MilitaryStars Blog

Great News for Veterans in Small Business

After first being proposed in Congress last March, I'm happy to report - via Boston.com - that the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act (whew) was approved yesterday by the Senate.  It might be a long title, but what it means is very clear: $50K in no-collateral loans to Reservist and veteran small-business owners, and over $4 million over the next two years for the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development.  We have had SBA speakers attend our events to promote the benefits of running your own business to those interested, and for veterans, there has never been a better time! 

Everyday Veterans Often Have the Best Advice

Pay attention when this recently retired Lieutenant Colonel says that before you transition, "you can never start looking for a new job soon enough".  He knows what he's talking about - he started his own consulting business along with teaching college classes, all while in the military and continuing into his fully civilian life.  Gotta like that this is just straight shooting, from an everyday man who knows what he's talking about and isn't trying to sell you anything.  There are plenty of successful people like this out there we can all learn from!

Veterans College Program in South Dakota

It's great to read about money being promised to veterans, but so much better to see it action.  From a US Department of Education grant comes this well-designed program in South Dakota.  If a servicemember wants to start or continue college, the program, called Veterans Upward Bound, helps them catch up on basic courses so they don't have to spend benefit money on those types of classes.  Veteran students are often older; this story describes how the program helps even middle-aged veterans feel more like regular students.  The program offers job assistance too!

MWR: Fishing Trips for Troops

Quite a few of us here have fishing poles in our cubicles, so it was great when my colleague Brenda sent this info along: the Kayak Anglers Society of America has several amazing programs in place for current and prior servicemembers.  Heroes on the Water takes service disabled veterans on kayak fishing trips; they currently host trips in Texas and look to expand nationwide.  Operation Desert Kayak Fish will be bringing a fleet of kayaks to a safe zone in Iraq later this year, where troops can catch fighting barramundi, a close relative of the snook (what we're used to here in FL).  Both programs are actively seeking donations - if you like to fish, you know how much it can clear your head, so give this group a look!  Thanks and have a great week.   

New Assistance for PA Military and Veterans

My home state of Pennsylvania is the latest to pass legislation to help its veterans.  Grant money will be available to veterans organizations across the state; to receive money, an organization must use it to increase training opportunities, among other smart conditions.  The bill also aims to get healhcare and other benefits more quickly to the million-plus veterans in PA.  I am proud to say it did not receive a single "no" vote in the state legislature.   

New Career Resources for Active Duty Sailors

Hopefully many of you at yesterday's event in Irving, TX were able to find some solid leads in your career search - if you're a Cowboys fan on top of that, can't get any better, right?  Across the Armed Forces, new programs are in place to help you decide who you should be targeting while attending career events, while researching online, networking, and more, all while still on active duty.  The Air Force recently joined the tech-driven trend with their own civilian career resource site. The Navy just has taken it to the next level by allowing Sailors access to their COOL program while on board!  The USS Theodore Roosevelt is the first ship with access to COOL; here's hoping there are many more, and that many of you are able to take advantage.   

Transition Tips From ACAP to Big Business

For an in-depth example of what the military and civilian employers are both doing to improve the transition experience, check this out.  From the News-Tribune in Washington state, the article depicts the ACAP process at Ft. Lewis, helped along by one of the founders of the program.  There are outstanding civilian resume tips from a state veterans outreach employee who served (ex: why it helps to think of yourself as a "business operations manager for a 1,500-person company").  Plus, a featured example of a local civilian employer who works with the American Legion; she notes that "federal agencies post 15,000 to 20,000 jobs per day" (and, I'd add, are all about hiring veterans).  Military, state government, and private interests working this seamlessly together may be a rare thing, but the tips that come out of their example are something to share with everyone - and by passing this info on to someone else, you're networking; simple as that!  Hope you find it useful; have a great week!

Tomorrow's Event Serving San Diego Military & Veterans!

Happy holidays and best of luck to everyone headed to our San Diego hiring event tomorrow!  Talk about the place to be this time of year.  Whether you aim for a career in computers or motorcycles, we have something great here for you, and everything along the way from law enforcement to oilfields, beverages to oceaneering.  Hopefully some of you have seen our info on the sign outside the Scottish Rite Events Center - it's a one-of-a-kind facility, we're pumped to be back, and any time you are able to stop by, oppportunities will be right in front of you.  We believe in you as always and wish you success!   

A Veteran's Best Friend When Battling Red Tape

The non-profit Veterans for America has just released its American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide - great title, especially considering what it entails: explaining the bureaucracies of government veterans agencies, from the local to the state level.  It's available for free online at their site, allowing the organization to also easily make updates and add new content - very bloglike!  This is a fantastic idea by Veterans for America, executed well by bringing in experts for all levels of red tape you have to deal with.  Hopefully it serves you well!

Which State Puts More Veterans to Work?

I've read many stories about different states offering assistance to their veterans; in their own way, they each contribute to a powerful trend of good news.  Sometimes, though, the story amounts to, at this point, no more than good thoughts, ideas, and plans - all the more reason for me to push all of us to improve ourselves and not wait around.  It's therefore great to get this in-depth look at what's being done, not what's being promised, in New Hampshire.  The state has the fourth-highest per capita veteran population in the country, and, while the nationwide veteran unemployment rate has fallen dramatically in the last year, in New Hampshire it is almost identical to the civilian rate.  It's an inspiring example of employers and government resources committing to being there for veterans.  No matter where you are, note that many area veterans find careers in law enforcement available everywhere!  Have a great week.