Military Connection: Comped Rooms for Vets? By Debbie Gregory

Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to their country that we are always on the lookout as to how to show our appreciation. That is why when we hear of innovative ideas, we share then so that others can duplicate the good idea. Veterans in Minnesota are the recipients of a great idea that we hope will spread across America.

Back in June, Minnesota joined Arizona, Iowa and Texas in providing free hotel accommodations to Veterans conducting job searches in regions outside of where they live. The program is the result of a partnership between each of these states and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), Hilton Worldwide, and Hilton HHonors program.

Under the program, Veterans traveling to Minnesota to actively search for employment, attend job interviews or a skills training course, or who are looking for housing in Minnesota, are eligible for up to three free nights at a Hilton hotel. Hilton Worldwide estimates an average hotel stay in the Twin Cities Metro Area would cost approximately $200 per night. This program could potentially save each Veteran up to $600.

“Our Veterans deserve more than our gratitude and support. Through their service to our state and nation, they have earned every opportunity to find meaningful work,” said Minnesota’s Gov. Mark Dayton about the program. “On behalf of all Minnesotans, I thank Hilton Worldwide and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies for partnering with us to help connect military Veterans with good-paying, fulfilling jobs here in Minnesota.”

Minnesota, Arizona, Texas and Iowa are actively working to draw Veterans to their states with state-funded programs and education, housing and employment perks for Veterans. To participate in the program, Veterans traveling to these states for employment purposes or in search of a new home, are advised to contact their local Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist to enroll. Enrolled Veterans are eligible for up to 100,000 HHonors points each year. Veterans can also search www.joinHHonors.com or call 1(800) HHONORS (446-6677) 24 hours/day.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.