UJS Hits The Road - Two members of the National Learning Center/NVTI's Media Group, Amanda Andrews and Cheryl Swears, will be attending the NASWA National conference in Boise, Idaho from September 5-8, 2006. They will have a booth set up with information on the Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century and will be there answering questions and demonstrating this outstanding series. UJS sets will be available to purchase on the spot and fishbowl drawing of one free DVD per day will be held. If you are attending the conference, please stop by the display and booth and take a look at the series!

Veterans Only Job Fair - The Veterans Unit at the Baton Rouge Career & Job Center is having Veterans only job fair on September 14, 2006. There will be 50 of our regions largest employers participating. These Corporations will be interviewing, collecting resumes and hiring Veterans. The hours are 9:00-1:00 p.m., at The American Legion Nicholson Post # 38, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Attendees must be a veteran or spouse of a veteran. Bring copies of current resumes and proof of veteran status. The following companies – Coca Cola, Krispy Kreme, Community Coffee, will provide refreshments. Canned good donations will be accepted for the Baton Rouge Food Bank, on the day of the Veterans Job Fair. For further information and employers attending call (225) 922-1320 and ask for Bob Hartman.

Promotion! - Vincent Darcangelo of Pennsylvania, and a veteran's employment representative for 23 years, has been promoted to CareerLink Program Supervisor. However, Vince says he "will always belong to the brotherhood of vet reps" in his heart, regardless of his current title. We're certain Vince is doing a great job!

The Idaho Veterans’ Network Works - A Vietnam-era veteran came to Lewiston from Montana. He was homeless, without transportation and unemployed. The DVOP worked on applications, resume, and cover letters. He was experienced at maintenance at national parks and resort areas. The DVOP found an announcement for maintenance at Sun Valley Company and he called the maintenance supervisor there. The vet was offered the job. The Lewiston DVOP contacted the LVER in the Twin Falls office. He arranged transportation on the Sun Valley Employee shuttle from Twin to Sun Valley. The veteran organizations in Lewiston purchased a bus ticket, through the Salvation Army office, from Lewiston to Twin Falls. This veteran went from homeless, without transportation, and unemployed to full time employment at $18 per hour with meals and lodging all because the veterans’ network worked. Excellent news!

Nashville DVOP is Outstanding - Charles Eldridge, of the Nashville, Tennessee, Workforce Development office, was named the DAV's Outstanding DVOP Specialist recipient. Congratulations, Charles!

NVTI Grad Becomes Commander - In June, Chad Richmond, an LVER in the Trussville, Alabama Career Center, was elected DAV Department Commander. Congratulations, Chad!

Vermont DVOP Recognized - Steve Brochu, NVTI grad and a DVOP assigned to the Vermont Department of Labor Career (VDOL) One-Stop Resource Center, is the recent winner of two prestigious awards. He was also presented the Vermont Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year Award, and also received the national VFW’s first place James C. Gates Distinguished Service Award. As one of only two DVOPs in the Vermont area, Steve is constantly on the road reaching out to and providing exceptional services to veterans and employers in Central Vermont and the Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, which is one of the most rural and impoverished areas in the state. Steve works out of four different One-Stop career centers, runs weekly Vets Nets in two locations, and is VDOL’s contact person with VA for VR&E MOU referrals. Steve served over 24 years active duty in the USMC and Army before coming to work for VDOL, where he has worked as both an LVER and a DVOP. He is a life member of The American Legion, VFW, and DAV and is constantly involved in many extracurricular projects and programs to benefit veterans and their families. Thank you, Steve, for Caring Enough to Make a Difference!

Idaho Vet Rep Making a Difference - Jerry Roehl, DVOP for the Boise office of Idaho Commerce and Labor was recognized as Grand National DVOP at The American Legion Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in August. Jerry was recognized for his involvement in services for disadvantaged veterans, his work with the returning National Guard and his dedication to helping veterans change their lives. The department was also recognized with the Homeless Outreach Award for the statewide network of Stand Down events and ongoing support of food, clothing and shelter programs for homeless veterans. Excellent news!

House Passes H.R. 3082 - In July the House passed H.R. 3082, as amended, the Veterans Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. The bill increases benefits for America’s veterans by establishing the annual contracting goals for VA to include a greater number of veteran-owned small businesses, clarifying the rules regarding contracts, prohibiting bonus payments to senior executives who do not meet veteran and disabled veteran contracting goals, and provisions to extend veteran business status to the spouses when the veteran dies.

Concurrent Resolution 125 Passed - This resolution expresses support for the designation and goals of “Hire a Veteran Week” by encouraging employers across the country to hire veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also seeks a presidential proclamation in support of the event. “No group in America deserves special employment opportunities more than our veterans. Today’s veterans bring a solid work ethic and are highly motivated. Hiring a veteran to fill a good-paying job is an important way to say “thank you for your service” and brings a quality employee to the workforce,” said Rep. Jeb Bradley. The bill also acknowledges that VA, Department of Labor, the Office of Personnel Management, and state and local governments already have programs which ensure that veterans receive the services they are entitled to and that employer interest in hiring veterans exists.

What's the Latest in Veterans' Legislation? - Curious to know what's happening on Capitol Hill concerning veterans' issues? Check out the press releases from The House Committee on Veterans Affairs and U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs for the latest news.

Office Updates! Did you recently change offices or job positions? Do you know that a co-worker left or retired? We want to know too! We'll update our database and make sure the DVOP/LVER Locator is made current. We don't know unless you let us know. Update here.

And what's YOUR good news? Tell us about it at vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu.