Army veteran Gregory McCloskey knows the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life all too well.
A roadside bomb explosion in Iraq resulted in a military career ending knee injury for the decorated war veteran.
Finding a new path proved difficult as he faced closed doors and limited resources. But everything changed when he enrolled at Helms College, a move that inspired his journey to a new career and helped him find a support network and a community dedicated to veterans, according to a news release from Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.
“I’ve always loved cooking, but I needed something more to focus on,” he said.
He’d considered a career in food when he was in high school, but he wasn’t able to pursue it.
“I was accepted to the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute as a high school senior but couldn’t attend due to a lack of funding,” he said.
Years later, he decided to take a community cooking course, where his teacher saw his culinary potential.
“One of the chef instructors told me I had the skills and passion for a professional culinary career,” said McCloskey. “That’s when I knew I wanted to join the culinary program at Helms. I’d recommend this program to anyone with a love for cooking and a dream.”
McCloskey’s journey hasn’t been just about enhancing his culinary skills. After Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to his home, McCloskey faced the overwhelming task of cleanup and recovery on his own. That’s when Helms College’s partners, The Home Depot Foundation, the Richmond County Marshal’s Office and Veterans for Clean Water, stepped in.
Together, they provided critical assistance with debris removal and property repairs, enabling McCloskey to rebuild his life once again.
“Before attending Helms, I didn’t know where to find resources like this,” he said. “Being part of Helms College has connected me to amazing support networks, and it’s made such a difference.”
The support from these partners was more than just physical restoration – it was a restoration of community and trust, the news release said.
“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “I felt the camaraderie I used to have in the service. Now, I can even give back by joining future projects to help others, just like I was helped.”
McCloskey sees Helms as just the start of his education journey.
“My plan is to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and eventually come back to teach culinary arts locally,” he said. “I’d love to create better access for high school students interested in cooking careers.”
Helms College supports veteran students like McCloskey, fostering empowerment in all aspects of their lives, the news release said.
“We’re honored to support our veterans by connecting them to resources and community networks. Through partnerships, we uplift those who have served, ensuring they excel on campus and in their personal lives,” said Leah Pontani, Senior Vice President of Career Development at Helms College.
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