Arizona entrepreneurs learn benefits of hiring vets during tour

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  Ten Arizona Chapter Entrepreneur Organization members held their annual retreat/meeting and toured the base March 27.

This year part of their meeting was focused on hiring veterans and improving business practices. 

Andrew Ryan, Department of Economic Security local veteran employment representative for the west - Phoenix Workforce Connection office, spoke with the members on the benefits of hiring veterans.

"With the help of our Disabled Veteran Outreach Program team, we help to create employment opportunities by showing employers that the value a veteran brings to their organization is greater than the total cost of employing him or her," said Ryan. "In preparing to separate from any of the Armed Forces, servicemen/women and their family members need to be ready to do their homework on their new civilian careers. This should be done as soon as possible, prior to transitioning."

Ryan talked about services available to all eligible veterans and spouses that meet federally mandated guidelines as well as the services available to employers who are looking to hire veterans.

"Many of the group members mentioned that they would definitely consider hiring a veteran" said John Mellor, President and CEO of Work In Sports and group moderator. "I think the work ethic, commitment, experience and attitude would make a veteran a great hire for any sized business."

After the briefing from Ryan, Jessica Paul, 944th Fighter Wing family advocacy outreach manager, discussed the specific challenges faced by Reservists looking for jobs and balancing their service one weekend a month and 15 days of annual tour a year.

"Reservists are able and willing to be hired on a fulltime basis and can still fulfill their military obligations," said Paul. "They are a great pool of individuals to choose from because of their unique skill sets and strong work ethic and would be a great asset to any organization."

The group finished up their day on base with a tour that gave them an up close look at an F-16, hands-on display at explosive ordinance disposal, and a military working dog demonstration.

"Everyone thought the tour was outstanding," said Mellor. "Being able to meet with the outstanding men and women that serve our country was a unique experience. Seeing inside an F-16, learning all about the bomb squad and the working dogs was fascinating."

For veterans looking for a job, resume writing tips, computer job search skills, as well as interview preparation guidance, resources are offered on base as well as at six One-Stop locations throughout the Valley.

For more information for both active duty and Reserve service members and their spouses seeking employment please contact Terry Grossman, Department of Economic Security Arizona Veterans Employment Advocate, at the Luke Air Force Base Family Readiness Center Mon. Wed. and Fri at 623-856-6362, Jessica Paul, 944th Family Advocacy Outreach Manager at 623-856-2289 and the 944th Fighter Wing Family Readiness Center at 623-856-8324.