By Nicole June
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Fort Campbell Wednesday, April 23 to share words of encouragement during the Fort Campbell Veterans Jobs Summit.
As part of the celebration of the third anniversary of Joining Forces, Mrs. Obama announced a new online program to help soldiers transition to civilian life upon leaving the military.
The Veterans Employment Center is considered a “one-stop-shop” for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and employers. The online tool will establish connections and employment resources to showcase the skills and talents of veterans seeking civilian jobs.
“Our service members haven’t always had the time or information they needed to prepare their resumes, to plot their career goals, to meet with employers and get the jobs they deserve. And that’s simply not acceptable,” Mrs. Obama said. “As my husband has said, when you’ve fought for this country around the world, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job when you return home. Starting today, every single service member, every veteran, and every military family will have access to a new online tool that will revolutionize how you find jobs in both the public and private sectors.”
Those who need employment assistance can log on to www.ebenefits.va.gov for detailed information about resumes, connections with employers, and job opportunities. The site will help them determine not only what is available, but also what positions will best suit them.
Employers can also utilize the site to access a targeted pool of resumes from veterans and transitioning service members, allowing them to search resumes to identify veterans with skill sets applicable to civilian employment at their organization.
According to Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Col. David Dellinger, anywhere from 450 to 600 soldiers are in transition at Fort Campbell every month, and the soldiers need these resources to move forward with their careers.
Col. Dellinger said Fort Campbell has taken steps to improve the availability of transition assistance and education for soldiers from the time they enter the service. Soldiers receive information about entrepreneurship, higher education, jobs, and technical training.
“It’s great that at the national level they’re putting an emphasis on taking care of soldiers,” he said. “To come here to an installation that is really invested in the combat that’s going on around the world is a great gesture.”
Story and photos by Nicole June – ClarksvilleNow.com