| Kirk Eller, Training Coordinator CalVet, CalTAP Kirk Eller has worked for CalVet since April 2019. Kirk served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 – 1990 as a CH-53 Helicopter Crew Chief. While stationed with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron HMH-462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Tustin, CA, he deployed twice overseas to the 1st MAW, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa and participated in Fleet Marine Force Operations throughout the Pacific and Far East including Korea, Japan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. After separating from the Marine Corps, he worked as a civil service aircraft mechanic at the Sacramento Depot Maintenance Facility at McClellan Air Force Base until the base closure in 2000. He transferred his mechanical skills to Aerojet Rocketdyne in Rancho Cordova, CA, as a Rocket Test Technician. During his tenure at Aerojet Rocketdyne, he continued his education and was promoted to Solid Rocket Test Engineer where he worked on various Missile Defense and Space Launch programs. After the company downsized in 2014, he continued with his education utilizing VA Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31) benefits and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Phoenix. In his current role as a CalTAP Training Coordinator, Kirk is dedicated to serving service members, veterans, and their families and brings firsthand experience with the struggles veteran’s face accessing benefits. His approach while serving veterans is to inform what benefits are available, how to apply and manage benefits, and encourage advocacy for themselves to receive the best care possible.
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