President Obama’s Proposals for Creating Employment Opportunities for Our Veterans

By Ed Crenshaw

On a mild evening in late January, President Obama delivered his 2012 State of the Union address to members of the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, along with a television audience of millions of viewers throughout the world. In his address, the President formally outlined the accomplishments of his administration since taking office and the initiatives he plans for this year. Interwoven throughout much of the expected political rhetoric over some issues, he expressed much gratitude, appreciation and concern for veterans (particularly those US armed forces members that have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.) Regardless of one's political stance or affiliation, the great feeling to be acknowledged, honored and thanked by your President on behalf of a grateful nation - cannot be minimized by anyone who has worn the uniform. The same holds for all of the military spouses, families and loved ones who have also sacrificed on behalf of the country.

During the speech, the President mentioned welcoming home troops at Andrews Air Force Base. He passionately spoke of his affection for a particular American flag that he has in his possession. This flag has been signed by all the members of US Navy Seal team who  were responsible for bringing to justice  Osama bin Laden the mastermind of the September 11^th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. . He also spoke of how Congress and others could learn from the spirit of cooperation and inclusion and diversity practices that are demonstrated within the military, particularly during times of challenge and crisis.  The President noted the importance of  incorporating the talents and experience of transitioning military members to building a  stronger America. He referenced his grandfather who served in World War II and how he and his generation collectively built the strongest economy and middle-class the US has ever known.

Throughout the speech, he carefully outlined the details of the initiatives he will propose this year. As many had expected, the majority of President Obama's domestic proposals focused on the issue of creating jobs, and the President spoke specifically about the obligation to assist returning military members who have courageously served their country transition into the civilian workforce.  He spoke of this against a backdrop of a 30.4% jobless rate for veterans ages 18 to 24, up from 18.4% just a year earlier, and for black veterans ages 18 to 24, an unemployment rate of 48%, as reported by Bloomberg Businessweek in October 2011.

Shortly after the President's State of the Union Address,   he introduced a  $5 billion veteran's jobs plan that involves partnerships with the Veterans Administration and the Interior Department, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies. Grants wills be awarded to communities which hire veterans as police officers, firemen and first-responders.  Some of the funding necessary for these grants has already been approved by Congress, and the President is seeking an additional $4 billion.  Mr. Obama will also seek an additional $1 billion in funding in his proposed budget to provide up to 20,000 jobs for veterans in national and state park lands.

All of our returning troops are facing the challenge of making a healthy transition to civilian society from the battle zone. For many, the road to full functionality is an arduous path that includes surgeries, grueling physical therapies and lengthy rehabilitation periods,  and for others  the process of recuperating from enduring hidden wounds and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.  All of our veterans are owed the country's assistance in making a transition back into civilian society and the civilian workforce.  As our leaders in Washington work toward the adoption of a final budget, we trust that it will honor our obligations to our veterans.

Author Bio:

Edward Crenshaw, a US Navy veteran, is president and CEO of DESTIN Enterprises, LLC (DESTIN) in Columbia, MD. DESTIN is a diversity consulting and training firm that specializes in customized and strategic solutions with a focus on disability and veteran’s diversity awareness. Ed co-created the ground-breaking “Preparing Employers to Reintegrate Combat Exposed Veterans with Disabilities” (P.E.R.C.E.V.D.) diversity training program with OIF veteran and board-certified psychiatrist, Cynthia Washington, M.D. Ed is also a highly recognized speaker, disability advocate and author of the book “The P.E.R.C.E.V.D. Principles.”