CCS Learning Academy’s Veteran Talent Acquisition Program Manager, Joshua Dominic Prado, named 2021-2022 Veteran of the Year in San Diego

We’re proud to share that CCS Learning Academy’s Veteran Talent Acquisition Program Manager, Joshua Dominic Prado, has been named the 2021-2022 Veteran of the Year by the United Veterans Council of San Diego County. He is one of the youngest people to receive this honor. 

Started in 1989, the Veteran of the Year Award recognizes outstanding individual service to other Veterans and notable achievements benefitting San Diego County’s Veteran community and civic organizations. Recipient names are included in a permanent installation at the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, one of the largest military museums in the country.  

Josh is being honored for his commitment to helping his fellow Veterans enter the workforce and create satisfying civilian careers be it as an employee, an entrepreneur, or both. A US Navy Veteran, he embodies the ‘each one teaches one” ethos he learned during his time in the service. He says, 

“We learn “service before self” in the military. I believe it’s just as important to continue that behavior when we get out. So many Vets struggle to find their next career. If I can help a fellow service person start their next chapter strong, I’m willing to do it.” 

As well as leading our Veteran Talent Acquisition Program, which helps train and place Veterans in the tech sector, Josh also created VETD Talent Network, an employment, entrepreneur, and event resource site and social media platform that connects Vets to an extensive array of information and material related to career and life-building in the civilian environment.  

“We learn “service before self” in the military. I believe it’s just as important to continue that behavior when we get out. So many Vets struggle to find their next career. If I can help a fellow service person start their next chapter strong, I’m willing to do it.” 

In addition to this work, Josh is also active with numerous Vet-focused nonprofit organizations, such as: 

Receiving this award means a lot to Josh. His family has an extensive military history. He says: 

“My dad is a retired Marine, both my grandparents served in the Navy, and my brother is currently serving in the Air Force. To receive this award in San Diego, one of the country’s major military hubs, and to have our Prado family name in the Veteran Museum, is pretty special. I’m extremely grateful.” 

Josh received his award in December during an official ceremony at the Veterans Museum. It was the first in-person event since 2020, making the occasion even more momentous.  

Josh was recently featured on our Vet-focused Your Next Mission podcast. He shares the ups and downs of his transition journey, his varied and winding civilian career path, and his insights on how Vets can find their next mission in tech. Listen to it here. 

Beyond helping Vets start their civilian careers, Josh is passionate about helping Vets connect the dots between where they are and where they want to go. These connections might involve other groups or initiatives, or they might be getting the right people together. Either way, he’s willing to step up and make it happen.  

Congratulation, Josh! Keep up the good work! 

Need help starting your civilian career in tech? Interested in talking to Josh about current Vet-friendly positions he’s trying to fill? Contact him! He’s happy to answer questions and help you get going.  Complete a contact form here: https://lnkd.in/dtdZ7X8 

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