Career boost

Maxine Green in her office at Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

U.S. Army veteran Maxine Green said she feels like she’s dreaming about her recent career boost and improved lifestyle for herself and her two young daughters.

Green, 34, a single mom with girls ages 7 and 9, has been working as a part-time case worker at Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County, located in the Veterans Service Center at 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Now, thanks to a $20,000 gift from Vitas Healthcare, Green’s position can be expanded to full-time, and more veterans can be assisted, according to VHV Executive Director Todd Belknap.

Vitas Healthcare provides hospice and palliative care. Janice Taylor, volunteer manager; Judy Obregon, general manager; and Paula Ramirez Pinzon, director of marketing and development; presented the grant to Belknap and VHV officials including Deputy Director Myles McConico on Dec. 2 at the VHV office.

Green said with the expanded work she has been able to upgrade from a one-bedroom residence to a three-bedroom home for her and her children.

“This is a life changing opportunity and a chance to build confidence and skills,” Green said.

Green said the job at VHV is a perfect fit as she can tell fellow veterans seeking assistance that she’s “been there” in their position.

“I’m living testimony you can get through it,” she said.

Green feels a sense of “belonging” at VHV and spoke of the “amazing” people working at the outreach to help those who have served.

Green, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has lived mostly in Ocala. She served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2012. Her military occupation was aviation repair, and she worked mostly as an electrician on radio systems on Blackhawk and cargo helicopters. Her military career included being stationed in Germany.

Her father, Alven Green, who passed away in 2022, served during the Vietnam War and was also assigned to aviation-related duties. She has his folded remembrance American flag displayed in her VHV office.

Meanwhile, she will be working to help her fellow veterans as part of the VHV team.

“God placed so many amazing people around me,” she said.

VHV, a not-for-profit established in 2002, provides a host of services to veterans. To learn more, go to vhvusa.org

VHV Executive Director Todd Belknap, case worker Maxine Green and Deputy Director Myles McConico with the Vitas Healthcare donation. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]