Annah Shoffner’s Journey from Navy Veteran to Community Champion
As we commemorate Veterans Day, we celebrate the stories of those who have served our country and continue to impact their communities in meaningful ways. Annah Shoffner, a Navy Veteran and accomplished professional, embodies resilience, and strength. Her life story is a testament to overcoming barriers, embracing lifelong learning, and holding on to faith and kindness.
At my age, you’re always learning. You’re never too old to keep learning.
Early Challenges
Growing up as a Black child in the segregated South, Annah’s family made tremendous sacrifices to ensure she received a quality education. Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Clarence Lorenzo Shaffer, were deeply committed to their children’s future. Annah recalls, “My dad wanted us to have a better education, so he sent us to boarding school. At that time, the South was still grappling with segregation. It wasn’t easy to navigate as a Black child, but I thank my father every day for that education.”
Annah Shoffner’s commitment to reliability runs deep—it’s a quality that has defined her from a young age. “When I’m here, I try to be very dependable, reliable, prompt. I’m never late. I haven’t missed a day,” she says with quiet pride. This dedication began in her school years, where, against the odds, she held a perfect attendance record for 12 years. “When they called everyone on class night, I was the only one who had never missed a day of school. I gave the little gold medal to my mother to put on her charm bracelet and thanked her, because it was her dedication, too.”
Growing up in the countryside, Annah faced the challenges of segregation-era busing. “The bus didn’t come out to where we lived, so my mother drove me every morning,” she remembers fondly. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have gotten there. That medal was hers as much as it was mine.” Her gratitude for her mother’s perseverance is a testament to the values that continue to guide her today.
Her boarding school experience gave Annah a unique resilience that prepared her for the military and for life’s future challenges. “Being away from home at 14, I learned to stand on my own two feet. We didn’t have our parents there to tell us what to do; we had the nuns. But that discipline? It’s something I still carry with me every day.”
The Road to the Navy and Challenges in Service
Annah enlisted in the Navy at the age of 32—just under the age cutoff at that time. Entering later than most recruits, she encountered both physical and social challenges but was determined to prove herself.
It was tough because I was going through boot camp with kids right out of high school. My Commanding Officer would get in my face, asking, ‘Why are you here? Why aren’t you home with a family?’ But I kept up. I kept going.
During her time in the Navy, she was trained as an aviation storekeeper, responsible for ordering critical parts for aircraft. “It was an intense job because every part had to be there on time to keep the flight schedule running smoothly. Organization was key, and I learned that if they needed something, it couldn’t wait—it had to be ready when they needed it.”
Annah’s work ethic and attention to detail were forged in the military and reinforced by her early education. She continues to live by the Navy’s standards of punctuality, precision, and commitment in every job she has held since.
Career Journeys and Facing Discrimination as an Older Woman of Color
After her military service, Annah embarked on a career journey that took her through various fields, including retail, television, and mortgage banking. Each step along the way was shaped by her experiences with both racial and age-based discrimination. “It’s always been a challenge as a woman of color. We’re expected to be ten times better than others to be seen as equal,” she explains. “I’ve had to work harder and prove myself constantly, but you don’t let that stop you. You push on.”
Returning to the workforce later in life, Annah encountered a new set of challenges as she navigated a technology-driven job market. “I was out of the loop on computers,” she recalls. “Young people today are practically born knowing how to use technology, but I didn’t grow up with that. Thank goodness for the Digital Certification Program (DCP) with the Center for Workforce Inclusion. Learning Excel, Word, and PowerPoint was a game changer.”
Through the DCP, Annah completed 13 skills-tested certifications, building her computer proficiency and confidence. “Learning at my age isn’t easy, but you do what you need to do. Now, I can handle the digital tasks required in my role, and I feel prepared to take on even more.”
In the military, I learned discipline and how to meet deadlines. These skills have kept me going through every job I’ve held.
Confronting Ageism and Championing the Value of Older Workers
For Annah, age is not a barrier; it’s a testament to experience, reliability, and wisdom. However, ageism remains a real challenge, one that many older workers face in today’s workforce. She acknowledges that despite years of dedication and a vast skill set, older job seekers can often be overlooked in favor of younger applicants. “Older workers bring experience, loyalty, and dependability. That counts for a lot.”
Annah brings an unwavering dedication to her work and her community that, she argues, many older workers share. “Older workers have a level of loyalty and stability. We’re not looking to jump from job to job. We understand what it takes to build a career and commit to it.” In an era when many companies focus on fresh talent, Annah’s message is clear: older employees bring invaluable qualities that enhance the workplace, from mentorship to institutional knowledge to a deep commitment to doing the job well.
Either you’re going to do the job, or you’re not. At this age, we know how to get it done.
Giving Back to Her Community
Beyond her work, Annah’s heart lies in helping others. Her belief in kindness and service is central to her life. Annah’s kindness extends to her workplace, where she provides support not only to clients but also to her team. When her supervisor faced health issues, Annah stepped up, ensuring the office continued to operate efficiently. “I’ve had to keep things running smoothly so that my boss didn’t have to worry. It feels good to know I can be there for her and for the people we serve.”
Words of Encouragement for Veterans and Older Job Seekers
Annah encourages fellow Veterans and older job seekers not to give up. She knows firsthand the difficulty of facing the job market later in life but believes strongly in the value of persistence. “Programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) are out here to help, and you’re never too old to learn. Keep pushing forward.”
As a Veteran, Annah brings not only her military skills but also a spirit of resilience to her work. Her story reminds us that age, background, or the challenges we face don’t define our ability to make an impact. This Veterans Day, we honor Annah Shoffner and all those who continue to serve their communities with grace, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to never give up.