How important is the National Guard?

Words: Steven AdamsIn many states, unemployment among Guard members is twice as high as for all veterans as a group and for the general public. Recent furloughs are hurting too, especially for those already looking for jobs.

Hundreds of state National Guard employment counselors are working one-on-one with unemployed Guard members to match them with the job postings generated in this campaign. The postings come in from the participating employers and flow directly to Guard counselors. Guard members receive interview training and learn how their military training relates to civilian jobs. Counselors work with them until they find jobs to support their families. This help is personal and free.

Employers get free help too

Counselors identify Guard candidates whose skills and experiences relate to job requirements and coach employers on how to conduct the most productive interviews with military candidates.

This campaign is so important because the job postings are going directly to Guard counselors working with Guard members looking for work now. In California, for example, only six counselors are working with 2,000 unemployed Guard members. These counselors need the incoming postings to match with vets as quickly as possible.

How can you help?

First, you can share this with friends, neighbors and relatives who may run companies that need to hire great employees. Second, if you work for a company, share this email with your HR staff or manager and ask them to look into the campaign and register online to post jobs. No fees of any kind!

Employers of all sizes from 10 to 100,000 employees are posting jobs for the Guard. Just about every industry is represented too!

Center for America, which is managing this nonprofit campaign, is working in alliance with the Army National Guard under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Lt. General William Ingram, Director of the Army National Guard. Our campaign is funded by foundations and Phillips 66, our lead corporate sponsor -- we receive no government funding. 98 business associations across the country are publicizing the campaign with their members.

I hope you'll look closely at this campaign and then decide to help spread the word. Visit our website at www.centerforamerica.org for plenty of details and background information. Feel free to call me at 201-513-0379 or email me with your questions. We're happy to provide references.

The National Guard is vital to our communities -- responding to more than 100 natural disasters in the last couple of years. The Army National Guard represents 40% of our total army force and the Air National Guard operates 17 of 18 home air defense centers. The 460,000+ men and women in the National Guard are always there for us and now they need our help -- and yours -- to match up with good jobs while they serve as active members of the Guard!

Thanks for your help!
About: Featured
 0
Who Knows Most About Keeping Masonry Workers Safe?

As a safety professional who has specialized largely in masonry safety since the late 1980s, I’ve grown to think that I know a great deal about keeping masonry workers safe. That being said, I must admit that my colleagues and I know more about complianc

Read More
Recognizing Women in the Industry

Masonry was introduced to the world through the imagination, determination, and pure strength of mankind. The first masons’ unique abilities harnessed the earth around them to create the structures that provided the security that allowed us to advance. Th

By: Cassie Mejia
About: Featured
Read More
Understanding Different Types of Trowels Originating Through Government Specifications

Trowels are essential tools in masonry, each one designed with specific functions and specifications to aid in various tasks. Knowing the right type of trowel to use can greatly impact the quality and efficiency of your work. This article dives into the f

By: Paul Bender
About: MAP Partner
Read More
Natural Stone Institute Holds Utah Study Tour

Oberlin, OH, September 17, 2024—157 attendees from 48 member companies and 5 architectural firms attended the annual NSI Study Tour, which took place in Salt Lake City August 25-28, with an optional extension to Idaho on August 29. Highlights included an

By: Amy Oakley
Read More