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Once again, several hundred Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grantees were in Denver the week of July 31 for the 2006 Competitive Grantees Annual Training Conference. Participants received technical grant information, attended the job coaching for the offender population training, had a roles and responsibilities overview, learned about reporting requirements and more. The annual event also provides the opportunity for current and new grantees to network and learn from each other.
Kristine McLaughlin, VETS Competitive Grantee Lead, opened the conference and introduced newly named NVTI Director Vaune Shelbourn. ASVET Charles "Chick" Ciccolella welcomed the conference attendees and praised the work they do. Other guest speakers at the opening session were Pete Dougherty, VA Director of Homeless Programs; John Driscoll, Vice-President of Operations & Programs, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; and Mark Johnson, Director Office of Special Needs (Homeless) Programs, Director of Housing and Urban Development.
Along with training provided by VETS staff, approximately 50 DVOP and LVER staff were on hand to network and provide their experience to attendees. DVOP and LVER staff ensure that veterans receive the full range of services available at One Stop Centers and it's important for grantees to understand that connection.
For more photographs of the conference, go to 2006 Grantee Conference photo gallery.
Training presentations are available from VETS at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/hvrp/CompetitiveConferencePresentations.doc.
Q&A with New NLC/NVTI Director
VETS NET sat down with new National Learning Center (NLC) and National Veterans' Training Institute's (NVTI) Director, Vaune Shelbourn for a Q&A session.
Shelbourn has been with NVTI since 1988, when she joined the instructor staff after serving as a LVER/job interviewer at a Nebraska employment service office. In 1993, Shelbourn was promoted to NVTI training and development manager. In 1997, she moved to Montana but continued to work for NVTI and NLC as a senior instructor, primarily conducting training sessions off campus around the nation. She has also assisted in the development and revision of several NVTI and NLC courses over the years.
VETS NET (VN): As the Institute approaches its 20th anniversary, what direction do you see NLC/NVTI taking?
Vaune Shelbourn (VS): The direction that I see NLC/NVTI taking in the future is basically the same one that has been set already. We want to continue to be known for quality customer service in all aspects of the organization from travel to participant selection to the quality of training provided, both in the classroom and through distance learning. I want to make sure we always stay in tune with the needs of our customers so our training is meeting their needs.
VN: What do you see as NLC/NVTI's greatest strengths?
VS: This is the easiest question you could ask and one of the reasons I wanted to be the Director of NLC/NVTI. I see NLC/NVTI with 2 cornerstone strengths, one is our mission and the other is the staff. I get to work daily with skilled, energetic, knowledgeable, caring people who believe wholeheartedly in our mission. What could be better than that?
VN: What are some of the things you'd like to build upon?
VS: I would like to keep building upon our external relationships we have with our customers to make sure that we are providing the right training, at the right time, to the right people. Customer satisfaction is a key to our success and I do not want to ever lose focus that our existence and our success is based on delivering something meaningful. So, when I say customer satisfaction, I mean both satisfaction with the training week experience and satisfaction in the results of the training when the participant is back home putting what he or she has learned into practice. That is why our training is in demand, and it will continue to be.
VN: Some people who contact NLC/NVTI are sometimes confused about the relationship between the two and wonder if it means NVTI is somehow less important than NLC. What would you say to that?
VS: Well, I understand how it could be confusing. We created the National Learning Center so we could handle training requests from related agencies that basically have the same mission, employment and/or assisting veterans and transitioning service members. Since NVTI is a contract with DOL VETS, and that contract has a ceiling for funding, NLC was created so we could do business with DOD, DVA, ETA and more business with DOL VETS. NVTI is not less important because of NLC, it is the diamond in the jewel case. DOL VETS created us and is our base of operation. On our business cards and when our receptionists answer the phone they say “National Learning Center, Home of the National Veterans’ Training Institute.”
VN: Will you continue to be a trainer in addition to your director duties?
VS: I am looking to still keep in touch with our customers about their issues and concerns. I think the best way to do that is by staying involved with training. I know the Director responsibilities come first, but I’ll be in the classroom some of my time as part of those responsibilities.
VN: What are you most proud of during your time at NLC/NVTI, thus far?
VS: I think that I am most proud of being part of a mission that ultimately contributed to a veteran getting more accurate information, or service, or a job because a participant brought something from NLC/NVTI back to their job that made the difference for that veteran.
VN: Is it strange to see NLC/NVTI Director linked with your name?
VS: It is a new title and I have seen it a couple of times by my name and it takes me aback a little. I am not big on titles. For me it is carrying out the responsibilities of that title as best I can for our customers and the NLC/NVTI staff. So Madam Director and Your Directorship is not required when addressing me, Vaune will continue to work just fine.
VN: That’s good, because everyone is used to calling Steve, Steve.
VS: I would just like to say that in the short time I have been learning the responsibilities of the director’s position, it has given me even more respect for Steve Chapman and the 15 years of service he has given this position. If I handle the decision-making, the planning, the concern for customer and care of staff like Steve has, I will consider myself a success in this position.
BLS Supplemental Survey Shows Vets Employed More
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced the results of the Biennial Employment Situation of Veterans survey as of August 2005, which showed the overall veterans' unemployment rate is lower than that of non-veterans. The veterans' survey is published once every two years as a supplement to BLS's monthly Current Population Survey.
"The report shows that, overall, the employment of America's veterans is strong," said Charles Ciccolella, assistant secretary of labor for Veterans Employment and Training. "In August 2005, the veterans' unemployment rate was 3.9 percent, 0.8 percent lower than that of non-veterans. On an annual basis, veterans' unemployment was 4 percent in 2005, which is 0.6 percent below that of non-veterans."
That said, there is one age group of veterans — 20-to-24-year-olds — where the unemployment rate is higher than that of non-veterans of the same age group. In August 2005, those veterans had an unemployment rate of 18.7 percent compared with their non-veteran counterparts. For all of 2005, the annual rate was 15.6 percent for 20-to-24-year-old veterans compared with 8.7 percent for non-veterans in that age group.
"The U.S. Department of Labor has undertaken several initiatives to address this situation," said Ciccolella. "In cooperation with the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor conducts transition assistance employment workshops for members of the military who are scheduled for discharge. We are also collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a survey of young veterans to gain a better understanding of the reasons for this higher rate.
"But I am encouraged that veterans overall, for at least the 20th year in a row, have a lower unemployment rate than non-veterans," he said. "This shows that America's employers realize the value veterans bring to the work force, which is also what we are telling them in our HireVetsFirst campaign."
OPM Rule Makes it Easier to Hire People with Disabilities
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently released its final version of a regulation which eases the way for federal agencies to hire people who have disabilities. The new rule expands the types of proof that prospective employees can show federal hiring authorities backing up that they have a disability which qualifies them for excepted service positions.
The final regulation concerns the excepted-service appointment of persons with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. In tandem with the release of the regulation, OPM provided a “Questions and Answers” fact sheet that gives additional guidance.
“These provisions represent a significant step toward removing possible barriers to the employment of people with disabilities,” said OPM Director Linda M. Springer. “This is especially important as we prepare for the pending retirement wave from the federal government.”
The regulatory changes are in support of the President's “New Freedom Initiative,” and encourage federal agencies to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The regulation also expands the types of entities from which an agency can accept proof of disability and certification of an applicant's job readiness, it consolidates three separate appointing authorities pertaining to persons with disabilities and it clarifies employment options.
For further information on the regulation, federal employees should contact their OPM Human Capital Officer or visit http://www.opm.gov/disability
USBLN Annual Conference
The U. S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) invites you to join us for the 9th Annual National Conference, which will be held October 4-6, 2006 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center hotel in Minneapolis, MN. This year's annual conference is being hosted by the Minnesota Business Leadership Network.
Over 400 attendees are expected from BLN chapters across the country, as well as leaders and professionals from corporations, small businesses, colleges and universities, service providers, and the workforce development community. These leaders and professionals recognize the benefits of including people with disabilities in their workforce and marketplace and view people with disabilities as strategic business partners in today’s workplace.
The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) is the national organization that supports development and expansion of BLNs across the country, serving as their collective voice. The USBLN recognizes and promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities. Web site: www.usbln.com
Conference Highlights -- This year’s conference has added a career fair for students with disabilities. Minnesota is the kick-off site for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) annual National Mentoring Day. October 4th will begin with a nationally broadcast, live news conference and the career fair.
Nationally recognized speakers for the conference include:
The Honorable Bob Dole
Stedman Graham – New York Times best-selling author of You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success
Emmanuel Yeboah – 2005 recipient of ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the 2005 recipient of the Nike Casey Martin Award
John D. Kemp – 2006 recipient of the Henry B. Betts Award, widely regarded as America's highest honor for disability leadership and service; Principal at the law firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C.
John H. Hager – Assistant Secretary, U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Dr. W. Roy Grizzard – Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Dept of Labor
Dr. Richard G. Luecking – President, TransCen
Andy Imparato – President, American Association of People with Disabilities
Conference Information and Registration
For complete details on the conference including session information and registration, visit the conference web site at: www.mnbln.org/USBLNconference
Saluting an NVTI Pioneer
Many individuals have helped to shape and grow the National Veterans' Training Institute over its nearly 20-year history, but no one provided the inspiration and motivational thrust that Cecil Reed did. It is with great sadness that we report that Cecil passed away recently, just two months shy of his 93rd birthday.
Cecil began coming to speak to NVTI classes from the very first pilot course in 1986, when he would travel to Denver to close our week-long training sessions as the motivation speaker. His words would send our participants home ready (as Cecil would say) “to reach out and touch a life” and to be proud of the work they did serving veterans. Cecil spoke passionately on the importance of public service and the opportunity each of them had to “make a difference” in the lives of those they served.
Our Institute adopted Cecil’s challenge of “Caring Enough to Make a Difference” as our motto. And now for almost 20 years it has appeared, not only on all our correspondence, but can be seen in the way NVTI, and now NLC, does business. As Cecil gave his talk each week, not only was the class motivated, but the NVTI staff began taking on the passion of caring about others which Cecil so represented.
Soon after Cecil started working for the University, most of the NVTI staff (about 30 staffers at the time) would make a point to stop what we were doing on Friday or Saturday afternoon to go to the training site to “be with Cecil”. We were proud when he called us his “NVTI family” or “his kids”.
Cecil’s weekly challenge to all of us was to “touch a life” to “make a difference” and for the past 19+ years there has not been a day that goes by that we have not seen his impact on our program and those we train. You touched our lives at NVTI, Cecil--you cared enough about us to make that difference. We have and will continue to carry forward with your teachings.
Whenever Cecil came to Denver--he would always ask Steve Chapman, “how many have you now graduated, Steve?" Cecil, we now have graduated about 51,000 individuals from our Institute and we still follow the message from the Malloch poem you would always close your lesson with:
“Be the best of whatever you are”
If you can’t be a pine on the top of the hill;
Be a shrub in the valley – BUT BE
The best little shrub by the side of the hill:
Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.If you can’t be a bush, be a bit of the grass and some highway happier make:
If you can’t be a Muskie then just be a bass—But the liveliest bass in the lake!We can’t all be captains; we’ve got to be crew. There’s something for all of us here, There’s big work to do, and there’s lesser to do, And the task you must do is the near.
If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail, if you can’t be the sun, be a star: It isn’t by the size that you win or fail --- BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE.
Thank you, Cecil.
Note: We have been notified that Cecil's family is establishing a scholarship in his name. More details will be posted as we learn them.
Answers to Some of Your FAQs About UJS
by Amanda Andrews, Media Group Coordinator/Producer
Have a few questions about UJS? Chances are others have already asked your question!
The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century (UJS) series is still hot as ever--with distribution of over 800+ copies. We have received great feedback on the series, and have over 2,200 hits on our UJS website. Not bad at all for this creation from a 4-person media group! Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated, so please remember to let us know of any comments, feedback or suggestions you may have. And, as always, don’t forget to get your own copy of UJS!
With the UJS series having been available for over 2 months now, we have had many questions on the series. In an effort to clarify some commonly asked questions, please note the following questions and answers:
QUESTION: Can the UJS DVDs be copied/duplicated by my office or state for a more inexpensive way of distributing the series in my area?
ANSWER: Sorry, no--there is copy protection on the DVD that prohibits you from illegally duplicating the DVD. Efforts were made to provide the series at a very reasonable price of $85 that allows NLC to recoup the cost of production.
QUESTION: Is there a price break for large orders?
ANSWER: Yes. There is a price break at 200 DVDs. If you are planning an order of 200 sets or more, the price per unit is $75 rather than $85.
QUESTION: How much is shipping/handling?
ANSWER: The FedEx shipping and handling charges are already included in the price--there are no additional charges.
QUESTION: Can I load the UJS DVD onto my computer?
ANSWER: The UJS DVD is viewable on a DVD player through a monitor or television, but if your computer has a DVD-ROM capabilities, then the DVD can be viewed on your computer. Please be aware that the Ultimate Job Search series is available on VHS and DVD, not on CD-ROM.
QUESTION: Can I call in my order to the National Learning Center over the phone?
ANSWER: Yes, but It is more timely and efficient for you to print off an order form from www.nlc.cudenver.edu/UJS and either email or fax it to our office.
QUESTION: What is your fax number?
ANSWER: Our fax number is (303) 315-2222.
QUESTION: If I have any questions on my order, who should I call?
ANSWER: When referencing questions on your pending or processed orders, please call our main NLC line at (303) 315-2200 or (800) 331-0562 and ask for Amanda and please reference your order number.
QUESTION: Can I print off hard copies of the UJS online, interactive workbook?
ANSWER: Yes. Once you purchase a set, you can print off hard copy workbooks from the on-line, interactive workbook by clicking on “Printable Version." There is no limit to the amount of hard copy workbooks that you can print. Most trainers print one copy and take it to a print or copy shop for reproduction.
QUESTION: Is it necessary to use the UJS DVD/VHS with the online, interactive workbook or can they be used as stand alone products?
ANSWER: The UJS series and online, interactive workbook are best utilized together. The most effective way to use the Ultimate Job Search is to watch sections of the series and then utilize the activities and further information on the online, interactive workbook.
QUESTION: Do you have a comments or suggestion page or link somewhere?
ANSWER: Yes. You can submit you comments and suggestions through the online, interactive workbook and going to "Rate This Site" at the bottom of the left side of the page. We want and need to have your feedback about this product. It helps us improve UJS and will help us design future projects for you.
Latest on VA Computer Theft
Department of Veterans Affairs says individual credit monitoring no longer necessary as a result of computer theft breach.
Given the FBI's high degree of confidence that the information recently recovered was not accessed or compromised, and the arrest of two Maryland men believed involved in the theft, VA believes that individual credit monitoring will no longer be necessary.
Still, protecting veterans' private information remains a priority for VA. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson Monday announced recently that all VA computers throughout the agency will be upgraded with enhanced data security encryption systems beginning immediately.
“I have promised America’s veterans that I intend to make VA information security a model of data security and this expedited encryption program is a major step in that direction,” said Nicholson. “A system-wide encryption program will be a tremendous step forward in improving the safety and security of sensitive veteran information.”
Steve Buyer, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, made the following statement in connection with the August 4 arrests of two Maryland men believed to have stolen the computer and hard drive that contained personal data belonging to as many as 26.5 million veterans, as well as servicemembers and family members.
“While these arrests are good news, we were lucky that the data belonging to veterans was not accessed and misused,” Buyer said, expressing appreciation for the work of law enforcement authorities who made the arrest announcements Saturday.
Data breach analysis looks across multiple industries to detect patterns of misuse related to a specific data loss. While it is considered highly unlikely by the FBI and law enforcement that this data was accessed, data breach analysis will provide additional assurances.
“The vulnerability is real and with the help of Congress, VA must move forward with information security reform,” Buyer said.
Nicholson remains unwavering in his resolve to make VA the leader in protecting personal information.
Complete information about VA data security issues is available at www1.va.gov/opa/data/data.asp.
MOPH Launches Training Program
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation recently launched Veterans Business Training Center that was created to meet the needs of returning combat-wounded and disabled veterans with challenges they may encounter as they seek employment. The Veterans Business Training Center provides virtual job training for at-home combat-wounded and disabled veterans.
The Veterans Business Training Center provides online job training and placement services to disabled and combat-wounded veterans by web-based technology. The goal is to recruit and train qualified veterans in high-demand information technology careers that offer long-term job placement. The course work will maximize the military training veterans receive and reengineer their skills to the information industry – creating employment opportunities to provide for themselves and their family.
Collaborating with federal and local agencies the Veteran Business Training Center has created a national model to support and train the anticipated thousands of combat wounded and disabled veterans returning from the War and in need of meaningful employment.
More information on the Foundation can be found at www.purpleheartfoundation.org.
UJS Factoids - Did You Know?
Here are some interesting facts about the Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century.
Did you know...?
- There were only two producers and four total full-time production members on the UJS project. Greg Davis, producer, and Amanda Andrews, assistant producer, comprised the two person production team in the field, while Cheryl Swears and Joe Lasky created the online, interactive workbook. Additionally, there was the help of the NLC/NVTI training team who assisted in the scripting and casting process of the production, as well as providing content advice for the workbook.
- There were over 200 roles cast from a numerous amount of actors and actresses filmed at over 20 locations throughout Colorado. Among the many roles, actors and actresses were cast from the largest casting agencies in Colorado.
- This was the largest non-television/movie production filmed in Colorado in the past ten years.
- This production is the length of a motion picture film and was researched, written, cast, filmed and edited in a span of under one year.
- UJS starred one of NLC/NVTI's very own trainers--Bret Anderson. It also featured other staff including Amanda Andrews, Greg Davis, Cheryl Swears, Jim Deal, Jan Trunce, Deb Barley, Matt Richardson and Norman Chandler.
- The Media Group has a mascot which appears in every scene that is filmed by the team. See if you can spot the mascot in each scene of the Ultimate Job Search.
- The original UJS was a multi-award winning series. The new UJS for the 21st Century is being submitted in the New York Film Festival and the Telly Awards.
- UJS is distributed worldwide to help transitioning service members and veterans improve their job seeking abilities! And don't forget that for an additional $15 (VHS or DVD) the Job Search Tips for People with Disabilities product is available for helping those individuals with disability concerns.
Resource Center Highlights
For additional helpful resources, check out NVTI's Resource Library on-line. You may also email the Resource Center or call (800) 451-5759.
Your State's LMI - As part of the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, a site is maintained with each state's labor market information or LMI links. What a great resource to provide your customer's who are curious about the labor market situation in other states. www.bls.gov/oco/oco20024.htm
VA Center for Women Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs has a helpful site aimed specifically at women veterans. Some of the topic areas include healthcare, outreach, mental health, readjustment, and various statistics about women veterans. www1.va.gov/womenvet/#_GOALS
CareerBuilder's Job Fairs List - One of the most popular job search sites on the web, CareerBuilder, provides a listing of upcoming job fairs across the country. Check it out!
www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerFairs/default.aspx?sc_cmp1=JS_Emails_CF&siteid-CFAIR=&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=6324f3e0dd9a415180409a5d71ac5bdc-206119744-RL-4
Good News
UJS Hits The Road - Two members of the National Learning Center/NVTI's Media Group, Amanda Andrews and Cheryl Swears, will attend 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.
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VETS NET is a communiqué of the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service and is published several times a year by the National Veterans' Training Institute at the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center.
Leadership:
Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Employment and Training Service
Vaune Shelbourn, National Veterans' Training Institute Director
VETS NET Staff email: vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu
Cheryl Swears
James Deal
Addresses and Telephone Numbers:
US DOL/VETS, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210; (202) 693-4745
NVTI, 1380 Lawrence St., Ste. 1170, Denver, Colorado 80204; (303) 352-3737
Some hypertext pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations are posted within this e-newsletter. Please be aware that we do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Further, the inclusion of pointers to particular items in hypertext is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by the author of the reference or the organization operating the site on which the reference is maintained.
Contact Webmaster - webmaster@nvti.cudenver.edu
National Veterans' Training Institute
ATTN: VETS NET Editor
1380 Lawrence Street / Suite 1170
Denver, CO 80204
email: vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu
Phone: 303-352-3737
Toll free: 800-451-5759
Fax: 303-352-3735
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