San Diego, CA.
After twenty years of honorable service to his country, Cullinary Specialist First Class Calvin Hill, aka MilCivX, prepares to retire from the U.S. Navy. Hill joined the Navy in Sept. of 1989 and has been fortunate enough to spend his whole career from Boot Camp to Commander Naval Surface Forces, right here in sunny San Diego.
“It’s been a great career I can’t complain. I feel I’ve grown up in the Navy. If I could do a few things differently I would. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t pick up Chief Petty Officer before I retired but still it’s been great”, says Hill.
“My life changed in April of 2004 when I suffered a severe case of kidney failure while running the 1.5 mile run during the semi annual PRT. I woke up in the ER at Naval Medical Center San Diego where I spent two weeks in ICU. Doctors told me I was lucky to be alive. Since then I’ve realized not to make anything about me, it’s about what I can do for God, my family, my fellow service members and others around me.”
In 2006 he founded Military Civilian Experience, Inc. a nonprofit company created to help active duty members of all branches obtain civilian career work experience (of their choosing) for their resumes prior to them leaving the military. Donations are tax exempt by the I.R.S.
In his off duty time he has helped nearly 100 service members of all branches obtain help and experience with their post military careers. “In the Navy acronyms are a part of life so when I created this company I decided to have some fun with it. I call the company MilCivEx for short and also use that acronym for the website. I use the name MilCivX when I’m taking care of nonprofit business in public,” adds Hill.
His three year goal is to turn over the nonprofit to a board of senior enlisted personnel. “I’d like to see two active duty members from each branch of service operate this company (in their spare time of course) to help their junior Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines better prepare for life after military service.”
Petty Officer Hill also created the company’s fundraiser the “Mr and Ms Military Pageant” It’s a pageant exclusively for active duty military. It was created to showcase and celebrate our Troops to America. “I’m also working on turning the fundraiser into a reality TV show featuring of course, active duty military. I’m represented by the Fred Price Literary Agency in Sherman Oaks, CA. America has television shows for everything under the sun, so this reality series featuring our Troops is long overdue”.
“I think MilCivEx is a good thing. I thank God for the idea. I pray that America supports it and that it stays around for the Troops to enjoy for years to come”.
After he retires, Petty Officer Hill plans to stay in San Diego County with his wife of twenty-two years, Marchetta and their daughter, Caliah.
