As we prepare to depart for the Thanksgiving holiday to spend time with our loved ones and give thanks for the things in our lives we’ve been blessed with. I ask that you take a moment and remember the men and women who cannot be with their families this holiday season, the men and women who are fighting to preserve the freedom we all enjoy.
In today’s environment, many of the veterans that are entering the job market have spent time in resort destinations such as Iraq or Afghanistan and unfortunately some never returned. As they fulfill their duties and look to start fresh outside of the military they are faced with many unknowns. Although excited and nervous, many don’t understand what it takes to create the winning resume or how to translate their many successes defending our country into words that all can comprehend. This has undoubtedly resulted in the 30.4% unemployment rate for young veterans and 16.4% overall. This staggering and unfortunate statistic has prompted President Obama to sign in to law giving tax credits up to $9,600 to businesses that hire disabled and unemployed veterans.
As an unemployed disabled veteran I am part of that statistic and share the frustrations many of my fellow veterans are feeling in the current job market. As veterans we prepare a resume and only hope that what we are trying to convey is received and understood by a potential employer. Most however, never get the opportunity to discuss potential employment as their phone never rings and their email fills with rejections. I, along with many of my fellow veterans, am left with the feeling, if I could only get 10 minutes of their time.
While many veterans have spent months if not years in hostile territories missing things like births of their children, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, 10 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot. As you take that moment to remember and honor the men and women who cannot be with their families this holiday season, I ask that when you return to your jobs and you get that resume from a veteran, set aside 10 minutes to talk with them. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised at what they have to offer and they just may be one of the best hires you have ever made.
Here’s wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving, from my family to yours……………Chris Burgess




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