For many veterans who have spent a lifetime serving their country, leaving the military behind with its familiar structure; reliable family support; and unique subculture, can be more terrifying than facing deployment. Even veterans with advanced technical training and leadership skills can have difficulty re-entering the civilian job market.

U.S. Navy retiree Robert “Chili” Hicks enlisted straight out of high school and retired as a master chief petty officer after 21 years. After retiring he sent numerous applications and went through several interviews with discouraging results.

Through persistence, he eventually found a job as a human resources manager at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. The key, he said was, “Applying for the right companies who are willing to reach out to vets.”

Last November, Hicks shared his experience at a symposium hosted by Hire America’s Heroes (HAH) along with other retirees who had similar doubts. As a non-profit organization, HAH provides resources to assist in developing realistic expectations, conducting successful job searches, and finding employers that appreciate a veteran’s service.

Over the last few years, HAH has initiated and developed a partnership between federal, state, and corporate agencies. Their strategy is to reach a larger number of military retirees by reaching out through corporate sponsors, veterans programs, and transition coordinators on military bases.

“Not only are service members well trained in specific skill areas, but they have transferrable skills they often don’t realize they have,” said HAH President, Marjorie James.

She said HAH’s initial involvement with the transition program at Fort Lewis has expanded to include Madigan Army Medical Center and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center where sponsors can assist soldiers with job hunting.

In order for service members to benefit from HAH, they are required to present a terminal leave date along with official personnel documents. HAH also ensures that each person has completed the Transition Assistance Program or a similar federal agency program beforehand. 

HAH was established by corporations that saw the need to promote transition assistance for all exiting military members after the Washington State Business Leadership Network held a special event to promote hiring wounded warriors in September 2006.

Among them were Volt Technical Resources, Microsoft, Starbucks, Washington Mutual, and Weyerhaeuser. Other corporations represented in HAH’s Board of Directors include, Boeing, Comcast, Port of Seattle, and State Farm Insurance.

Aside from fulfilling a social responsibility, participating businesses stand to gain from simply, “hiring great employees,” said James. “HAH sponsors value the efficiency and strong work ethic that comes with military-trained employees.”

Tim Norgart retired from the Navy after 25 years and now oversees airborne anti-submarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance at the Boeing Company as director of new business development. Norgart, who was formerly stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, encourages others in transition to use their military experience as an asset on a resume.

“You come from a result-oriented culture, look at what you’ve achieved,” he said.

Comcast Vice President of Human Resources, Michael Cindric, said his company “believes the military provides experience for these technical skills that are not often available in other organizations.”

He said he is looking for employees who are self-motivated and are quick at problem solving and leadership skills. He explained that these traits are ideal for roles in engineering and technical jobs, as well as customer assistance services.

Norgart, Cindric and other corporate representatives had the opportunity to share these thoughts and their personal stories at the November symposium with transitioning Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members.

In support, Navy Region Northwest hosted the second annual symposium at the Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor facility.

“It is the very definition of a win-win strategy,” said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest. “Hire America’s Heroes provides a better future for both parties by bringing talented, dependable veterans together with corporations that are fighting to find good workers these days.”

HAH quarterly networking events and information for sponsorship is available online at http://www.hireamericasheroes.org{{PERIOD}}