Veterans, Guard and Reserve members, mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 4, as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Post 7 will be hosting our first 2012 Hiring Our Heroes Veterans Event in Alliance, Nebraska.
In March 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation launched Hiring Our Heroes – a sustained grassroots campaign to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment in hundreds of communities across America. As of June 30, 2012, they hosted 209 hiring fairs in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
In their first year, Hiring Our Heroes pledged to host 100 hiring fairs with committed, private sector employers who understand the value of hiring veterans and military spouses. However, with national rates of unemployment in 2011 at 12.1% for post-9/11 veterans, 29.1% for veterans under 25 years old, and 26% for military spouses – and with one million more service members and military families preparing to re-enter the civilian workforce over the next five years, they needed to do more. That is why they significantly expanded their efforts in 2012 with hiring fairs in 400 communities, the establishment of a stand-alone program for military spouses, and a sustained campaign to enlist the commitments from the small business community to hire 500,000 veterans and military spouses over the next three years.
Accelerated Learning Curve and a proven ability to learn new skills and concepts Veterans are leaders. The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances.
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one’s colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective. Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities.
Veterans are efficient performers under pressure and understand the rigors of tight schedules andlimited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.
Veterans have a respect for procedures and have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates’ actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.
Veterans have integrity and know what it means to do “an honest day’s work.” Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances.
This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.
Veterans are conscious of health and safety standards. Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection for employees, property and materials.
Veterans Triumph over adversity dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strengths and determination.
Please join us December 4, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a hiring fair for Veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses at the American Legion Post 7, 1504 W Third Street, Alliance, Nebraska. This event will be a one-ofa-kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers. This is an opportunity for you to meet perspective employers who have numerous job vacancies and have a great respect for our Veterans.
For more information please call the Veterans Service office at 308-762-4154.