Hiring Heroes

 

Charles "Chick" Ciccolella
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training
U.S. Department of Labor

 

 

 

Neil Romano
Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy
U.S. Department of Labor

 

 

Veterans Day marks a special time to honor those who have sacrificed for our country. It's also an opportunity to highlight the importance of hiring veterans--and why America's businesses stand to benefit. 

 

Many employers, large and small, are hiring transitioning service members and veterans. Yes, it's the right thing to do, but there are other reasons to employ returning service members--especially our wounded warriors who have returned with disabilities and combat-related injuries. 

 

Veterans possess an array of skills that are proven in real-world situations, and, thanks to years of military training and experience, they grasp new concepts quickly. They work well both independently and as part of a team. 

 

More than 220,000 servicemen and servicewomen transition out of active duty every year, and the U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring their smooth transition to the civilian workforce. However, for businesses, finding veterans to fill available jobs can sometimes be difficult. That's why the Labor Department developed the HireVetsFirst Web site (www.hirevetsfirst.gov/), which connects employers with more than 2,100 local veterans' employment representatives stationed at One-Stop Career Centers throughout the United States. HireVetsFirst also lists the dates and locations of veterans-only job fairs hosted annually across the nation. 

 

Many service members will face challenges during their transition. For example, the changing combat landscape has caused an increase in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Such injuries, though not always visible, can interfere with everyday activities, even with respect to employment. 

 

Research indicates that employment is a critical part of recovery for wounded and injured veterans, and that America's employers can play an important role in ensuring their success in the workplace. Another Labor Department Web site, www.americasheroesatwork.gov/, educates employers on adjustments they can make to help veterans with TBI or PTSD excel on the job.

 

Employers that step up and hire veterans not only help the veterans but also their businesses as well as all Americans.