Abby Hardin escorted soldiers
through the deserts of the Middle East. In war zones, she was entrusted with
guarding ammunition and weapons.
But when the 30-year-old Navy
veteran returned from duty, she applied for 53 jobs and had little luck.
"I applied for waitress
jobs, McDonald's, gas stations," the Indianapolis native says. "I
went online and applied for entry-level positions with companies. It was anything
I could get my hands on, but I was either overqualified or under qualified.”
Abby would ultimately return
to school and earn her BSW in Social Work at Indiana University East. In
February 2012, she was hired at HVAF as a Social Worker.
Here’s more about Abby in her
own words.
Abby, what do you enjoy most about working at HVAF?
I love being able to help the
guys and being able to connect them with the resources they need to start a new
beginning, and I like being able to put a smile on their face when they are
looking for a job.
What did she learn from serving in the military?
I learned a lot about punctuality
and recognizing how to be assertive, stand up for myself. It made me stronger
and taught me life lessons.
How do you enjoy spending your time?
I enjoy playing with my 9 year old son, Joseph. He keeps me youthful.
