By Stephen Smoot
From the 1990s forward, United States servicemen and women have found themselves called to serve in ways never asked before. Multiple wars, long term deployments into occasionally hostile areas, dealing with the wear and tear of years of conflict on equipment and morale continue to take a toll on countless veterans as they exit the service and move into civilian life.
Another aspect of war not seen as much prior lay in “no safe zones” in many conflicts. In Iraq and Afghanistan, for example, everyone from the Special Forces to office clerks could find themselves under fire from irregular guerilla forces and terrorists.
The sacrifices made include the time, energy, and frustration from veterans working to readjust to civilian life and seeking their path in life.
Thankfully, most Americans embrace the concept of special assistance to veterans. Myriad programs endeavor to help. One such West Virginia-based program is Heroes 4 Hire from Eastern Action, part of the West Virginia Community Action Partnership. Although Eastern Action primarily serves the counties of the Eastern Panhandle, Heroes 4 Hire is a federally grant supported program that operates in all 55 Mountain State counties.
Daniel Barr, who administers veterans’ programs for Eastern Action, explained that “this is an entirely federally funded program through the United States Department of Labor.” It assists with job training, education, and helping veterans find the most productive possible path into the workforce and serves “at-risk” veterans, including those exiting incarceration.
“The goal is not just to get them a job at Burger King or McDonalds,” shared Barr, adding that “meaningful” jobs that can lead to better pay and advancement possibilities are the priority. Trainings, often through the West Virginia community and technical college system or with online courses that lead to national level certifications,, can lead to the kinds of skills and certifications that elevate individuals above unskilled labor jobs. They also open doors to fields in-demand in West Virginia, such as in the trades and health care, which helps to build local economies through expansion of the skilled workforce.
“We can help them as long as they are under the ‘living wage.’” said Barr.
The program can also assist with the basics of what an employee may need on the job. For example, those going into construction or contracting might receive a set of “start up tools”, protective steel-toed boots, and other gear needed when starting work. Another potential area of assistance lies in helping with child care.
The program serves as a milestone also for Eastern Action. “This is our first direct grant program where we are not a ‘pass-through.’” said Barr. “This is pretty significant for us as an agency,” shared Barr. Eastern Action has also never operated a statewide program prior to Heroes 4 Hire, either. It currently is working with about 125 veteran clients.
One challenge lies in staffing the program. Currently staff in Petersburg and Beckley cover expansive territories, but as Barr explains “two is not enough to cover the entire state.” The program is currently recruiting an administrator to focus on the North Central counties on the Interstate 79 and 68 corridors north of and including Harrison.
“The numbers will skyrocket when we get someone hired there,” noted Barr.
One success story involved an individual struggling to qualify for entry into the Merchant Marine. He needed a passport and other requirements. The program got him “everything he needed” in 10 days.