CVN Aug. 2010, page 6
Career Coach
By Lola Andrade
andradelo@aol.com
Dear Career Coach,
I am 22 years old and have a job interview at a bank and am not sure what professional dress is. Can you help me? In need of guidance.
Dearest,
It would be my pleasure. This topic, Professional Dress, is one of my favorites. Each profession has its own dress code. It is the job of the potential employee to find what that is and dress accordingly. I commend you for knowing that you do not know.
I am going to speak to you as if you have never heard this information before. I have found in my classes that some students did not have a “grandmother or auntie” figure around them who told them to sit up straight and say please and thank you and how to do the basic things that an employer would expect that you should already know. Also, as technology has progressed it has made social skills a major factor on who gets a job.
Professional dress at a bank differs from that of a clothing store, or a hotel environment. Your location will also add a variable to this decision. For example, the way one would dress at a bank in Miami, FL is vastly different from one in New England.
I trust that during the initial job application you observed how everyone in the bank dressed. If not, stop by a branch office of the bank and conduct your own visual survey. I’m sure that during the interview the dress code will be mentioned and once hired it will be in the employee documents. In either case, you have to get in the door first.
In your case, conservative is key. You should look “put together” and neat at all times. Now let’s start from the feet and work up. Your shoes should be dark in color. Women should have a closed toe shoe. I would say heel enclosed also, but during the warmer months this may be allowed.
I recommend a dark suit with a splash of color in your shirt or blouse. You don’t want anything to flashy, but this is where you can add your personality to your outfit. Keep jewelry to a minimum and do not wear any cologne or perfume. You hair should be freshly cut or styled and in place. Make sure your nails are clean, even cut and not too long in length. This goes for men and women. Keep polish color to clear or very light, or manicured. Makeup should look natural.
You should carry a nice satchel or briefcase-like bag with your resumes, references, pens, a notebook, and other items you may need.
There is a wonderful phrase that says dress for the job you want, not the one you currently have. What this means is that you make an impression on your supervisors, those who have your promotions and career path in their hands. They need to know in advance that you would be able to handle the next position. You want them to think of you first. You never know what they are talking about and when the next position may come up. If you are already acting the part, you may be put in as a candidate for the position.
Once you get the job, you can add your own personality to your wardrobe. Good luck on the interview and the job and continued success. You can thank me by helping someone else when they need this type of advice.
If you would like to ask a career question to Lola Andrade, write to her at andradelo@aol.com. Your question may appear in future issues of the CVN.
Phillip served in Vietnam from July 1969 through August 1970 as a gun cannoneer and was engaged in combat on a daily basis. He distinguished himself as a hero on 3 December 1969 and was awarded a Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for his actions that day. The Army Commendation medal citation reads as follows:
Department of the Army
Headquarters, First Field Force Vietnam Artillery
General Order Number 169 dated 3 February 1970
The following award is announced:
Roderiques, Phillip L., Private First Class, United States Army, Battery A, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery - Is awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device - Date of Action: 3 December 1969 -Theater: Republic of Vietnam
For Heroism; Private First Class Phillip L. Roderiques distinguished himself by exceptional heroism in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 December 1969, while serving as an M42A1 twin 40mm gun cannoneer with Battery A, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery. In the early morning hours on that day, Landing Zone Sandy came under an intensive mortar attack. Private Roderiques was sleeping in the squad bunker. Upon hearing the first round impact, Private Roderiques got out of bed and ran toward his M42A1 duster, his assigned station during an attack. Enroute, he was knocked over by fragments from a mortar round which impacted nearby and he was wounded in the hips. He immediately got to his feet, continued to his track and assisted in loading the guns and returning fire. While continuing the counter fire mission, Private Roderiques was wounded in the legs by enemy shrapnel fragments but still continued to load his twin 40mm guns and aid his squad in delivering a devastating volume of fire against the enemy positions. Only after the enemy guns had been silenced did Private Roderiques seek medical assistance for his wounds. Private Roderiques' heroic actions while under intense enemy fire were an inspiration to the other crewmen and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the Secretary of the Army under the provisions of Army Regulation 672-5-1 and United States Army Vietnam Regulation 672-1.
In addition to the Purple Heart and ARCOM Phillip's complete list of medals also include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon W/Device (1960), Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.
No one in my family knew about my brother's wartime experience. Most combat veterans do not talk about the war. His heroic acts came to light three years ago. My brother contacted me in October 2007 to see if I might have a copy of his DD214 form because it had become necessary for him to apply for veterans' benefits. When I found his DD214 form in an old file he had asked me to save for him almost forty years ago, I also discovered an envelope that contained the Army Citation indicating that he had received the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for "exceptional heroism." I was stunned. When I questioned Phillip he just stated that he never spoke about the war after discharge. When asked about the medals he was awarded, Phillip stated that he lost all of his belongings, including his medals, in a house fire in the early 1970's. I also learned from my brother that the Army Commendation Medal had never been officially presented to him, a practice that was not uncommon.
I shared my discovery with family members. I also learned that the medals could be reissued by the federal government, so I decided to surprise my brother with reissued medals. It took many months, but eventually they arrived. Family members agreed that Phillip should be honored. I contacted my brother-in-law, Lt. Col. Brian Andrade, the Deputy Director of Military Personnel for the Massachusetts National Guard, to see if my brother might be able to have an official presentation ceremony acknowledging his heroism. He confirmed that Phil could have an
official presentation since that had not occurred, and agreed to officiate as the representative of the US Army.
Our cousins Gerald, Sylvester, and Edward Santos thought it would be most fitting if the medals were presented to Phillip accompanied by a flag of the United States of America. Massachusetts State Senator Michael 0. Moore was apprised of Phillip's heroic service. He then contacted U.S. Representative James P. McGovern from Massachusetts. Through their efforts a flag of the United States of America was flown over the US capitol in Washington, D.C. on February 28, 2010 in honor of my brother's service in Vietnam. An official certificate of authenticity was received with this special flag.
The celebration on June 5th was an enjoyable patriotic evening that honored Phillip's heroism and also reconnected him with family members and friends who hadn't seen him in decades. The Vietnam War had left him very reclusive.
Following dinner the formal program began with Whitney Houston's version of the Star Spangled Banner. After remarks detailing Phillip's life, the main speaker and presenter, Lt. Col. Brian Andrade was introduced. He explained to the audience the significance of the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. "The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. The "V" Device (for Valor) is worn to denote participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy." Andrade went on to say that earning an award for Valor is something very special. "During my time in Iraq, I was involved in the awarding of many awards and medals to members of my unit,
from ARCOMs to Bronze Stars. But during that time, over 9 months with over 800 soldiers, I was only involved with
one award for Valor. Phillip's actions in Vietnam and specifically on the day of 3 December 1969 truly emulate what it means to be a soldier and a member of our nation's armed forces."
In his remarks Lt. Col. Andrade spoke about New Bedford's own Sgt. William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry regiment. He prefaced this tribute with these words: "Please listen closely to the accounts of SGT Carney's actions, bravery, and heroism on July 18, 1863. I think you all will see how these relate so closely with what I will describe about Phillip's actions in Vietnam." SGT Carney, and the men of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment made heroic attacks on the enemy during the Battle of Fort Wagner outside Charleston, S.C. Carney was wounded four times during the battle but kept moving and continued to carry the flag until he was safely behind his own lines. Carney's bravery earned him a promotion to sergeant and the most prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor. However, his medal was not officially awarded until May 23, 1900, almost 40 years after his heroic actions. He was the first black soldier to receive the award. Andrade stated that "Like Sgt. Carney, Phillip Roderiques, who will be presented his Army commendation medal with "V" device tonight, receives it forty years after he distinguished himself by his heroic service to the US of America on December 3, 1969". Phillip proudly received his Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device from Lt. Col. Brian Andrade.
Following the medals presentation, Gerald Santos assisted Andrade with the presentation of the flag of the United States of America. Next on the agenda Gerald, Sylvester and Edward Santos, on behalf of the entire Santos family, presented Phillip with a beautiful wood and glass flag and medals case, a gift that would proudly display the precious symbols of our nation and the patriotism of a proud Vietnam veteran. He also received a card and monetary gift from all of his guests.
Phillip, a very humble man, said, "This is one of the happiest days of my life." He thanked his guests for their love, support and generosity.
I think it would be most fitting to conclude this article with my brother's words taken from a letter written to Senator John Kerry, who has assisted Phillip in applying for Veterans benefits. He said, "Senator Kerry, it was an honor to serve my country. And if I had it to do all over again, I would do it in a minute. Even the way I am right now with the condition of my hands, my feet, and my knees, I would do the best I could to defend this country. I love America. I feel it's a privilege to live here. Our ancestors fought to make this country free, and the least we can do is fight to keep it free."
Phillip lives in Springfield with his wife Evelyn. They have four daughters, Zina, Zana, Zandra, and Zarina, and two granddaughters. He is the son of the late Manuel "Lala" and Julia Roderiques.
Under One Roof Reception to Benefit YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
New Bedford, MA—On Friday, August 20th the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will host the Under One Roof Garden Cocktail Party to bring the vision of all of its programs and services “under one roof” to reality.
The YWCA’s Under One Roof Garden Cocktail Party at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum will feature music by the NBJQ – New Bedford Jazz Quartet: John Harrison III, Jim Robitaille, Peter Kontrimas, Rick Britto and Chris Pudrier. Catering is generously sponsored by Cardoza’s Wine, Spirits and Food Emporium.
Most importantly, the Under One Roof Reception will raise awareness of the YWCA and funds toward the $4.8 million Under One Roof capital campaign. The Under One Roof campaign will support the construction of a new addition to consolidate the YWkids School Age Program and single-occupancy housing for women to the central location of the YWCA’s historic headquarters at the Levi Standish House on South Sixth Street. This three-level dynamic and highly functional building will expand programs and services for women and girls, and aid the YWCA in achieving greater financial and operating efficiency and ADA accessibility for the benefit of the YWCA constituents and the community as a whole.
The evening will kick-off at 7:00 pm. Individual tickets are $100 and table sponsors are $1,000. Table sponsors to date include: Anne Converse Photography, Judith Havens, Litman Architecture, Vantage in Philanthropy, Neal Weiss and the Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts. Tickets will
Continued from page 1 - Phillip Roderiques honored
Phillip lives in Springfield with his wife Evelyn. They have four daughters, Zina, Zana, Zandra, and Zarina, and two granddaughters. Phillip is the son of the late Manuel "Lala" and Julia Roderiques. (see slide show at www.Coollywood.com