Anita Bruzzese let me know today about something that took my attention immediately. People who invested their lives on our behalf are home and without jobs. Here’ some of what Anita has to say on her blog.
I recently spent nearly an hour talking to Caulfield, an articulate, passionate and committed guy who gave me a real earful about the pitiful state of affairs regarding employment for our veterans. Despite having served with honor and serving in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, these vets have a tougher time than other job seekers looking for work – those age 20-24 often have an unemployment rate two to three times higher than non-veterans of the same age group.
Pleast read more of Anita’s story on vets without civilian jobs. Then visit Hire a Hero and pass on the information to folks who can help.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!
It is worse than just unemployment. Vets and military personnel are getting treated poorly in many other ways. They truly deserve respect and honor.
Hi James!
Thank you for saying that. I agree with you on so many levels. Gratitude is the response for service. 🙂
Liz, I’m glad you introduced Anita’s blog on Hire a Hero. I’m surprised and appalled that the Vets aren’t being given preference… They deserve it.
Hi Robyn!
Yeah, I was glad Anita brought it to my attention too. It’s important that we pay attention to the folks who care about us.
I had no idea this is actually happening! I thought they’d be actually getting a better treatment. But maybe people are directing towards them the resentment and disapproval meant for someone else (decision makers). Or maybe it has to do with some HR weird conceptions. Either way, it should be controlled somehow because it’s just another form of discrimination.
Hi Alina!
My response was the same as yours. Apparently this has been the way for decades. I sent this to some vets long out of the service and they confirmed it was also their experience.
You’d think we’d have figured this out by now.
Hi Liz,
I think this situation has quite a lot of chances to be changed if more people do or say something about it. So making it known is the first step in this direction. You and Anita can handle a first stage, I am sure of it 🙂
Liz,
I appreciate you helping get the word out…I think the more people that are aware of this problem, the better we can do at improving the situation. I think much of it just has to do with ignorance on the part of civilians who don’t understand what these military men and women have to offer.
Anita
Yeah, Alina!
That’s just what we’re hoping — to make some noise and get some attention. 🙂
Thanks you for finding this, Liz. I’ve bookmarked Hire a Hero for when my sons get out of the service.
I didn’t realize the differential was that large. I know when I got out of the service, it took a while to find work, and then it had nothing to do with what I had experience doing. I just put it down to me.
Regarding the point about preferences – there is a preference for vets in government jobs. But, from a wider view, I don’t know that vets want a preference, just a fair chance.
Hi Rick!
A fair chance. I agree, Rick.
I don’t think the civilian world knows how to value what vets bring and vets aren’t getting the training in how to communicate it.
Hopefully, Hire a Hero will help and help raise awareness of the need.