Many of us have seen the joyous reunions that unfold as veterans get off a plane and run into the arms of children, wives and husbands after being deployed for significant lengths of time. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. But what happens after this homecoming?
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Many veterans face the struggle of transitioning from the service to a civilian lifestyle. Our nonprofit organization, United States Vets Inc., recognizes these issues and has become a prime resource for helping these men and women in this fight. It is our mission to serve them as they have served our country and assist them in meeting their life-sustaining needs.
This year, thanks to coverage by WTOL-11, 13abc and other local media, we have been able to make the Toledo community aware of United States Vets. Inc. and what it’s doing.
A January fundraiser was just the beginning. We are planning an employment seminar for veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at the West Toledo Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 1320 W. Sylvania Ave. That will be followed up by a veterans’ job fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20 at the Huntington Room in the Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St.
The employment seminar — open to veterans only — will prepare the veterans to write outstanding resumes, cover letters and profiles as well as understand the recruiting process. Information for those interested in starting their own businesses will be offered along with resources available through the Toledo-Lucas County Library system. Register by contacting me at lclouden7@gmail.com. Veterans should be aware that their military/veteran ID is required to attend the seminar. If credentials need to replaced or updated, our website, unitedstatesvets.org, has information on where vets can get this critical identification.
The followup job fair is specifically designed for veterans seeking employment. We have invited prospective employers who are interested in hiring veterans with qualifications that match their business needs. Unlike other job fairs, we put the veterans and their needs in the forefront. If your business or company is interested in participating in the job fair, please contact us soon as space is limited.
The world of a veteran returning home is multifaceted. Their integration back into civilian society can be challenging. As advocates, we strive to meet the emotional, social and even spiritual needs of these men and women who have bravely served our country. We want to close the gap and help these veterans live a fulfilling life outside their military service by becoming productive members of our Toledo community.
As a nonprofit, we continually seek support and commitment from the community as we aim to identify veterans’ needs and expand our scope in assisting them. No soldier, airman, sailor, Marine or guard should be living in substandard accommodations, worrying about their next meal, lacking medical or professional aid or wondering where they can find a job. The questions, the paperwork and the maze of resources are confusing.
Our website is designed to make this easier — almost like one-stop shopping. Every resource is researched before it is placed on the site. This makes the process of searching for assistance less daunting. Our focus is on eliminating the red tape and pointless phone calls and emails for veterans looking for the resources that will specifically help them. Their issues and needs can be different, and we must be respectful of that.
We have stepped up to the plate to become their source of hope and it is our sincere desire that the Toledo community, businesses and organizations will join us in our efforts. Become part of the solution. Your support — no matter how large or small — and your involvement in our events will help our local heroes in so many ways. Contact us soon, and sign up for our monthly newsletter at our website. Become a hero to our heroes.
Leslie Mestrow is the public relations coordinator for Toledo-based United States Vets Inc. (unitedstatesvets.org) and can be contacted at lclouden7@gmail.com
