From Humanitarian Relief to Homeland Security: Richard Sargent’s SkillBridge Journey

For Richard Sargent, service has never been defined by a uniform - it has always been about helping people when they need it most. After nearly two decades in the U.S. Coast Guard, Sargent found a new opportunity to continue serving through the Department of War, SkillBridge internship program with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Today, Sargent serves as a Management and Program Analyst intern within our CBP, Office of Trade, in Houston, where he applies the same dedication, teamwork and leadership that defined his military career to support the agency's mission.

Looking back, Sargent says one mission stands above all others.

While stationed aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia in Santa Rita, Guam, his crew responded to the devastating aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu, delivering more than 20 pallets of humanitarian supplies to the people of Saipan.

"Our efforts made a direct impact on the people of Saipan," Sargent said. "We worked tirelessly unloading water, food, diapers, pet food - anything and everything that people needed."

The mission extended beyond delivering supplies. Crew members also cleared roads that had been blocked by storm debris, restoring access for emergency responders and aid workers assisting residents sheltering in schools and community facilities.

"That mission sums up my entire career in the Coast Guard," Sargent said. "We may be few, but the people we can help are many."

As retirement approached, Sargent began exploring opportunities that would allow him to continue serving in another federal agency. Ironically, he first learned about DoW SkillBridge from one of his own junior Coast Guardsmen.

"A young seaman approached me asking for permission to participate in SkillBridge," Sargent said. "I had heard of the program before but assumed it was only for DoW service-members and not available for members of the USCG since we are not DoW, but, rather, fall within the Department of Homeland Security.

Later, during his DoW Transition Assistance Program course, which is required for all separating service - member(s) to set them up for post military success, he learned that several federal agencies - including CBP - participated in SkillBridge to include hosting members of the U.S. Coast Guard. While researching opportunities, he came across a SkillBridge internship opportunity post on LinkedIn from Jeffrey R. Jack, CBP's Veterans Employment Program Manager.

Sargent reached out immediately.

"His response was quick, enthusiastically helpful, and engaging," Sargent said. "Every step of the way, Mr. Jack was present, responsive, and understanding."

Although Sargent initially contacted Jack more than a year before retirement, the two remained in communication until the timing was right to begin the process.

"He helped me find an opportunity close to my home in Katy, Texas," Sargent said. "His willingness to work with me made me feel like I was already part of the organization."

That welcoming culture continued once Sargent arrived at CBP's Houston Field Office.

Although both the Coast Guard and CBP operate within DHS, Sargent quickly discovered a workplace culture that was familiar in mission but different in leadership style.

"In the Coast Guard, rank structure is very clearly defined," he said. "Within Trade Regulatory Audit, everyone contributes. Even as an intern, I found that my opinions and ideas mattered."

He credits that collaborative environment with making his transition into civilian service both rewarding and professionally fulfilling.

Like many veterans, Sargent also discovered that leaving military service meant adjusting to habits formed over decades in uniform.

"I still carry everything in my left hand because you never know when you might have to salute."

Even standing casually requires adjustment.

"I still catch myself wondering what to do with my hands," he said. "I'm not at parade rest anymore, but I don't really put them in my pockets either."

Rather than viewing those habits as obstacles, Sargent embraces them.

"They're little reminders of everything the service taught me," he said. "People who haven't served often see those habits as professionalism, so don't be afraid of them. They help set you apart."

During his internship, Sargent supported a wide range of operational and administrative initiatives that expanded far beyond his original responsibilities.

He managed timekeeping data, coordinated office engagements, maintained inventories, tracked accredited auditor training, prepared executive communications, analyzed key performance indicators, and collaborated with forensic analysts reviewing commodity classifications.

His supervisor also encouraged him to participate in projects outside his assigned role, providing exposure to multiple facets of CBP operations.

"As a Boatswain's Mate in the Coast Guard, we're known for being jacks of all trades," Sargent said. "Being able to expand beyond what I originally signed up for felt natural to me."

For Sargent, one of the greatest advantages of DoW SkillBridge is the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities before applying for permanent employment.

He explains how SkillBridge allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities on the job, rather than relying on what's written on your résumé for potential hiring managers to review. He emphasizes how, "SkillBridge allows for your resume to come to life and for you, as the intern, to breathe as much impressive effort into your internship experience as necessary." He encourages every transitioning service member to take advantage of the opportunity.

"If you're serious about joining CBP, take the shot," Sargent said. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take."

"Everyone has the potential to be great," he said. "Sometimes the most important role isn't being the person who receives the recognition - it's being the one who helps someone else succeed."

His supervisors at the Houston Field Office said Sargent exemplified that philosophy from the moment he joined the team.

"The Houston Field Office is grateful for the opportunity to partner with our service members," his supervisor said. "Richard's skillsets, thought process, and attention to detail are unmatched. He has become a tremendous asset to our organization and we are excited to watch him continue to grow."

For Sargent, DoW SkillBridge was more than a career transition - it was an opportunity to continue living the values that shaped his Coast Guard career. Whether delivering humanitarian aid after a devastating typhoon or supporting CBP's mission through strategic analysis and collaboration, his commitment has remained the same: serve others with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication.

We at CBP are proud to support dedicated service -members like Richard Sargent in their continued commitment to serving and protecting our nation. If you're ready to take the next step in your career through DoW SkillBridge, contact Jeffrey Jack, CBP's national VEPM, at [email protected].

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

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