“I’m very thankful.” Housed Air Force Veteran Josh

Originally from North Carolina, he moved to Minnesota for a job opportunity. Before that, he served on active duty, chasing a dream of earning a degree in aviation. His long-term goal? A career in the skies. Losing a job and bills piling up led to an eviction notice, which led 24-year-old Air Force Veteran Josh to seek assistance from MACV.

“I was looking for a program that supported Veterans,” he said. “It was eye-opening. I could feel that the MACV people cared about making an impact.” -Housed Air Force Veteran Josh

He connected with his housing stability case manager, who stepped in, stabilized his situation, and ensured he didn’t end up on the street.

Then came the following challenge: getting back to work. Josh had experience in corporate America—in supply chain and tech—but he wanted to get closer to aviation.

Together with MACV’s employment team, he worked on his resume, cover letters, and interview prep. Josh and his employment case manager talked about what he wanted, not just what was available. Three months later, he landed a job as a senior account manager at a logistics firm. “When I go to work, I enjoy what I do,” he said. “I have a good work-life balance.”

He now lives in Minneapolis with his little terrier. He’s still working toward his Bachelor of Science in Aviation. And he’s no longer facing housing instability.

“Without MACV, I would have been facing homelessness and accumulating large amounts of debt. MACV turned my life around,” he said. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. It’s impossible to get support if you don’t reach out.”

He says the people at MACV made the difference.