Statement of Need: Combat-wounded warriors need work
In 2005, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reported 15.6% veterans ages 20-24 were unemployed, nearly twice the number of nonveterans. The veteran jobless dropped to 10.4% in 2006, still higher than 8.1 percent of nonveterans.
The decrease, while hopeful, nevertheless is overshadowed by the sheer numbers of veterans.
Each year, 200,000 servicemen and women leave the military.
Numbers of wounded veterans are particularly high. For every fatality in Iraq, 15 servicemen and women are injured, as compared with 2.6 per fatality in the Vietnam War and 2.8 in Korea.3
Almost 30,000 soldiers have been wounded in action in Iraq. An additional 31,000 have been treated for noncombat injuries and illnesses. Since 2001 alone, 32,000 Gulf War II veterans have been assigned service-connected disability ratings.
The federal government offers service members employment transition services through its Transition Assistance Program (TAP).5 Though invaluable, the 3-day TAP workshops cannot provide individualized, long-term support that so many of our combat-wounded warriors need in order to successfully transition to productive lives. Moreover, service members must make use of TAP services within 180 days of separating or retiring. Many find TAP services confusing and daunting to navigate, particularly as they face recuperation and rehabilitation from combat injuries.
Warriors need an advocate to guide them through the process of identifying a career path, preparing for transition to civilian employment, applying for jobs, and in particular, networking with employers in the private and public sector who are eager to hire veterans. While many other good organizations offer important employment services for our combat-wounded veterans, VET Foundation is the only one that provides personalized career support and mentoring through an all-expenses paid program.
VET Foundation helps our courageous servicemen and women address personal barriers to success. We connect them one-on-one with potential employers and mentors who have successfully transitioned to the civilian workforce – greatly increasing their chances for a smooth, productive career path after their service to our country.
