Roger Brooks
Veteran Placement Program
Roger Brooks, a military veteran with an extensive work history, can tell you we are all only a few steps away from being homeless.
That’s where Roger found himself in early 2009. Roger experienced first-hand the effects of the economic downturn and downsizing when he lost his job as a delivery truck driver last year. His employment struggles were further complicated by his diagnosis of depressive mood disorder.
After he exhausted his savings and other resources Roger was homeless.
A former Marine, Roger turned to the Dayton Veterans Administration in October for support. There he met an employment specialist from Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley where a dedicated staff focuses on helping veterans, with service and non-service disabilities, get back to work.
“On his first day in the program, Roger demonstrated a hard charging energy with a focused determination,” said Greg Tucker, GESMV employment specialist. “We knew from the start that some employer would be happy to welcome Roger to the team.”
It wasn’t long before the business services division of Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley brought him on board. On December 7 he was hired as a janitor.
Through a GESMV contract with Montgomery County, Roger cleans county buildings with the attention to detail he learned in the military. He works the 5 to 8 a.m. shift, that most would detest, but Roger doesn’t mind. Waking early and being punctual are military protocol that Roger harkens back to in his new job.
“Supervisors have reported that he continues to show his professionalism through his optimistic attitude, punctuality and hard work,” Greg said. “They are very pleased to have him as part of their team and we are proud that we have had a small part in his success.”
