Photo By Sgt. Michael Baltz | Staff Sgt. Jerry Harper, a member of the Florida Army National Guard's 779th Engineer...... read more read more
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PONTE VEDRA, Fla. -- National Guard members returning home from war come home to another battle – the battle to find a job. However, organizations in the Greater Jacksonville Area are focused on making this challenging transition into the civilian workforce as stress-free as possible.
The Players Championship hosted a job fair, May 7, 2012, for military veterans where more than 20 companies that are part of the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition collected resumes and provided information to veterans. Companies included Deutsche Bank, Incepture, Citibank and CSX.
“I felt I was able to do some good networking and find out what is out there today,” said Staff Sgt. Jerry Harper, with Florida National Guard’s 779th Engineer Battalion. “Every time I put in for a job, I learn about what I should do the next time. It is a learning process.”
Harper, along with his wife Senior Airman Michelle Harper, was among the dozens of military veterans who participated in the job fair.
“Hosting this event is the least we can do. The sacrifices that are made on our behalf are minimal,” said Matt Rapp, the executive director of TPC. “I get stressed out if a table is not in the right place or if there is garbage blowing about in the fair way. That is not real life. [Military Members] are providing the freedom for us to prosper. The absolute minimum we can do is to show our thanks.”
Each company may have their own reasons for recruiting military veterans, but several make it clear on why.
“My CEO said Deutsche Bank is selfish,” said Deutsche Bank Managing Director, Michael Fleming, a retired brigadier general with the Florida Army National Guard. “ He said, ‘We want to be the best company we can be, and we believe military veterans can make us a better company because they bring a lot to the table.’
“Military veterans are known for their discipline, motivation, work ethic, dependability and high character, which are things all companies want,” Fleming added.
Military members can struggle with transitioning out of the military and into a normal civilian life, and the JMVC’s new website, www.coj.net/jobsforvets, aims to make that transition as seamless as possible.
“When Mayor Alvin Brown took office last summer, he made it a top priority in his administration to enhance the relationship Jacksonville has with its veterans,” said Jacksonville’s Director of Military Affairs, Victor Guillory, a retired Navy rear admiral. “We launched this website that is a one-stop shop for military members and military friendly companies. There is a Military 101 section where companies can become more familiar with military responsibilities.”
The website is one of the many ways the JMVC attempts to support veterans. Another is giving military members free tickets to this week’s festivities for the tournament, which start May 9 and conclude May 13.
“We would like to get everyone out here this week. The Patriots Outpost is much improved,” Rapp said. “The outpost has free food, water and soft drinks all week. It is a great place to bring your family and to blow off some steam from your normal work place. “
The Military Appreciation Ceremony is themed “A Tribute to America’s Volunteers” in honor of the 375th anniversary of the National Guard of the United States. It will take place at 5:30p.m.Wednesday at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Lawn followed by a concert with county music singer Luke Bryan.
For more information visit www.Birdiesforthebrave.org
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2012 14:01 |
| Story ID: | 88102 |
| Location: | PONTE VEDRA , FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 136 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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