Commentary: Helping veterans find careers rather than just jobs
When we celebrate Veterans Day, we celebrate more than the sacrifice that brave men and women have made for our country. We celebrate the awe-inspiring spirit of America at its best.
I have the privilege of celebrating that spirit every day. At Goodwill of Orange County’s Tierney Center for Veteran Services, Goodwill employs veterans, offers them best-in-class services and helps reintegrate them into civilian life. These men and women are like no one else you will ever meet.
In 2013, when Goodwill of Orange County first launched our veteran program to connect veterans with the resources they need to transition successfully into civilian life, I spoke to the business community about the fact that hiring a veteran is more than a patriotic obligation. It’s a smart business decision.
I explained how veterans offer an exceptional level of leadership, dependability and discipline. I shared statistics showing how companies benefit from vets’ results-based background and clear communications skills. I gave concrete examples of the “10 vet advantages” every man and woman who has served our country affords a prospective employer, regardless of industry. Today, I want to share the story of a company that has been transformed by the work that veterans have provided: mine.
By hiring and engaging with veterans through the Tierney Center, Goodwill of Orange County has connected thousands of veterans with employment opportunities. We find these warriors real careers, not simply “jobs.” We have further served the transition to civilian life by helping several hundred men and women who served our country secure housing and other “life” resources. Sometimes the best fit for these warriors is a career with us. And we have become a better company as a result.
An Air Force veteran I know is one of the reasons we are stronger today. He came out of the Air Force with a plan: work for a company with a meaningful mission. Jumping from job to job, feeling discouraged about his prospects, he came to Goodwill. Here, his true talents shine. He is an inspiring member of Goodwill’s Tierney Center team, telling his story, advocating for fellow veterans, helping them understand the opportunities and resources available to them.
He reminds us all why we do this work – and encourages us to work harder. Not only has he found success for himself, he has found a way to continue helping his fellow vets and support them on their path to employment.
When we are able to help, we not only stay true to our mission, we improve as a company. Everyone involved can feel it.
We, all of us, can strive to become better versions of ourselves. Regardless of political persuasion, military service or even worldview, that’s what impresses about the human spirit. It is what motivates the brave men and women who volunteer to serve our country through military service. It is what we celebrate when we celebrate Veterans Day.
FRANK TALARICO JR. is president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County.