The Standard is the Standard

32-year-old Eric Sanchez arrived at CHEP DC Vets in June 2019 after losing housing and becoming unemployed. At the admission interview, Mr. Sanchez stated he wanted to be successful and financially stable.

Mr. Sanchez was referred to the US Vets Inc. Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) for employment and workforce development. Mr. Sanchez decided he wanted to become a Security Specialist with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After several interviews, he was offered the position. During the physical examination, he did not pass the vision test. Mr. Sanchez was disappointed and almost sure he would not be able to take the job. CHEP staff told him to make an appointment at the VA hospital to see the eye doctor. He did and after receiving a prescription for glasses, went on to pass the physical examination and began his training.

Mr. Sanchez now works at Ronald Reagan International Airport. After exactly one year at CHEP DC Vets, he found an apartment and had accomplished financial stability, a mutual goal shared by CHEP DC Vets and Mr. Sanchez.

Mr. Sanchez says, “What I learned from CHEP was to stay positive and don’t beat yourself up when things aren’t going the way you planned. To “slow down” and take your time and as long as you keep working at it, things will work out in the end. Like how I secured the job with the TSA and to not be afraid to ask for help when you’re struggling. I like how CHEP DC Vets was able to help me out with food and shelter when I was down and out and all CHEP DC Vets asked for was to do what is necessary to be successful by having the tools and knowledge to make on your own when it is time for you to leave.”

Our mantra at CHEP DC Vets is, “The Standard is the Standard”, a quote by the Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Well, Mr. Eric Sanchez is the standard.