ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) — At St. Louis City Hall Tuesday morning, military veterans were recognized. But, four companies were honored by “Show-Me Heroes” for sticking with their pledge to hire returning vets.
The organization helps servicemen and women find work in a civilian world. Veterans-affairs officials estimated less than one percent of Americans sign up to serve.
“In generation’s past, it was the employers themselves who tended to be veterans,” said Dr. Tommy Sowers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “So now, it’s overcoming that. And, one of the ways we do that is through education.”
Show-Me Heroes organizers said some employers may not even be aware of all of the skill sets a returning veteran can bring to the table.
“So there’s a lot of education we provide for veterans and employers,” said Show-Me Heroes John Barry. He is also a 2nd Lieutenant with the Missouri Army National Guard. “Some of those include — for the veteran — how to translate their military skills on their resume so that civilian employer can better decode that and understand that.”
But, reputation tends to precede vets who apply to work at the Securitas security firm.
“The military vet is used to getting up, getting to work on time, their uniform is sharp,” said Sherri Parker, of Securitas human resources. “And, those are things that they reiterate out in the field. And, our clients really are excited.”
Airman Terry Hawkins said he was let go from his job at a local halfway house and then became homeless. He said 17 employers then said he was overqualified. He said Securitas looked at his military experience and fast-tracked his interview process.
“And, I was impressed with that,” Hawkins said. “So since they impressed me, I am on a permanent role to impress them.”
Friend me on Facebook: facebook.com/KimHudsonTV
Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/kimhudsontv
Email me: kim.hudson@tvstl.com
The post Companies honored for hiring returing vets appeared first on Top News Videos.