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Friday, March 29, 2024

Veterans in Touch – Is your company military friendly?

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Mike BarbourHaving been involved with many Hiring Our Heroes Job Fairs sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce the question I most often ask is, “Are you a military friendly company?”

Those six words, simple at first glance, can create a wave of positive thoughts and actions. As a Vietnam Veteran I can tell you the media in some cases is doing the same hatchet job on today’s returning Veterans as they did on the Vietnam Veteran. Not all soldiers mustering out of the military today suffer from PTS and TBI injuries. And even if they do that doesn’t mean they will be involved in a violent act. You probably have employees that were involved in accidents or were victims of a criminal act. They are just as likely to suffer from PTS as the soldier who was in combat.

Employees and companies can benefit from hiring Veterans. Military personnel are often cross trained in varied tasks and responsibilities. They have learned what it means to put in a hard day’s work. They appreciate the challenges and satisfaction of a job well done. Much of their experience can translate to making a Veteran an asset in the workforce.

The Veteran today works well in a team, they have a sense of duty and pride when they complete a mission. The men and women who are in the military today are organized, disciplined, self-confident, and possess a strong work ethic. They are able to problem solve, think on their feet, adapt to constantly changing situations and follow rules and schedules.

Howard Schulz, the CEO of Starbucks, says this about hiring Veterans, “If you are an employer give Veterans a fair shake. They don’t want your pity or a handout. What they deserve, however, is genuine understanding and appreciation of the skills they have gleaned. Veterans come with a can-do spirit. Many possess leadership and decision making experience that exceed that of civilians two decades their senior. Hiring Veterans isn’t charity—It is good business.”

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Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour is a Service Officer, American Legion Post 43, and regular contributor to PN. Also contact him at mbarbour@wowway.com.

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