How Veterans Can Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

By Debbie Gregory.

Service members didn’t need to be led by the hand to figure out where the chow hall was, or where the DFAC was, or where the galley was when they were on base. Their hunger forced them to follow their senses to locate where the food was. But it always helped when they asked directions. The same could be said as to how service members and Veterans should proceed with figuring out how they’ll eat when they separate. Veterans, and service members who are soon-to-be Veterans, need to take matters into their own hands, and follow their hunger and their senses.

Veterans should seek advice and direction from those who know the way. And they should also take advantage of any resources that might help them reach their destination or goal. Resources can include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other VA benefits, hiring programs, internships, and workshops that employers and the government provide. These can include:

The 100,000 Jobs Mission– A coalition of companies that included JPMorgan Chase and ten other companies. The original goal was for these eleven companies to create 100,000 jobs for Veterans by the end of 2020. Before January 1, 2014, the coalition created 117,439 jobs for Veterans. The mission has grown to include 131 companies. And the goal has grown to provide 200,000 goals to Veterans by 2020.

VetSuccess– A VA program that connects Veterans to employers and employers to Veterans.

Hiring Our Heroes–  A nationwide initiative created and ran by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The project that has helped more than 21,600 members of the military community find employment since 2011.

The U.S. Small Business Administration– The SBA can be used as a vehicle for Veterans who are interested in being their own boss. The SBA offers entrepreneurial development training for Veterans as part of its Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP).

VetFran– Veterans looking to be their own boss by buying into an already successfully branded company can look for discounted opportunities to do so at this branch of the International Franchise Association (IFA).

And be sure to use Military Connection’s Job Page as a vehicle to post your résumé and browse our list of employers and employment opportunities exclusively for Veterans.

Veterans who are eager to succeed in their civilian lives should utilize these resources and other vehicles provided for them through private organizations, employers and the U.S. government. They should also follow their senses, including their dreams and aspirations, to find their individual paths towards successful careers.