Can we ensure every veteran is lined up with an interview?

2015-07-10T13:32:15-04:00

What can we do to ensure that no veteran goes hungry or homeless again?
Can we each take a step forward to line that interview up for them and walk them through it! WE are responsible for ourselves and those we fought with who fought and served for us as well! There are more than 330,000 Veterans on this site alone! If each of us took just 1 veteran a month, there would be no need for the VA or anybody to have to do this for us! We all are men and women of character and strength of which the civilian world does not possess. It is our duty, right and privilege to be there for one another! I say, 1 a day will keep the VA away! How many more vets need to surrender to hopelessness and sadly take the long nap self inflicted? The instant fix for depression is change of environment and a feeling of pride and success. If what I say is true then it is up to us all to provide that feeling for them and not leave it in the hands of the VA who continue to fail when we have all already succeeded!!!

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jul 10 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-07-10T13:35:37-04:00

The sad reality is in this day there is so much competition. Now that 40,000 more are going to be job hunting it is going to be difficult to get everyone deserving of employment a job. You are right that no veteran should go homeless or hungry. I personally think that the VA should set up something to assist homeless vets. At least make sure they can get a hot meal.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-07-10T13:40:18-04:00

Do you have any ideas on how to do that?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 10 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-07-10T13:48:25-04:00

As I do support veterans for hire programs and such, a veteran would only be lined up for an interview if they meet requirements listed on the career searches. If it all matches up, there's no reason a company shouldn't call them back for at least a phone interview.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 10 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-07-10T14:13:53-04:00

Unfortunately I am not in a supervisory position with hiring authority. If I were, I would definitely say "Yes, I would consider my brothers and sisters in arms."

Response by SGT Joseph Goldman made Jul 10 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-07-10T14:32:45-04:00

I believe the following: I personally have over 2000 contacts that I know directly. Lets assume 1/4 of that as the general average. 330,000 vets each with 500 contacts= 165,000,000 contacts that we all could reach out to personally and circumvent the electronic process!
I have personally managed to even get around OPM and get direct hires jobs!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jul 10 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-07-10T15:22:37-04:00

I'm ready, willing and able to help but how do we do it? There are a few homeless one the streets in the next town but are they Vets? I can ask each one and sort of "adopt" one of them if they turn out to be veterans and insure that each week they have enough money to eat. Suggestions?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 10 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-07-10T16:09:44-04:00

Fantastic Idea! I have mentored three different veterans through training to employment via the ACP-USA.org We need to encourage people to use organizations like DAV, VFW, Legion, ROA, MOAA, H2H.jobs and assist our veterans in need. Most states have Department of Veteran Services, I visit this agency at least once a year, just to get to know some of the folks and find out about new state programs. Encourage your vet peers to use the State programs who may have contacts well beyond what you can find on your own.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 10 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-07-10T16:49:38-04:00

SGT Goldman, I Love your idea. And pride, success, accomplishments are ALL cures for depression.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 10 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-07-10T20:15:55-04:00

I'll offer up my part in this: If you're a veteran that either lives in or is willing to live in the Corpus Christi, TX area, and doesn't mind hard work, hit me up. I'll make sure you get an interview. The pay isn't bad, but again, it's hard, outdoor work.