Robert Kushlan is living proof that it's never too late for veterans to receive financial assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid them in their journey down a new career path.

The 67-year-old Port Orchard resident is currently in training to receive his Class A truck driving license through Commercial Driver Services in Lakewood.

He's on track to graduate May 21.

"It's a real good feeling," Kushlan said of his new career path. "Thank god I found this."

The 20-year Navy veteran specialized in radio communications during his time in the service, and worked several related jobs in the industry after retiring from the military. After spending some time driving cabs and limousines in Chicago, the Idaho native and his wife decided to move back to the Northwest.

Working at a local golf course in between jobs, Kushlan saw an ad for CDS and decided that was his next move.

"I'd been wanting to drive a truck for years," he said.

Through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program offered by the VA, veterans with a minimum 10 percent disability can qualify for funding to become a truck driver. Kushlan visited a counselor at the VA and got the ball rolling on his next career.

The process to apply for the program is user-friendly and those who qualify likely won't have to pay any fees out of pocket, said Laurie Brunk, a placement specialist with CDS.

"Once the veteran meets with their VA counselor and they let us know, we get everything worked out with the funding," Brunk said. "That way the veteran never has to take anything out of his pocket. It's basically a free ride for them."

With the VA's involvement, the veteran doesn't have to negotiate any tuition fee payments or reimbursement arrangements, Brunk said.

CDS' Class A CDL course is offered in both day and night classes, and the comprehensive 160-hour, four-week program includes one week in the classroom and three weeks in the field. Each student also receives individual attention in their job search with the assistance of the CDS staff.

While getting a truck driving license is a great way to get a foot in the door in the industry, it doesn't have to end there, said Lee Brunk, president and owner of CDS.

"It can lead to so many different things within the industry, including supervisor positions and even owning your own business," he said.

Kushlan is glad he found the program and is anxious to get started driving local and regional routes. He's perhaps most thankful the VA was able to help with his funding.

"There might be a timeline when you're not eligible, but it opens up later," Kushlan said. "And that's what happened to me."

To get the process started, visit http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp and click on the red button that says "Start VONAPP."

Once the process is completed, in about 10-15 days the applicant should receive an appointment letter from the VA office to attend a program orientation and meet with a counselor.

For more information on CDS, call (253) 983-0200 or visit www.cdstruckschool.com.

Sign up for our free newsletter.