I am Sgt. Justin Blackard and I am currently in the Oklahoma National Guard. I am an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and in my 8th year of service. I moved to the Broken Arrow area in May 2015. I passed by the Coffee Bunker about six times before I finally decided to go in and check it out.
Within my first hour of being at the Coffee Bunker, I met the Workforce Oklahoma employees and talked to them about my Information Technology experience. In addition, I asked if they knew of any businesses in the area who are currently hiring. They helped me rebuild my resume and worked on my interview tactics. Scott introduced me to Parris McDarris with the Volunteers of America who helped me get in contact with an IT recruiting agency to help me find employment. This helped me network with several businesses and people who know their way around the companies here in Tulsa. Without their help I don’t know how long I would have been trying to apply and doing everything on my own. Since then I have visited the Bunker every day. It is a great place to hang out and unwind. I have become an active volunteer with the Coffee Bunker, helping other veterans who need guidance and performing outreach into the community. In a matter of weeks I went from not knowing anyone in the community to becoming an active part of the Tulsa veteran community.