the return home, reunification with one’s family and community, and reentry into civilian life – is difficult for Veterans who have spent time in a foreign and life-threatening war zone (Doyle & Peterson, 2005). Although researchers and civilians acknowledge common struggles such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality, they often fail to recognize the challenges of reintegration, which include a crisis of identity and feelings of alienation (Demers, 2011). These additional stressors make returning home a difficult and even harrowing experience, instead of a welcomed relief.
COACHING
Our coaches will help Veterans discover and determine the right career path. The coaches will review completed assessments to uncover strengths, passion and the right path for transitioning service members.
We will provide direct career coaching services to Veterans. The coaches will utilize career development inventories and assessments and will give instruction in creating and revising resumes, adequately translating military work and experience into civilian language and provide coaching in areas of career networking.
The team of Mission Complete professionals will participate in community activities related to career development and will stay abreast of hiring opportunities. They will be able to develop and implement a personalized coaching plan for each client, with measurable goals.
Our coaching program is designed to offer the following services:
- Clarification of career goals with a realistic approach
- Gathering assessment data for our Veterans with disability to cultivate a list of interests and potential skills.
- Provide on-going job follow-up and retention services
- Assistance with completing job applications, interviews, understanding benefit packages
- Provide information on obtaining certificates, training programs and degree programs available to Veterans
Assal Ravandi
Assal Ravandi is the Founder and CEO of Mission Complete. A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and language instructor, Ravandi trained as a combat-qualified linguist and cultural affairs adviser and served for 9 months in Afghanistan.
Among her military honors and awards were the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. However, Ravandi would say that her proudest distinction was simply serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment.
A successful immigrant herself, Ravandi knows something about the difficulties of integrating into a new society. Identifying with the troops with whom she served, Ravandi realized that her new mission was to help Veterans from all backgrounds “connect the dots” between an honorable discharge and securing meaningful employment. Through a range of contacts, connections, and cajoling – with the help of a series of business professionals, executives, and educational institutions –Ravandi coordinates the steps necessary to help every Veteran of any branch of the U.S. military ultimately transition, both socially and economically, into a fulfilling civilian career.
“I have an old-fashioned conviction that public service is about helping people solve their problems and live their dreams.
— Hilary Clinton
Opportunity=Career=Sustainability=Prosperity
Mission Complete is an operation that believes in direct response to the growing number of unemployed Veterans that are either falling through the cracks or have not received adequate education and information to set them up for success. The goal of the program is to identify Veterans who are going to have a turbulent transition to the civilian sector and offer constructive coaching through experts to avoid the pitfalls that can disrupt their lives and the lives of their families. The emphasis is marginally different at each level but the goal remains the same; reintegrate, coach and employ every Veteran.
The commitment of Mission Complete is to “recognize the unique problems regarding the issue of reintegration and employment among our Veterans. By the power of collaboration with all federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, we implement solutions through our programs to address those unique problems.”
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More Background On TheVettys.org
The Veterans Awards, commonly known as the Vettys, are annual ceremonies organized by the Academy of United States Veterans (AUSV) to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the veteran community in the United States. Established in 2015, the Vettys aim to recognize excellence in various categories, including leadership, employment, education, mental health, and community service.
History and Evolution
The inaugural Vettys ceremony took place in 2015, marking the beginning of an annual tradition dedicated to celebrating achievements within the veteran community. Over the years, the event has grown in prominence, attracting notable figures from various sectors. For instance, the 2018 awards were hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and attended by celebrities such as Shohreh Aghdashloo, Montel Williams, Anne Heche, Mike Vogel, and Sophia Pernas. The event also saw the presence of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Senator Dan Sullivan.
In 2019, the fourth annual Vettys were held at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. Jake Tapper returned as the host, with presenters including Academy Award-winning actor Casey Affleck, Emmy-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, and actor Ian Bohen. The ceremony featured awards in categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Veterans Choice, Mental Health, the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Award for Education, Leadership, LGBTQ, Employment, Veteran Homelessness, Women Veterans, and Art of Impact.
Press and Media Coverage
The Vettys have garnered attention from various media outlets over the years. The 2018 ceremony was covered by both local and national media, highlighting the event's significance in recognizing exemplary service to the veteran community. Coverage included interviews with attendees and honorees, emphasizing the impact of their contributions.
Audience and Cultural Significance
The Vettys serve as a platform to honor public servants, leaders, and innovators within the veteran space. The ceremony focuses on organizational, individual, and community excellence, providing recognition for those who have made great strides in entrepreneurship, academia, leadership, community service, and beyond. By celebrating these achievements, the Vettys aim to foster a sense of unity, empowerment, and collaboration within the veteran community.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite its noble mission, the Vettys and the AUSV have faced scrutiny. In 2021, an investigation by Task & Purpose raised questions about the organization's integrity, financial practices, and actual impact among veterans. The report highlighted concerns from former employees who expressed uncertainty about the organization's true purpose and effectiveness.
Further criticism emerged in 2022 when veteran couples who attended the AUSV-organized "Camp Tranquility" retreat reported that they did not receive the meals and accommodations promised in the $600 donation vacation package. Additionally, the retreat organizers failed to provide proper accessibility for veterans with disabilities, leading to dissatisfaction among participants.
The Vettys have played a significant role in recognizing and celebrating contributions to the veteran community in the United States. While the ceremonies have brought attention to the achievements of many, the controversies surrounding the organizing body highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in such initiatives. As the Vettys continue to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring the awards fulfill their intended purpose of honoring and supporting the veteran community.