Putting Veterans To Work

This blog title is likely to ruffle a few feathers, as it implies an epidemic of layabout retired servicemen and women, when the reality for millions of Vets, as we know it, is much harsher. Every Veterans Day, amidst the tributes and thank yous, are the tireless activists pointing out* how difficult life can be for veterans after military service - due especially to the psychological and disruptive impacts of combat and deployments and the relatively low remuneration for service. Now, under President Obama, the Administration and civil society organizations are working to reduce veteran unemployment and poverty.

On Monday, the White House introduced a new initiative to recruit and hire more veterans into the federal government, citing their distinct preparation for careers in public service.  Through the Council on Veterans Employment, the Homeland Security, Labor, and Veterans Affairs will work with WH personnel management to increase the number of veterans employed through the federal government.

Stimulus funds are supporting the American Legion Auxiliary's national Call to Service Corps VISTA project that puts volunteers to work fighting poverty among veterans and military families.  The project will provide economic and social support to over 100 military families and enlist almost 2,000 veteran families in anti-poverty community service projects.

What's important to remember is that veterans can often be characterized as the "hard-to-employ" or as a "special population" requiring targeted support and assistance in finding quality, affordable housing; educational opportunities; good jobs; and social services to support their specific emotional needs.  The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law notes that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have "substantially higher rates of unemployment than the general population", and that they may benefit from employment programs used to serve other low-income or special needs groups (single mothers, ex-offenders, etc.).

As you celebrate the sacrifices and service of our brothers and sisters in the US Armed Forces, don't forget that the conditions in which they serve require improvement and our consistent attention. Today on Veterans Day, share your experiences with other Poverty in America readers on fighting military and veterans' poverty.

*There is also the point that our excessive military expenditures prevent us from spending that money on fighting poverty and inequality at home.

(Photo "Iraqi Pig Skin • 2006 • An Nasiryah, Iraq" by Cam Vilay. I love the form of the person catching the ball, and the light-hearted moment of the photo)