Local veteran pays price, pays it forward
Retired marine seeks degree, jobs for vets
TC Times
by Tim Jagielo
Associate Editor
Posted on September 11, 2013
Fenton — Michael Beahon, 27, doesn’t sit around much. A retired marine, he is active nearly 20 hours a day. His apartment is dedicated to his work, his family and his six-and-a-half years in the service.
His work is helping other veterans find work. As CEO of Headhunting for Veterans, Beahon spends a great deal of time working in this capacity, along with his business marketing classes at the University of Michigan-Flint. He is confident that not only is his service unique, he also thinks he can expand to service on a national scale in the next four to 10 months.
Beahon’s company essentially gets resumes from veterans, and tries to link them to employers, while showing those employers the benefits of hiring a veteran. He said veterans have qualities like a strong work ethic and leadership skills beyond that of people their age.
read more here
Showing posts with label unemployed veteran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unemployed veteran. Show all posts
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
President Obama on jobs and eduction for our veterans
President Obama at the DAV convention in Orlando. This one addresses jobs and education for our veterans.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Iraq veteran went from being homeless to working on Wall Street
Wall Street firm finds jobs for war veterans
Newsday
By MARIA ALVAREZ
Special to Newsday
Published: August 7, 2013
Ten years after he fought in the invasion of Iraq, Army veteran Joe Krulder of Massapequa was still fighting for his life here at home.
Krulder, 34, Wednesday recapped his recovery from battle trauma and homelessness to a new career at a Wall Street firm that hires and trains war veterans for lucrative high-finance jobs.
The firm, Drexel Hamilton, does not hire Harvard, Princeton and other Ivy League business graduates, it hires veterans instead. They are trained by a cadre of senior Wall Street financial experts with decades of experience "These people work hard. They are the Joes of the world who deserve to buy a home for their families and have a decent shot at the American dream," said James Cahill, 76, president of Drexel Hamilton, who has 45 years of Wall Street experience.
read more here
Newsday
By MARIA ALVAREZ
Special to Newsday
Published: August 7, 2013
Ten years after he fought in the invasion of Iraq, Army veteran Joe Krulder of Massapequa was still fighting for his life here at home.
Krulder, 34, Wednesday recapped his recovery from battle trauma and homelessness to a new career at a Wall Street firm that hires and trains war veterans for lucrative high-finance jobs.
The firm, Drexel Hamilton, does not hire Harvard, Princeton and other Ivy League business graduates, it hires veterans instead. They are trained by a cadre of senior Wall Street financial experts with decades of experience "These people work hard. They are the Joes of the world who deserve to buy a home for their families and have a decent shot at the American dream," said James Cahill, 76, president of Drexel Hamilton, who has 45 years of Wall Street experience.
read more here
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Labor Department Awards $29 Million in Grants to Help Veterans
Labor Department Awards $29 Million in Grants to Help Veterans
From a Department of Labor News Release
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 – More than 14,000 veterans across the nation will benefit from job training, job placement, housing help and other services, thanks to 121 grants totaling almost $29 million announced today by officials of the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
The grants were awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of homeless veterans.
"Military service members and their families have been asked to make tremendous sacrifices for this nation. Although homelessness among veterans has fallen, too many of our heroes cannot find jobs or homes," acting Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris said. "These grants will provide those who have served our nation with the means to find meaningful civilian employment and chart new directions for their lives."
The grants will help homeless veterans reintegrate into society and the labor force while providing effective services aimed at addressing the complex challenges that homeless veterans often confront, officials said. The services provided by grantees will include job placement, on-the-job training, career counseling, life skills and money management mentoring, as well as help in finding housing.
Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These organizations are familiar with the areas and populations to be served, officials explained, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help veterans.
From a Department of Labor News Release
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 – More than 14,000 veterans across the nation will benefit from job training, job placement, housing help and other services, thanks to 121 grants totaling almost $29 million announced today by officials of the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
The grants were awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of homeless veterans.
"Military service members and their families have been asked to make tremendous sacrifices for this nation. Although homelessness among veterans has fallen, too many of our heroes cannot find jobs or homes," acting Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris said. "These grants will provide those who have served our nation with the means to find meaningful civilian employment and chart new directions for their lives."
The grants will help homeless veterans reintegrate into society and the labor force while providing effective services aimed at addressing the complex challenges that homeless veterans often confront, officials said. The services provided by grantees will include job placement, on-the-job training, career counseling, life skills and money management mentoring, as well as help in finding housing.
Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These organizations are familiar with the areas and populations to be served, officials explained, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help veterans.
Friday, June 21, 2013
News coverage of unemployed multi-tour veteran ends job search
Local Buffalo Veteran Lands Job Through WGRZ Channel 2 Interview
WGRZ News
Jun 20, 2013
BUFFALO, NY - Soldiers who fight for our freedom overseas come home to a new battle - finding a job.
In fact, 19.1 percent of young veterans between the ages of 20-24 are unemployed. That was the case for Williamsville native Eric Chiazza.
The 23-year-old Marine veteran was deployed three times in four years. He did tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti. Once returning home to Buffalo, Chiazza struggled to find a job that fit his unique skill set and paid enough to cover his bills.
"When you get out of the military, you're kind of on your own... It's kind of scary, and I was worried that based on the job choice I had, that my job choices were limited and that it would be difficult to find one," Chiazza said.
2 On Your Side wanted to help.
During the first week of June, Chiazza was featured in a story about veterans struggling to find work. He shared his frustrations about how he was unable to find a well paying job in Western New York.
Later that week, Chiazza attended the "Hire Our Heroes" job fair sponsored by 2 On Your Side. The event brought over 60 employers from all over Western New York together to helpveterans and military spouses find jobs. Chiazza applied at a few different places, but nothing clicked.
Meanwhile, David Jones, Regional Vice President of Executive AirShare, was watching the night that Chiazza's story aired and wanted to do help. He attended the job fair in hopes of finding Chiazza, but the two didn't connect. Jones decided to contact 2 On Your Side, and was put in touch with Chiazza to set up a job interview.
read more here
WGRZ News
Jun 20, 2013
BUFFALO, NY - Soldiers who fight for our freedom overseas come home to a new battle - finding a job.
In fact, 19.1 percent of young veterans between the ages of 20-24 are unemployed. That was the case for Williamsville native Eric Chiazza.
The 23-year-old Marine veteran was deployed three times in four years. He did tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti. Once returning home to Buffalo, Chiazza struggled to find a job that fit his unique skill set and paid enough to cover his bills.
"When you get out of the military, you're kind of on your own... It's kind of scary, and I was worried that based on the job choice I had, that my job choices were limited and that it would be difficult to find one," Chiazza said.
2 On Your Side wanted to help.
During the first week of June, Chiazza was featured in a story about veterans struggling to find work. He shared his frustrations about how he was unable to find a well paying job in Western New York.
Later that week, Chiazza attended the "Hire Our Heroes" job fair sponsored by 2 On Your Side. The event brought over 60 employers from all over Western New York together to helpveterans and military spouses find jobs. Chiazza applied at a few different places, but nothing clicked.
Meanwhile, David Jones, Regional Vice President of Executive AirShare, was watching the night that Chiazza's story aired and wanted to do help. He attended the job fair in hopes of finding Chiazza, but the two didn't connect. Jones decided to contact 2 On Your Side, and was put in touch with Chiazza to set up a job interview.
read more here
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
USA Secure Data Systems seeking to hire Michigan veterans
Military veterans sought for customer service work at USA Secure Data Systems
MLive
By Al Jones
June 17, 2013
BENTON HARBOR, MI-- The USA Secure Data Systems is looking for military veterans to join its team as customer service and call center representatives.
The work is expected to pay $11 to $19 per hour, according to information provided by Alicia Razor, a Michigan veterans employment representative.
USA Secure Data Systems works with a number of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, U.S. Marshal Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of State, Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
read more here
MLive
By Al Jones
June 17, 2013
BENTON HARBOR, MI-- The USA Secure Data Systems is looking for military veterans to join its team as customer service and call center representatives.
The work is expected to pay $11 to $19 per hour, according to information provided by Alicia Razor, a Michigan veterans employment representative.
USA Secure Data Systems works with a number of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, U.S. Marshal Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of State, Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
read more here
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Employers need to know PTSD comes in different levels
Employers need to know PTSD comes in different levels
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
June 12, 2013
After being without a steady paycheck for five years, I can tell you that looking for a job is hard. First you have to find a job you are qualified for. Then you have to figure out how to make your resume stand out, write a great cover letter and then find the will to repeat it as many times as you can during the day. If you are lucky, you get an interview but do did 30 others.
In my case, I am over 50. While that means I do have a lot of experience I can also prove that I love to learn. Last year I finished training at Valencia College with 5 certificates in Digital Media. I filmed over 40 events last year and created more of them on PTSD. I am a researcher and with almost 19,000 posts on this site, that is obvious. I've written thousands of articles and two books. I have over 25 years experience working in offices and in sales. I even worked at a church for two years as Administrator of Christian Education. I can't find a job! I don't fit in anywhere anymore even though most of my talents are showcased on Wounded Times.
We have to remember that employers and HR representatives are human too. They have their own ideas about people. Even if they don't admit it, they have their own bias. Right now, they have their own thoughts about veterans because of PTSD simplistic reports causing them to misunderstand what it is.
This may help. It is from the VA on how they compensate for "mental disorders."
If a veteran is compensated between 70% and 100% they are usually not looking for work because frankly, they have PTSD taking over most parts of their lives. We also have to remember that while about a third of the over 2 million veterans have different levels of PTSD, it is being treated in almost 8 million others. Because of privacy laws, they do not have to disclose they have any type of mental health issue. Employers never know if the person sitting in front of them is being treated or even if they are being treated for depression. The rate of American adults being treated for depression is 1 out of 10. Again, all at different levels.
If a veteran has 50% or lower, he or she actually heals faster when they feel useful. The majority of veterans seek positions in public service. Anywhere from law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders, medical and teaching. Why? Because they are happier doing for others. It is just part of their nature. Even veterans with high levels of PTSD heal better when they are getting involved with helping others.
So why wouldn't an employer want to hire a veteran? It is because they just don't understand them. It is time they were educated so they will not lose out on hiring some of the best employees available. If you are a veterans and have PTSD, send this to the HR department of the company you want to work for and let them know. If it doesn't help you land the job, it will at least open their eyes when the next veteran shows up.
Why should they hire a veteran?
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
June 12, 2013
After being without a steady paycheck for five years, I can tell you that looking for a job is hard. First you have to find a job you are qualified for. Then you have to figure out how to make your resume stand out, write a great cover letter and then find the will to repeat it as many times as you can during the day. If you are lucky, you get an interview but do did 30 others.
In my case, I am over 50. While that means I do have a lot of experience I can also prove that I love to learn. Last year I finished training at Valencia College with 5 certificates in Digital Media. I filmed over 40 events last year and created more of them on PTSD. I am a researcher and with almost 19,000 posts on this site, that is obvious. I've written thousands of articles and two books. I have over 25 years experience working in offices and in sales. I even worked at a church for two years as Administrator of Christian Education. I can't find a job! I don't fit in anywhere anymore even though most of my talents are showcased on Wounded Times.
We have to remember that employers and HR representatives are human too. They have their own ideas about people. Even if they don't admit it, they have their own bias. Right now, they have their own thoughts about veterans because of PTSD simplistic reports causing them to misunderstand what it is.
This may help. It is from the VA on how they compensate for "mental disorders."
GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR MENTAL DISORDERS:As you can see, they compensate at different levels simply because there are different levels of PTSD. It depends on the veteran and what their experiences are as well as how much it has changed their lives.
A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication .............................. 0%
Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication .................. 10%
Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events) ............................ 30%
Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining Effective work and social relationships ………………..50%
Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships ...................................... 70%
Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought process or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation occupation, or own name …………………..100%
If a veteran is compensated between 70% and 100% they are usually not looking for work because frankly, they have PTSD taking over most parts of their lives. We also have to remember that while about a third of the over 2 million veterans have different levels of PTSD, it is being treated in almost 8 million others. Because of privacy laws, they do not have to disclose they have any type of mental health issue. Employers never know if the person sitting in front of them is being treated or even if they are being treated for depression. The rate of American adults being treated for depression is 1 out of 10. Again, all at different levels.
If a veteran has 50% or lower, he or she actually heals faster when they feel useful. The majority of veterans seek positions in public service. Anywhere from law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders, medical and teaching. Why? Because they are happier doing for others. It is just part of their nature. Even veterans with high levels of PTSD heal better when they are getting involved with helping others.
So why wouldn't an employer want to hire a veteran? It is because they just don't understand them. It is time they were educated so they will not lose out on hiring some of the best employees available. If you are a veterans and have PTSD, send this to the HR department of the company you want to work for and let them know. If it doesn't help you land the job, it will at least open their eyes when the next veteran shows up.
Why should they hire a veteran?
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Band of Brothers poster signed by cast to help veterans
Band of Brothers poster signed by cast to help veterans
SPECIAL
Digital Journal By Samantha A. Torrence
Jun 10, 2013
Marine turned actor Michael Broderick saw an opportunity to help fellow veterans and jumped at the chance! He spearheaded the Poster Project in hopes to raise donations and awareness for the problems veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.
Veterans returning from war and deployment face a towering amount of obstacles when trying to reintegrate back into civilian life or even life outside of the war zone. Most of these issues have been widely known in the military community for many years, but often times civilians were kept in the dark.
The divide between Military culture and American Culture has become so wide, however, that there is a need for new awareness and education to bridge the gap between veterans and the people around them. GallantFew, a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans in transition, was formed in response to these needs.
read more here
SPECIAL
Digital Journal By Samantha A. Torrence
Jun 10, 2013
Marine turned actor Michael Broderick saw an opportunity to help fellow veterans and jumped at the chance! He spearheaded the Poster Project in hopes to raise donations and awareness for the problems veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.
Veterans returning from war and deployment face a towering amount of obstacles when trying to reintegrate back into civilian life or even life outside of the war zone. Most of these issues have been widely known in the military community for many years, but often times civilians were kept in the dark.
The divide between Military culture and American Culture has become so wide, however, that there is a need for new awareness and education to bridge the gap between veterans and the people around them. GallantFew, a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans in transition, was formed in response to these needs.
read more here
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Technical Certifications for Veterans to Help Transition
First Lady Unveils Certification Plan for Veteran Jobs
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013
First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of service members to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military.
Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing at the White House, said a public-private partnership will offer the certification program.
“This new partnership will provide up to 161,000 service members with the chance to gain the certifications they need for 12 different high-demand, high-paying technology careers … from IT security analysts to computer programmers to quality assurance engineers,” she noted.
The program is expected to garner more than 1.8 million jobs by 2020, with salaries of more than $81,000, a White House fact sheet indicated.
“More than 1 million service members will be hanging up their uniforms and transitioning to civilian life … on top of the hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses already out there looking for work,” the first lady said.
read more here
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013
First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of service members to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military.
Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing at the White House, said a public-private partnership will offer the certification program.
“This new partnership will provide up to 161,000 service members with the chance to gain the certifications they need for 12 different high-demand, high-paying technology careers … from IT security analysts to computer programmers to quality assurance engineers,” she noted.
The program is expected to garner more than 1.8 million jobs by 2020, with salaries of more than $81,000, a White House fact sheet indicated.
“More than 1 million service members will be hanging up their uniforms and transitioning to civilian life … on top of the hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses already out there looking for work,” the first lady said.
read more here
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Walmart CEO says hiring veterans is best decision you can make
Hire a Veteran: It's the Best Business Decision You'll Ever Make
Huffpost
Bill Simon
President, Chief Executive Officer, Walmart
I was at the White House today for an event with President and First Lady Obama and Vice President and Dr. Biden on creating opportunity for veterans. They are leading an important effort to bring together all Americans to support our veterans and military families, and it's making a difference.
The biggest issue facing our veterans today is jobs. Sadly, too many of those who fought for us abroad now find themselves fighting for jobs at home.
It's up to us as Americans to right this -- and to put our veterans back to work. And let's be clear: hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make. Veterans bring to the private sector that seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills. These are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. Our nation has invested in their skills, and it shows.
So earlier this year, Walmart announced that we will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. We project that Walmart will hire and train more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years.
read more here
Huffpost
Bill Simon
President, Chief Executive Officer, Walmart
I was at the White House today for an event with President and First Lady Obama and Vice President and Dr. Biden on creating opportunity for veterans. They are leading an important effort to bring together all Americans to support our veterans and military families, and it's making a difference.
The biggest issue facing our veterans today is jobs. Sadly, too many of those who fought for us abroad now find themselves fighting for jobs at home.
It's up to us as Americans to right this -- and to put our veterans back to work. And let's be clear: hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make. Veterans bring to the private sector that seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills. These are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. Our nation has invested in their skills, and it shows.
So earlier this year, Walmart announced that we will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. We project that Walmart will hire and train more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years.
read more here
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Veterans prefer face-to-face interaction to find jobs
Hiring Our Heroes 2013: Veterans prefer face-to-face interaction to find jobs
by Kristina Puga
03/27/2013
Today, more than 500 veterans attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes job fair in New York City. The program, which launched last year, is committed to hiring 500,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. So far, 108,000 have found jobs as part of the campaign in the last year.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 1.3 million Latino veterans — 308,000 of whom are from the Gulf War and have an 11.7 percent unemployment rate. This is almost two percentage points higher than non-veteran Latinos.
Ronal Arevalo, 30, was a specialist in the U.S. Army from 2003 until 2011 and has been looking for a stable job since 2012. He got to the fair bright and early and is feeling hopeful.
“I don’t have a college degree yet,” says Arevalo, who was born in Colombia, but is now a U.S. citizen residing in the Bronx, NY. “I learned leadership, discipline and can adapt to any environment thanks to the Army.”
read more here
by Kristina Puga
03/27/2013
Today, more than 500 veterans attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes job fair in New York City. The program, which launched last year, is committed to hiring 500,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. So far, 108,000 have found jobs as part of the campaign in the last year.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 1.3 million Latino veterans — 308,000 of whom are from the Gulf War and have an 11.7 percent unemployment rate. This is almost two percentage points higher than non-veteran Latinos.
Ronal Arevalo, 30, was a specialist in the U.S. Army from 2003 until 2011 and has been looking for a stable job since 2012. He got to the fair bright and early and is feeling hopeful.
“I don’t have a college degree yet,” says Arevalo, who was born in Colombia, but is now a U.S. citizen residing in the Bronx, NY. “I learned leadership, discipline and can adapt to any environment thanks to the Army.”
read more here
Ohio AG probe: Veteran service groups misused $10M
Ohio AG probe: Veteran service groups misused $10M
By LISA CORNWELL
Associated Press
March 27, 2013
CINCINNATI (AP) — A state investigation alleging more than $10 million in charitable funds held by veterans services organizations for job training and other services was misused also found that some veterans posts in Ohio set up fake career centers instead of using the money to help unemployed veterans.
The Ohio attorney general's office said an agreement between the state and the Columbus-based AMVETS Department of Ohio, Ohio AMVETS Career Center and AMVETS Department of Ohio Service Foundation requires reforms that include revamped accounting and reporting practices, written financial policies and the removal of personnel in various AMVETS offices and boards.
The probe found some of the 59 AMVETS posts in Ohio set up satellite career centers that were only "facades," amounting to little more than an "outdated computer in a corner," according to court documents filed Tuesday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus. Some used the money intended for centers to reimburse themselves for items such as "rent" for the centers and to pay a member as a "career center coach," who often did little more than register veterans for an online course, the documents state.
Investigators who posed as veterans in need of job help said that they were often told a computer wasn't working or that a post had no career center.
read more here
By LISA CORNWELL
Associated Press
March 27, 2013
CINCINNATI (AP) — A state investigation alleging more than $10 million in charitable funds held by veterans services organizations for job training and other services was misused also found that some veterans posts in Ohio set up fake career centers instead of using the money to help unemployed veterans.
The Ohio attorney general's office said an agreement between the state and the Columbus-based AMVETS Department of Ohio, Ohio AMVETS Career Center and AMVETS Department of Ohio Service Foundation requires reforms that include revamped accounting and reporting practices, written financial policies and the removal of personnel in various AMVETS offices and boards.
The probe found some of the 59 AMVETS posts in Ohio set up satellite career centers that were only "facades," amounting to little more than an "outdated computer in a corner," according to court documents filed Tuesday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus. Some used the money intended for centers to reimburse themselves for items such as "rent" for the centers and to pay a member as a "career center coach," who often did little more than register veterans for an online course, the documents state.
Investigators who posed as veterans in need of job help said that they were often told a computer wasn't working or that a post had no career center.
read more here
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
21,000 post 9/11 vets in Florida are unemployed
You can debate the Iraq war all you want but this should never be debated.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, is directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated"
-- George Washington
Unemployed, wounded, PTSD, homeless veterans and allowing suicides to go up every year as they suffer is not living up to what Washington said was really important.
21,000 post 9/11 vets in Florida are unemployed
US Iraq invasion anniversary: PTSD haunts thousands of post 9/11 war veterans
03/19/2013
By: Marissa Bagg
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the start of a war that still divides our nation.
President Barack Obama pulled the final U.S. forces out, but the war is still taking a toll on veterans and their families, on our federal finances and on Iraqis.
In the wake of 9/11 President George Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell made the case that Saddam Hussein was set to use weapons of mass destruction.
The war cost $2.2 trillion. 100,000 Iraqis died. Nearly 4,500 Americans lost their lives, and many lost limbs.
Thousands more American veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including Anthony Sanders, who lives in Boca Raton.
Transitioning to civilian life isn't as easy as taking off a uniform. Sanders say in part because of his PTSD, he hasn't been able to hold down full time work.
He's one of 21,000 post 9/11 war veteran who are unemployed in Florida.
read more here
Friday, March 15, 2013
Shocker DOD spends $1 billion a year on unemployment?
DoD spends nearly $1B a year on unemployment
By Pauline Jelinek
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Mar 15, 2013
WASHINGTON — Even as it faces budget cuts and forced employee furloughs, the Pentagon is spending nearly a $1 billion a year on a program that sends unemployment checks to former troops who left the military voluntarily.
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers, a Labor Department program, is a spinoff of the federal-state unemployment insurance program. The Labor Department says the overall program is meant to help “eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own” such as during layoffs.
But eligibility for the military compensation requires only that a person served in uniform and was honorably discharged. In other words, anyone who joins the military and serves for several years, then decides not to re-enlist, is potentially eligible for what could amount to more than 90 weeks of unemployment checks.
The program’s cost rose from $300 million in 2003 to $928 million last year.
“It eats away at other parts of the budget, and is for people they no longer have control of,” said Air Force veteran Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
read more here
By Pauline Jelinek
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Mar 15, 2013
WASHINGTON — Even as it faces budget cuts and forced employee furloughs, the Pentagon is spending nearly a $1 billion a year on a program that sends unemployment checks to former troops who left the military voluntarily.
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers, a Labor Department program, is a spinoff of the federal-state unemployment insurance program. The Labor Department says the overall program is meant to help “eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own” such as during layoffs.
But eligibility for the military compensation requires only that a person served in uniform and was honorably discharged. In other words, anyone who joins the military and serves for several years, then decides not to re-enlist, is potentially eligible for what could amount to more than 90 weeks of unemployment checks.
The program’s cost rose from $300 million in 2003 to $928 million last year.
“It eats away at other parts of the budget, and is for people they no longer have control of,” said Air Force veteran Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
read more here
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Gov. Scott Walker revealed $43.3 million in veteran-related spending
Gov. Walker proposes $43.3 million in veteran-related spending
Chippewa Herald
February 19, 2013
State Journal
On the eve of his biennial budget's unveiling, Gov. Scott Walker revealed $43.3 million in veteran-related spending proposals.
The proposals announced Tuesday would make permanent tax credits for hiring disabled veterans, expand the state's GI Bill, significantly increase staffing at the state's largest veterans' nursing home and add $5.3 million of taxpayer money to the Veterans Trust Fund.
The $5.3 million toward the Veterans Trust Fund would improve the fund's long-term solvency, said Cullen Werwie, a spokesman for the governor.
read more here
Chippewa Herald
February 19, 2013
State Journal
On the eve of his biennial budget's unveiling, Gov. Scott Walker revealed $43.3 million in veteran-related spending proposals.
The proposals announced Tuesday would make permanent tax credits for hiring disabled veterans, expand the state's GI Bill, significantly increase staffing at the state's largest veterans' nursing home and add $5.3 million of taxpayer money to the Veterans Trust Fund.
The $5.3 million toward the Veterans Trust Fund would improve the fund's long-term solvency, said Cullen Werwie, a spokesman for the governor.
read more here
Monday, February 11, 2013
Navy SEAL who killed Osama unemployed and waiting for VA
UPDATE From Esquire February 12, 2013 4:28 pm updated here
February 12, 2013, 8:30 AM
UPDATE FROM STARS AND STRIPES
So yes it did say that.
February 12, 2013, 8:30 AM
The Shooter Needs Health Insurance: A Response to Stars and Stripes
By The Editors
Editor's Note: The online version of The Shooter story did not reflect the final version of the story in the print magazine, which went to press 10 days ago. The print version included more details about the availability of benefits for veterans. Unfortunately, this omission on the online version, which has been corrected, has led to a misunderstanding, through no fault of her own, by reporter Megan McCloskey and others about some of the facts in our story regarding healthcare and our veterans. The online version of the piece omitted the following paragraph that appears in the print magazine: "There is also a program at MacDill Air Force Base designed to help Special Ops vets navigate various bureaucracies. And the VA does offer five years of benefits for specific service-related claims—but it’s not comprehensive and it offers nothing for the Shooter’s family." The story's argument, however, remains the same: That the man who shot and killed Osama bin Laden, as the following post explains, remains responsible for his own healthcare and that of his family.
UPDATE FROM STARS AND STRIPES
Esquire article wrongly claims SEAL who killed Bin Laden is denied healthcareSorry but even this is wrong. This is from the article below.
By MEGAN MCCLOSKEY
Published: February 11, 2013
Esquire magazine claims “The Man Who Killed Osama bin Laden ... Is Screwed.”
The story details the life of the Navy SEAL after the successful raid to take out the No. 1 terrorist, and it asserts that once the SEAL got out of the military he was left to fend for himself.
“...here is what he gets from his employer and a grateful nation:
Nothing. No pension, no health care, and no protection for himself or his family.”
Except the claim about health care is wrong. And no servicemember who does less than 20 years gets a pension, unless he has to medically retire.
Like every combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the former SEAL, who is identified in the story only as “the Shooter”, is automatically eligible for five years of free healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
But the story doesn’t mention that.
The writer, Phil Bronstein, who heads up the Center for Investigative Reporting, stands by the story. He said the assertion that the government gave the SEAL “nothing” in terms of health care is both fair and accurate, because the SEAL didn’t know the VA benefits existed.
The VA offers five years of virtually free health care for every veteran honorably discharged after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, even when he or she leaves the military early. But the Shooter told Bronstein that none of the counselors who came to SEAL Command told him that. That coverage also would not extend to his family.
So yes it did say that.
NOTE:Not sure how much the reporter did to verify this story but sooner or later we'll know for sure.
VA's disability backlog hurts Navy SEAL who killed bin Laden
Center for Investigative Reporting
Feb 11, 2013
Aaron Glantz
Reporter
The Navy SEAL who says he killed Osama bin Laden is unemployed and waiting for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In an exclusive story for Esquire by Phil Bronstein of the Center for Investigative Reporting, the Shooter adds many details to what already is known about the death of the al-Qaida leader. His name is withheld to protect his identity.
The Shooter told Bronstein, CIR’s executive chairman, that he alone killed the terrorist leader, recounting minute details of those brief seconds. As the second Navy SEAL up a staircase, he saw bin Laden inside a room.
“For me it was a snapshot of a target ID, definitely him,” he said. “Even in our kill houses where we train, there are targets with his face on them. This was repetition and muscle memory. That’s him, boom, done.”
But perhaps the Shooter’s most explosive revelation is that nearly six months after leaving the military, he feels abandoned by the government. Physically aching and psychologically wrecked after hundreds of combat missions, he left the military a few years short of the retirement requirement with no pension.
“It was nearly impossible to believe when he first told me he got such a dearth of support from the U.S. government,” Bronstein said. “Where’s the thank you?”
Like 820,000 other veterans, his disability claim is stuck in a seemingly interminable backlog at the VA, where the average wait time currently exceeds nine months, based on the agency’s own data.
The speedier special track for Special Forces veterans appears to have eluded him, and so his neck, back and eye injuries remain uncompensated, removing a chance for a modicum of financial stability.
read more hereVA Claim Backlog ExamplesUPDATE Just got off the phone with a friend asking about this story. The plight of special forces veterans is astonishing. Their claims are very hard to verify because of security secrets the Pentagon keeps. While this is understandable, the veterans still need help with physical and mental health issues.
2000 311,000
2007 755,000
2008 879,291
2009 915,000
The backlog has been exacerbated by the administration’s 2010 decision to accept 260,000 previously denied and new claims associated with Agent Orange exposure.
Here's a thought. Why can't the Pentagon come up with some kind of form to verify the fact these veterans were placed in dangerous situations that would cause PTSD or that the wounds they are claiming as service connected were in fact caused by their service without having to divulge classified information?
Why should they suffer for the secrets they kept when they need to be cared for by the country they served?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
NBC feeding the myth of PTSD veterans being dangerous
Hundreds of thousands of veterans are treated at the VA for PTSD. That should have been the lead in this story. It wasn't and we should be asking why not. Veterans are more likely to hurt or kill themselves than someone else. This is a fact and is supported by the high number of suicides along with attempted suicides (another subject not discussed) which is what the accused shooter of Chris Kyle had sought help for.
Suffering military and veteran is not something they are interested in. They get a lot more attention out of covering the gun murder of a decorated sniper as if it was the Wild West and this was a shootout with the fastest gun.
Suffering military and veteran is not something they are interested in. They get a lot more attention out of covering the gun murder of a decorated sniper as if it was the Wild West and this was a shootout with the fastest gun.
Will slaying of ex-SEAL Chris Kyle mar veteran job market?
By Bill Briggs
NBC News contributor
The weekend homicides of ex-Navy SEAL and “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle and a friend in Texas have stoked fresh concerns among mental-health experts and veteran advocates that the crime’s PTSD theme will further stigmatize and dampen an already-soggy job market for men and women home from war.
“What worries me about this story is it will frighten potential employers away from hiring veterans who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Dr. Harry Croft, a San Antonio-based psychiatrist who has talked with more than 7,000 veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
“The myth is all of them have PTSD — not true, only 20 percent. Another myth is that all of them who have a severe case of it — not true; it goes from very mild to severe. The third myth is that everybody with PTSD is aggressive, unreliable, or trouble in the workplace, and none of that is (true) either. It scares me,” Croft said.
read more here
Friday, February 1, 2013
Number of unemployed veterans up 150,000 in four months
Number of unemployed veterans up 150,000 in four months
By LEO SHANE III
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 1, 2013
WASHINGTON — The number of unemployed veterans rose above 800,000 in January, a spike that raises concerns about the long-term viability of efforts to find jobs for former military personnel.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the overall unemployment rate for veterans rose to 7.6 percent in January, more than 1 percent above where it was last fall but still below the national rate of 7.9 percent.
But the total number of veterans unsuccessfully looking for work rose to 844,000, almost 150,000 more than it was four months ago.
read more here
By LEO SHANE III
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 1, 2013
WASHINGTON — The number of unemployed veterans rose above 800,000 in January, a spike that raises concerns about the long-term viability of efforts to find jobs for former military personnel.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the overall unemployment rate for veterans rose to 7.6 percent in January, more than 1 percent above where it was last fall but still below the national rate of 7.9 percent.
But the total number of veterans unsuccessfully looking for work rose to 844,000, almost 150,000 more than it was four months ago.
read more here
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Wal-Mart hiring recently discharged veterans
Wal-Mart Plans to Hire Any Veteran Who Wants a Job
New York Times
By JAMES DAO
Published: January 14, 2013
Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, will announce Tuesday a plan to hire every veteran who wants a job, provided that the veterans have left the military in the previous year and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
The announcement, to be made in a speech in New York by William S. Simon, the president and chief executive of Wal-Mart U.S., represents among the largest hiring commitments for veterans in history.
Company officials said they believe the program, which will officially begin on Memorial Day — May 27 this year — will lead to the hiring of more than 100,000 people in the next five years, the length of the commitment.
“Let’s be clear: Hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make,” Mr. Simon will say in his keynote speech to the National Retail Federation, according to prepared text. “These are leaders with discipline, training and a passion for service.”
In a statement, the first lady, Michelle Obama, who has led a campaign by the White House to encourage businesses to hire veterans, called the Wal-Mart plan “historic,” adding that she planned to urge other corporations to follow suit.
read more here
New York Times
By JAMES DAO
Published: January 14, 2013
Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, will announce Tuesday a plan to hire every veteran who wants a job, provided that the veterans have left the military in the previous year and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
The announcement, to be made in a speech in New York by William S. Simon, the president and chief executive of Wal-Mart U.S., represents among the largest hiring commitments for veterans in history.
Company officials said they believe the program, which will officially begin on Memorial Day — May 27 this year — will lead to the hiring of more than 100,000 people in the next five years, the length of the commitment.
“Let’s be clear: Hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make,” Mr. Simon will say in his keynote speech to the National Retail Federation, according to prepared text. “These are leaders with discipline, training and a passion for service.”
In a statement, the first lady, Michelle Obama, who has led a campaign by the White House to encourage businesses to hire veterans, called the Wal-Mart plan “historic,” adding that she planned to urge other corporations to follow suit.
read more here
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Homeless and unemployed veterans stop attacker
Rescuers: Helping robbery victim 'a reward in itself'
Two jobless veterans jumped in to stop attack, chased after suspect
Jan 2, 2013
Written by
Jennifer Edwards Baker
DOWNTOWN — David Hale was walking to the main branch of the public library downtown about noon Monday when he saw a man approach Gary Wagner at an ATM at the corner of Central Parkway and Vine Street.
“He put his arm around his neck and took him to the ground,” Hale said. “He started punching him. That’s when I ran over and got in between them, trying to separate them.”
Chad McClain heard Wagner scream for help and joined Hale’s efforts.
Together, the two men – one homeless and one who was recently homeless, and both military veterans who didn’t know each other before the incident – wrestled Wagner free. Hale stayed with Wagner while McClain, 38, ran after the suspect and stood in front of his car to keep him from leaving.
“I told him, ‘You’re not going to get away with this,’” McClain said. “The police were there within seconds.”
read more here
linked from Army Times
Two jobless veterans jumped in to stop attack, chased after suspect
Jan 2, 2013
Written by
Jennifer Edwards Baker
DOWNTOWN — David Hale was walking to the main branch of the public library downtown about noon Monday when he saw a man approach Gary Wagner at an ATM at the corner of Central Parkway and Vine Street.
“He put his arm around his neck and took him to the ground,” Hale said. “He started punching him. That’s when I ran over and got in between them, trying to separate them.”
Chad McClain heard Wagner scream for help and joined Hale’s efforts.
Together, the two men – one homeless and one who was recently homeless, and both military veterans who didn’t know each other before the incident – wrestled Wagner free. Hale stayed with Wagner while McClain, 38, ran after the suspect and stood in front of his car to keep him from leaving.
“I told him, ‘You’re not going to get away with this,’” McClain said. “The police were there within seconds.”
read more here
linked from Army Times
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