MetroWest Veterans Initiative

2012 Message from John Stone

As 2012 comes to a close I am able to reflect back to our efforts as a Chamber and the assistance we have provided to our deserving Veterans.  We continued to take our efforts to a new level with Social Media, reaching soldiers about to be discharged and Veterans across the globe.  At any one time we have been working directly with 10 or more Veterans and many agencies providing services. 

This year I was able to attend and participate in a discussion with Lt. Governor Murray and the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force and was able to assist Veterans Inc. in securing funding from the SSVF Grant (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) to insure these monies reach Veterans and their families. This grant is in direct support for veterans at risk for homelessness and requiring some assistance so they can pay their bills and maintain their living arrangements.  Our efforts were recognized via LinkedIn by the City of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard who has duplicated our efforts to assist Veterans.

This year saw a renewed effort with President Obama’s Warriors to Workforce and the Vow to Hire Act, but more still needs to be done.  It is projected that our 26 million Veterans will grow by an additional 10% within the next 2 years.  As members of the MetroWest Chamber, it is essential that we continue to support our Veterans as the needs of our veteran community expands.

One item that we have received a great deal of feedback on is that Veterans do not know how to translate their military experience into employment in the civilian world.  You can assist Veterans by giving a Veteran’s resume a second read, taking the time to talk to them, and asking questions. You will find that the training and commitment they have made to our country can be a tremendous asset to your business.  If you are wondering how you can help, here are some practical options:

• Hire a Veteran – if you have a job opening, contact John Stone (see below for contact information or contact the Chamber Office). John will forward the job description to agencies that service and pre-qualify Veterans.
• If you review a Veteran’s resume, review it carefully and keep in mind what makes a good soldier – the ability to listen to instructions and respond appropriately, understanding the importance of taking direction yet providing leadership when necessary, and being a team player who understands the concept of sacrificing self for the good of all – these things are often highly desirable in an employee.
• If you know of an unemployed Veteran – please connect them with John, or forward John’s information to the Veteran – this will include them on a daily email blast that includes job openings offering Veteran preference.
• Remember Veterans when planning your annual donations whether it is a monetary donation or gently used clothing or your time. 

We continue to mentor Veterans in a variety of ways including resume writing and mock job interviews and we assist Veterans who wish to start their own businesses. If you’d like to assist in any of these efforts, please let us know!   I’d like to thank the many people who stepped forward this year to assist our veteran community and I look forward to working with you in 2013 as we continue to lead the charge in returning our veterans to the full benefits of civilian life.

John Stone

John’s contact information:

John A. Stone
TCG Network Services
Phone: 508-650-9917 x 314 | fax: 508-655-3485

jstone@tcgns.com | www.tcgns.com

or Contact the Chamber directly to help support our Initiative or with any questions.

Veterans have bravely served our country and have proven that they are reliable, diligent and always ready to get the job done.  A little help goes a long way...so let’s give back to those who have given so much.

The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce’s Veteran’s Initiative...helping to give our hero’s a bright new start.

Veterans Resources, programs, helpful links and more...

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