Ericka LaForse | Member Highlight
Meet Ericka LaForse, Wright State Alumni and member of the Executive Committee, serving as Chair of the Membership and Engagement Committee. Ericka served eight years of Honorable Active Duty Service with the United States Army trained as a Vehicle Wheel Repair and Recovery Specialist. She also worked as an Administrative Specialist and then a Training Non-Commissioned Officer. During her time in the military, she was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD; Fort Hood, TX; Yongsan, Korea; Iraq; and again back to Fort Hood, TX.
Military Career
Before enlisting in the Army, she became the youngest Certified Health and Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross in Southern California's Inland Empire at just 16 years old. This allowed her to deliver dynamic, interactive training courses in lifesaving first aid and CPR for adults, children, and infants. Ericka was fully qualified to respond to life-threatening emergencies effectively and expediently. She also trained in OSHA regulations as well as providing training to the first responders, a skill she was able to use several times while on active duty.
After leaving the Army, Ericka utilized her experience in Vehicle Wheel Repair and secured employment as a Diesel Mechanic on military vehicles at Fort Hood, in Texas. As most veterans do, she took a civilian position with a contractor as a Logistics Coordinator and HR Administrative Assistant. That experience moved her into management, where she secured and maintained US Military government contracts overseas and in the United States.
Life after the Military
Ericka left California after a personal tragedy and moved to Dayton, Ohio. Using the rest of her GI bill to attend Business Management classes at Sinclair Community College. Then after using the Veterans Administrations Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E), she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain Management / International Business at Wright State University. While in her sophomore year, she accepted a job at Wright State University as the Veteran Voices Coordinator in the Veteran Military Center. Since graduating, Ericka has let her hair down, picked up a book for fun, and taken a job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in her degree field, logistics.
Member of VMAS
The absolutely awesome job working in the VMC gave Ericka the opportunity to meet Anthony Heiland and champion for VMAS. Upon graduation, she jumped at the opportunity to bring new members into VMAS becoming the Chairman for Members and Engagement Committee.
"VMAS to me is a one-stop-shop for veterans and supporters of veterans to GET IT DONE; and yes, that includes fun!
What can we do for you?"
If you are interested in joining VMAS, volunteer your skills with Ericka, or have questions about VMAS Membership, please email us at wrightstatevmas@gmail.com
