I initially joined the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program quite literally off a whim. When separating from the military after 10 years of service I had multiple plans but also applied for a lot of jobs under the guise of “why not?”. A few months after my separation I was working retail while attending school full-time and I received an email from house.gov address offering an interview. I quite literally had no recollection of what position I had applied for but said I’d go to the interview just to get some good practice with interviews. Little did I know how that interview would change my career path and find an opportunity to continue to serve and help my community and country.
I was quickly given portfolios involving DoD, VA, Space, Aerospace, Sports and Immigration to conduct casework, outreach and manage our relationships with stakeholders. I’ve been able to gain limitless knowledge on our government, how it really functions and see the tangible result of that work.
Just a short while working in the office the Congressman wanted to meet with one of the oldest living Tuskegee Airmen in our district. I helped plan an event and was able to meet Col James H. Harvey III as well myself. Col Harvey and I wound up talking endlessly after the event had ended because unbeknownst to everyone else we served in the same unit. Col James Harvey served in the 332nd Fighter Group’s 99th Fighter Squadron, Col Harvey was an original Red Tail. I was fortunate to deploy in 2021 and served in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Col Harvey was enamored to know that the unit, although changed, was still around and proud of its heritage.
The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program has really allowed me to accidentally wind up finding a job that has opened so many doors and meeting an incredible amount of people. I have been fortunate to find a role that I have a love and passion for.
Ben Kelsey – Colorado’s 6th Congressional District
Green & Gold Congressional Aide
U.S. Air Force Security Forces Veteran
