Hire a Vet
As a former U.S. Marine, I am extremely proud of my military background. Many of the men and women who are responsible for protecting our country are now being placed in a position of searching for their next career. Some of them have been fortunate enough to come back home to a job after a stint of active duty but many others have nothing but hope and anticipation to come home to once they are separated from the military.
In my own company, I have personally hired former Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard personnel to assume the management and technical responsibilities of my company and for good reason. Military people understand the importance of the mission. They have a keen sense of loyalty and are technically competent to handle just about any situation thrown at them. If they don’t know how, they quickly adapt and accomplish the job professionally.
As the economy starts to recover and companies are looking to hire again, I urge you to consider hiring the skilled veterans from all branches of the military. Last year the U.S. Army Reserve created the Employer Partnership Office, a public-private venture that encourages companies to hire the nation’s one million current and former Reserve Soldiers, and assists in the process. According to military sources, more than 800 organizations have already joined this group. According to reports, Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, retailers, local police departments and hospitals have signed on as associates in this pioneering partnership designed to satisfy personnel staffing needs in all 50 states.
I am one who always practices what he preaches. Recently I became a committee member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization started in 1972 to promote cooperation between Reserve component members and civilian employers. Through this important role, the ESGR increases public awareness of the role of the employer, and works to develop a dialogue among employers, the ESGR Committees, and local National Guard and Reserve unit commanders and service members. The organization is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.
As you can see, the military puts a huge importance on taking care of the well being of their personnel, both while they are actively serving, as well as upon their departure. Now we need more HR Professionals and corporate management teams to understand the urgent need, as well as the benefits of hiring qualified military veterans. Military members have learned how to easily assimilate themselves into any situation; they’re always willing to do more than is required of them and do so without complaint. It’s just part of their character. They are accustomed to sacrificing for the good of the unit and usually bring that characteristic along with them when they enter the corporate community.
Recently, Major General James Sholar, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command wrote in an article supporting the Employer Partnership Office. He said, “As our economy grows strong again – and signs of a rebound in hiring are emerging more sharply month by month – more employers should join our efforts to find jobs and build careers for Soldiers and veterans. Beyond being good business, it serves a higher purpose. It lends stability to our families and strengthens our communities. It’s a smart, patriotic investment in our country for 2010. Above all, it gives us a chance to express the gratitude we all feel.” I couldn’t have said it better. Those individuals, who served and sacrificed for our country, deserve our gratitude and support. Contact the Employer Partnership Office at (703) 601-0898 or the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at 1-800-336-4590.
If you are in a position to help, I urge you to do so.
