Committee Leadership Applauds Wal-Mart Initiative

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Chairman Jeff Miller (FL-01) of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Vice-Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) praised Wal-Mart for its decision to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years.

 

Rep. Miller cited the need for a public-private partnership to reduce unemployment among veterans:  "I've said it many times before, although certain government programs can provide veterans with the tools they need to succeed following military service, the key to putting veterans into lasting, meaningful employment rests with the private sector.

 

"16 months ago several Committee Members and I held a roundtable on veterans' unemployment with leading private sector companies. Wal-Mart was among the first to sign a pledge to do its part in putting America's veterans back to work.  With today's announcement, Wal-Mart is taking the first step to match its pledge with concrete action. I commend Wal-Mart's leadership for this bold step forward."

 

Rep. Miller also pointed out that despite the reduction in the veterans' overall unemployment rate over the past few months, too many recently discharged veterans are still having a hard time finding a good job. 

 

"I hope every servicemember leaving the military will make use of every opportunity to prepare themselves for civilian life, whether as a student or as a member of the workforce.  Thorough preparation, beginning with the Transition Assistance Program, better known as TAP, means that companies like Wal-Mart will find it easier to hire our veterans because they will be job-ready," said Rep. Miller

 

"This is a great example of a private sector initiative to help our veterans get back to work. As our nation's heroes make the transition to civilian life, every effort to help them find employment within their communities is to be commended," said Rep. Bilirakis. "Congress will continue to work to foster a climate for economic growth, so our economy can continue to create jobs and strengthen the private sector."

 

@HouseVetAffairs

 

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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Web:	http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog:	Cold War Veterans Blog
Email:	Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
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