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BUYER LAUDS TOP 25 CORPORATIONS HIRING VETERANS
Washington , D.C. — House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) held a full committee hearing today on American corporations’ commitment to hiring veterans. The committee examined private sector practices in recruiting, employing and advancing employment opportunities for veterans, while underscoring the skills and abilities today’s military personnel offer. Buyer applauded the companies in attendance stating that they are “setting the standard by which to measure the nation’s business community.”“A priority of this committee is ensuring that veterans across the country have the means to support themselves once they separate from service. America’s veterans are dedicated, hard working and self motivated—three key elements that any employer looks for in an employee. I applaud these companies for joining us in easing the transition for veterans to civilian life,” said Chairman Buyer. Buyer also praised the companies for going the extra mile for their employees who are called to active duty. “Each of these companies have programs that continue pay and benefits when their employees are activated. They set the standard by which to measure America’s business community,” Buyer said. Also providing testimony today, transitioning Army soldier Corey McGee and veterans Ashley Dozier and Peter Lohman spoke to their personal experiences of seeking civilian employment opportunities while separating from the military. “Programs . . . that provide wounded soldiers with career counseling and reemployment services . . . are invaluable. Wounded soldiers have spare time between appointments and medical care, especially as they begin to transition out. This time would best be spent learning about opportunities in the civilian world,” said recently retired Army Captain Peter Lohman. “Some of America’s finest are now recovering from injuries at Walter Reed, Bethesda, Brooke, Madigan and other military and VA hospitals. As their bodies begin to heal, it is essential that we work with American companies to tap into this vast resource of skilled and dedicated workers. Not only will this help our veterans care for themselves and their families, but helping them find employment will give them piece of mind as they recover from their wounds,” said Buyer. Companies such as The Home Depot strive to recruit former servicemembers for its leadership programs. Currently, almost 50 percent of the trainees in their program are former military. Union Pacific received first place in G.I. Jobs Magazines “Top 25 Military-friendly employers” for good reason. They have a full time military recruiter with four other recruiters supporting this position, and spend 50 percent of their time working with transitioning military. The company also allocates 12 percent of its recruitment advertising budget to military hires. On hiring veterans: “It is in our value proposition to take care of the people who are defending our country. We do not view our military support as a cost, but rather as an investment. It is not a burden. It is our responsibility, and one that we live up to proudly each and every day.” Dennis Donovan, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, The Home Depot (On September 21, 2004, The Home Depot joined forces with the U.S. Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs to launch Operation Career Front, an unprecedented program designed to provide career opportunities for America’s military personnel who are interested in transferring their unique skills, knowledge and abilities into a successful second career.) “We have a very strong interest in those who have served. They understand rules, are well-trained and safety-conscious.” Bill Behrendt, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources for Pacific Union Corporation “We actively recruit veterans through military placement firms and Service Academy Career Conferences, and the disabled through Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Conferences. Frankly, one of our most important recruiting tools - beyond the challenging and exciting careers we offer - is the reputation we have as an employer of choice for veterans.” Daniel Nelson, Vice President, Exxon Mobile Corporation “We recognize and appreciate the sacrifice and service not only of the citizen-soldiers who are members of Team BNSF, but of all of America's heroes who have answered the call to serve and defend our country since September 11, 2001.”Matthew K. Rose, President and CEO, BNSF Railway Company Chairman “From leadership positions throughout every level of the company, military veterans have brought a work ethic reflective of the training and experiences they’ve acquired. It is now estimated that about 14% of Harley-Davidson’s U.S. employees, 10% of our executive leadership and 30% of our customers have served in the military.”Harold Scott, Vice President of HR, Harley-Davidson “We have found that making long term commitments to recruit from the military, actively promoting deserving veterans, maintaining generous Guard and Reserve policies, and working to ease the transition to civilian/corporate life have long term positive effects for GE. Even more, we understand that hiring from the military is an economic benefit for our company.”Marc Chini, Vice President, Human Resources, General Electric Infrastructure Testimony was provided by:Panel 1
Mr. Dennis
Donovan,
Executive Vice President of Human
Resources, Home Depot Panel 2
Mr. Corey
McGee,
Active Duty Army, Volunteer
Special Events and National Programs at Veterans Affairs
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