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Sam Whitehurst welcomes Mr. John Lowry to today’s episode. Mr. Lowry is the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran Employment and Training. He is a Marine Corps veteran and has served more than 15 years on active duty and an additional 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He has worked extensively and successfully in the private sector.  Mr. Lowry brings a very unique perspective to the conversation about military service transitioning into the civilian workforce after being on both sides of this relevant matter.   Key Takeaways: [2:35] Sam shares the purpose and mission of the Dixon Center. [3:45] Mr. John Lowry shares how his years of active service in the military has shaped the work he does today supporting veterans and their families. [6:50] Mr. Lowry talks about the biggest challenges that veterans face to enter the workforce. [10:10] The earlier a serving member starts thinking about transition the better. [10:57] Why should employers hire veterans? [13:31] Veterans do better in the civilian workforce. [16:00] Veterans are not physically or mentally broken, that is not the dominant story. [17:46] What role DOL plays in helping connect employers to veterans. [20:45] How DOL helps veterans match their skill careers. [25:33] Mr. Lowry talks about the problem of underemployment. [29:22] Mr. Lowry shares statistics and information about training programs. [33:10] How has the pandemic affected the work at DOL? [35:07] Employers want to hold on to their veterans, especially through challenging times. [36:46] Mr. Lowry talks about the most recent projects DOL has launched. [44:22] Sam emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship and credentialing.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   DOL VETS Regional Veterans Employment Coordination Comprehensive Employers Guide to Hire Veterans Transition Assistance Program Credentialing Opportunities Online Apprenticeship.gov DoD Skill Bridge Program Transition Employment System for Military Spouses Hire Vets Medallion Program   Tweetables and quotes:   “Every year 200,000 service members transition into the civilian workforce.”   “A poor transition causes long-lasting effects.”   “DOL VETS’ vision is for all veterans to reach their full potential in their workplace.”   “American veterans are one of the most capable and resilient workforces we have in the country.”   “If you want smart and adaptable people, hiring veterans is the right thing to do. It is a good business decision and you will be rewarded for it.”

In this episode, Sam Whitehurst, your host, continues with a series of podcasts focused on programs that assist military members to gain, not only a job, but a career that provides them wages or salaries that allow them to support their families, careers that can provide affordable health care options, and have benefit packages that allow veterans to plan forward and invest into their future.   Today’s episode is not only going to be focused on service members transitioning but also on those employers who want to connect with and hire veterans, those who want to create a “pipeline” of veteran talent into their company.   Military members offer leadership, a strong work ethic, experience and knowledge about working as a member of a team, and the ability to adapt to new and changing environments, but how can those skills be taken from military service to combine them with the civilian workforce experience and training?   Sam welcomes Mr. Fred Drummond to today’s episode; he is the Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defense for Force Education and Training at The Department of Defense SkillBridge which partners with private industries to help veterans find jobs, but also for companies to find the workforce that they need for their industries. Listen to this episode to find all the information every service member who is thinking about transitioning needs to have.   Key Takeaways: [3:17] Sam introduces Mr. Fred Drummond in his role at the DoD. [3:48] Mr. Drummond shares his own military experience as a veteran and his own transition that led him to his current position in the DoD. [7:30] Mr. Drummond talks about SkillBridge and how it supports transitioning service members to connect with employers. [11:32] Mr. Drummond shares about SkillBridge’s partnerships and how this benefits veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. [17:09] SkillBridge offers flexibility for service members to participate in programs that are not necessarily located in their region. [17:59] SkillBridge encourages off-base training. [20:54] Mr. Drummond talks about the possibility of extending the SkillBridge program to other federal departments. [23:07] SkillBridge also supports veterans’ spouses by providing training and assisting them in finding jobs. [27:21] Mr. Drummond shares the first steps to follow for companies who want to create a “pipeline” of veteran talent. [29:34] SkillBridge offers 450 to 500 programs. [31:30] Mr. Drummond explains other programs SkillBridge provides to military service members and their families. [34:05] SkillBridge is the most cost-effective program. [39:35] Mr. Drummond gives his recommendation for a smoother transition into the civilian workforce.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   SkillBridge DoD Career Ready   Tweetables and quotes:   “What makes SkillBridge so effective is that it helps smooth the transition process, exposing veterans to civilian skills that are going to make them competitive in the job market, it does not replace the acquired military skills but enhances them.”   “SkillBridge allows service members the flexibility to participate in a program that is not in their local region.”   “SkillBridge is a program that aims to assist not only the military servers but also their families.”   “One certain thing about the military is that everyone transitions and retires.”

Sam Whitehurst, your host, addresses in today’s episode the matter of transitioning from military services to civilian society, a matter that was also discussed in previous podcasts.   It is never too early to think about your future after the military, but it is often easier said than done. Service members usually start thinking about transitioning once they are already “in the breach”; why do they wait so long? The struggle of what will be the next career is shared by many military members. The COMMIT Foundation is an organization that assists service members in figuring out the answer to that question and finding the best next thing to do that is going to bring value to their lives and help them to find their purpose.   In today’s episode, Sam is talking with Anne Meree Craig, the co-founder and CEO of The COMMIT Foundation; she shares her story and describes how the foundation helps high-performance service members find their purpose and become contributing members of their communities.   Key Takeaways: [2:51] Sam shares his story of transitioning into civilian society. [3:49] Anne Meree talks about herself and the beginnings of The COMMIT Foundation. [6:38] What does high-performance service members actually mean? [7:30] How do you translate your skills from military services to the civilian world? [10:11] Sam talks about his own story of feeling lost at the beginning of his transition. [13:38] What sets The COMMIT Foundation apart from other organizations that help veterans? [20:06] Success does not mean the same to all veterans. [20:55] Anne Meree talks about The COMMIT Foundation’s new initiatives. [25:50] Anne Meree shares how they are addressing the most important and current issues to tackle, like racism and integration. [28:25] Anne Meree talks about the “Let’s Talk Race” initiative. [30:05] The military is a great example of diversity, inclusion, and integration. [32:25] Anne Meree shares her thoughts in regards to what can be the best call to action.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   The COMMIT Foundation   Tweetables and quotes: “Quality of service is so much more important than the quantity served.”   “The COMMIT Foundation created a space that provides military servers to remember who they are, what their values are, to help them assess where their strengths are and what served them well in the military and needs to be translated into their current lives.”   “For some veterans, success after service can mean picking up their kids from school since they have been gone for so long.”   “The military is a great example of diversity, inclusion, and integration.”

Along with the many programs and organizations that are dedicated to serving veterans and their families, there are also several federal agencies that are instrumental in ensuring that veterans successfully reintegrate back into their communities. The VA is the first agency that everyone thinks about, but there is also the Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development, just to name a few. The Department of Defense is often overlooked since it is considered to function only to currently serving military members, and then the focus usually goes to VA when it is a matter related to veterans. The future success of veterans and their families actually starts when they are still serving, that is the reason why this success is rooted in the Department of Defense, with its various personnel programs, including education, training, and health care.   Sam Whitehurst, your host, welcomes Matthew P. Donovan to today’s episode Mr. Donovan is the person in charge of the seamless transition between the DoD and the VA. Mr. Donovan is the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and he serves as the principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary of Defense for force readiness; force management; health affairs; National Guard and Reserve component affairs; education and training; and military and civilian personnel requirements and management, including equal opportunity, morale, welfare, recreation, and quality of life matters.   In this episode, Mr. Donovan acknowledges how DoD manages his personnel is sometimes an imperfect system and he also shares their strategy to address these imperfections as well as some recent successes in keeping pace with the evolving needs of military members, veterans, and their families.   Key Takeaways: [4:18] Mr. Donovan shares how he started in the air force and what brought him into the role he has in the present. [11:25] The importance of talent management. [12:33] Mr. Donavan shares how they develop a vision and a strategy to meet it. [16:20] Mr. Donovan talks about the idea of granting serving members with on- and off-ramps in order to adjust to different life circumstances. [20:03] Mr. Donovan shares his thoughts and ideas about the initiatives and policies to support veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. [21:56] The Federal Electronic Health record. [23:57] The Personnel records. [25:34] DoD SkillBridge is one of the most impactful programs to ensure a successful transition. [26:30] SkillBridge partners with private industries to help veterans find jobs but also for companies to find the workforce that they need for their industries. [27:40] Mr. Donovan shares an example of what has been learned this year during the pandemic: the matter of teleworking.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   Learn more about Matthew P. Donovan DoD SkillBridge Office of the Under Secretary of Defense  for Personnel and Readiness   Tweetables and quotes:   “A talent management system takes more into account in regards to people’s own expectations and control over their own careers.”   “In SkillBridge, serving members are approached before they retire to give them skills that they would apply in the fields they desire to work in, skills that will translate directly into jobs.”   “DoD SkillBridge is one of the most impactful programs in assuring a successful transition from active duty service to becoming a productive member of the civilian workforce.”

The U.S. military has a great reputation for their ability to plan, to deal with uncertainty, and to deal with complex and complicated problems. There is one area where the U.S. military does not plan very effectively, where there is a struggle while dealing with uncertainty and often becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of the problem that needs attention. Sam Whitehurst, your host, went through this experience when he retired from the army in 2019; he shares the struggle with every other veteran, facing the moment of unease of thinking what is going to happen next, an aspect that is crucial for the future success and happiness.   Sam welcomes Brian Niswander to today’s episode. Brian is an Air Force veteran and a veteran of working at a Fortune 500 company as well as working in the public sector. Brian is also the founder of Military-Transition.org, an organization that is dedicated to providing information and resources to not only transitioning military members but to military spouses, veterans, and also to employers that want to hire others associated with the military.   Key Takeaways: [2:11] Sam suggests everyone who becomes part of the U.S. military service to think from the beginning about what the future will look like after retiring. [4:57] Bryan talks about his background and how Military-Transition.org started. [7:33] What are some of the common mistakes that service members make during their transition? [9:17] What does Military-Transition.org provide to veterans? [14:06] How do you translate what you did in the army when transitioning to the civilian sector? [15:37] Brian talks about the challenges veterans have when translating what they did when trying to apply for a job in the civilian world. [19:35] The power of networking. [20:35] Five elements that are consistent in every successful transition. [27:45] Be able to demonstrate the value that you bring to a company through your credentials. [28:42] Three different groups of serving members while transitioning. [33:24] Brian talks about the five roles that veterans usually start after their transitioning. [37:12] Figuring out what you are going to be after serving is an exciting journey. [38:10] Brian shares his advice: Focus on self-reflection.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   Military-Transition.org   Tweetables and quotes:   “Every single person transitions.”   “The decisions you make when you are wearing the uniform are going to impact your future after serving.”   “Five elements for a successful transition: 1. Start your transition early, 2. Have a transition plan, 3. Build a network, 4. Learn how to translate your skills, and 5. Be patient.”

Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, your host, is joined today by Rosie Torres, the executive director of Burn Pits 360, a nonprofit organization that gives voice to veterans and their families that are dealing with the effects of exposure to burn pits while deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Rosie, and her husband, Captain (Ret.) Le Roy Torres, know firsthand the effects of burn pits to your health and they also know the challenges of trying to find treatment and support from the VA. Le Roy deployed to Balad, Iraq from 2007-2008 where he was daily exposed to the toxic, noxious smoke produced by one of the largest burn pits in Iraq. He began showing symptoms of respiratory disease while deployed and subsequently has been diagnosed with Constrictive Bronchiolitis and Toxic Brain Injury. After experiencing delay, denial of benefits, and ineffective treatment from his physicians, Le Roy alongside his wife, Rosie, founded Burn Pits 360.   Veterans across the country are struggling to get the VA to recognize that the debilitating and sometimes deadly illnesses caused by their exposure to burn pits is connected to their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just like our Vietnam Veterans, who were denied benefits from their exposure to Agent Orange, history, unfortunately, is repeating itself.     Rosie shares her and her husband’s struggle to get the VA to recognize and treat his illnesses and the illnesses and diseases of other veterans who were exposed to the smoke produced by burn pits. She also discusses and shares key advice on starting a nonprofit to support veterans and provides information on how you can help Congress and the VA to finally address this very serious and pressing issue.    Key Takeaways: [1:09] The terrible consequences of the exposure to Agent Orange for veterans in service during the Vietnam War. [4:11] History is about to repeat itself: Burn pits used in Iraq and Afghanistan created a smoked filled with dioxin. [6:45] Rosie shares about creating Burn Pits 360. [10:58] Rosie talks about the challenges that her husband and her encounter in this process with the VA after his return from Iraq. [14:26] Rosie talks about the process of proving that her husband’s lung disease was connected to exposure. [19:05] The scientific evidence vs the VA’s will to grant presumption. [22:35] Rosie talks about the effects of combustion burning. [25:13] Rosie shares about the work she was doing with Jon Stewart [27:44] How can you help in moving the legislation along? [30:07] Rosie shares the lessons learned just by standing up with Burn Pits 360. [34:01] Burn Pits 360: A passion and purpose-driven organization. [35:30] Meet veterans on November 11th at Washington to encourage the members of Congress to hold accountable and support their constituency.    Mentioned in this episode:   Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   Burn Pits 360 Jon Stewart, Kirsten Gillibrand Press Conference Transcript: Burn Pit Relief for Veterans   Tweetables and quotes:   “There is no way that we can look away and allow this to happen”   “Access to specialized healthcare in regard to toxic exposure continues to be the biggest challenge for veterans:”   “The smell and look of the smoke that was produced by the burn pits was enough to know it was not right, not normal.”   “Burn Pits 360 Is a passion-driven organization, led by personal experience.”

Sam Whitehurst, your host, is addressing a very difficult subject in today’s episode: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of our veterans.  We are all facing the challenges that are implied in dealing with this pandemic — challenges such as the fear of the disease itself, the rise of unemployment rates, the economic situation in the following months, and even years, and the lasting impact of social distancing. How are the anxiety and stress caused by the current situation impacting the mental health of our veterans and their families?   Sam is joined today by Dr. Caitlin Thompson, who is the vice-president for Community Partnerships at the Cohen Veterans Network, which is a network of health care clinics across the U.S. that focuses on providing mental health assistance to veterans and their families. Dr. Thompson shares today the mission and vision of Cohen Veterans Network, the work they are doing in response to the pandemic, and she also talks about her thoughts in regards to what we can do to ensure that our veterans and families continue to have access to mental health services to prevent the rise of suicide rates among our veterans.   Key Takeaways: [5:58] Dr. Caitlin Thompson talks about her professional background and her work at the Cohen Veterans Network. [11:05] The issue of access to mental health not only for the veterans but for their families. [13:35] How COVID-19  is impacting veterans and their families in regards to access to mental health? [16:15] Ninety-eight percent of the care Cohen Veterans Network provides is via telehealth. [17:20] Social isolation tends to be a high risk factor for suicide and mental health problems. [18:11] CVN Presents has continuously updated information, videos, and groups to engage the community in other types of activities besides therapy. [19:16] The stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. [20:28] Dr. Thompson addresses the concern in regard to confidentiality while working with telehealth. [23:45] CVN believes that if you served one day at the military, you deserve care. [25:55] Dr. Thompson talks about the challenges people are experiencing using telehealth. [30:17] How to help a family member that has suicidal thoughts? [33:20] Dr. Thompson encourages people to continue to reach out for the care that they need.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   Cohen Veterans Network Learn more about Caitlin Thompson CVN Presents Call the Crisis Line at 1800-273-8255 and press #1. Veteran Crisis Line   Tweetables and quotes:   “As we see unemployment rates rising across the country, we also see the rise in suicide among our veterans.”   “If one person is in the military the whole family is also in it.”   “At Cohen Veterans Network we pivoted really fast to providing mental health care online, over video calls, and on the phone, 98% of the care we provide is done by telehealth.”   “The level of depth you can get with patients in terms of talking things through seems to be even higher when you are using telehealth because people are comfortable, they are in their own homes and this leads for them to feel more quickly comfortable with the therapy sessions.”   “We all deserve to feel as good as we can.”   “Cohen Veteran Networks aims to provide care that is as barrier-free as possible.”   “We can potentially lose an additional 550 to suicide for every 5% increase in the national unemployment rate.”

In today’s episode, Sam Whitehurst, your host, is going to present a program that provides opportunities for a career, not just a job, and the significant difference between these two concepts. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters helps transition and provides service members, veterans, and military spouses with additional skills and training, that when they are combined with the military experience makes them extremely competitive for careers that provide work with purpose; work that you can build a future around.   James P. Hoffa is the general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the strongest, most powerful voice in North America for working families. Under Hoffa’s leadership, the Teamsters Union is winning industry-leading contracts, engaging in vigorous contract enforcement, and organizing the unorganized. The Teamsters have a long history of supporting veterans and their families that stretches back to World War I.   Key Takeaways: [1:55] What is the difference between a career and a job? [2:55] Unemployment vs. underemployment. [3:39] The consequences of underemployment. [6:21] Teamsters’ mission is to set up a transition for people coming out of the military and finding good jobs. [7:54] More than just a job, it’s investing in the future. [9:05] Teamsters has 1.4 million members. [10:35] James P. Hoffa talks about the program for military spouses. [12:30] The challenges presented by COVID-19. [14:20] Teamsters provides job opportunities that guarantee good salaries and healthcare benefits. [16:20] Sam shares a story about the sense of fellowship and camaraderie among union members. [18:30] James P. Hoffa talks about the true meaning of Labor Day.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   The International Brotherhood of Teamsters   Tweetables and quotes:   “A career is what provides competitive wages or salaries that allow you to build a future for you and your family. A career provides access to affordable healthcare for you and your family and benefits that will allow you to invest in your future, while a job does not provide any of these and it does not take into account the skills and experience you have developed in the military.”   “A third of job-seeking veterans are underemployed, a rate that is 15 times higher than the nonveteran population.”   “Teamsters provides the opportunity for veterans to use the skills they have acquired during their military service.”   “What better people than the military? The military workers are used to getting up early and they are used to working all day. The military teaches that kind of discipline.”

Welcome to the first episode of Service Before Self, a podcast that tackles the evolving needs of veterans and their families, based on the idea that veterans can succeed in the community where they live. This podcast will introduce you to people and the programs that are having an impact today; you will hear about their successes and lessons learned in creating effective programs in which veterans and their families reach their full potential.   Sam Whitehurst, your host, the Vice President of Programs & Services for Dixon Center, will dive deeply into the needs and challenges veterans and their families go through, as well as into the effective solutions to those challenges.   In this inaugural episode, Sam is joined by Rick Passarelli, who is the Director of Veteran Affairs and Workforce Development at Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and the chair for the workforce development subcommittee for the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council. Rick is the architect behind one of the most impactful workforce development programs for veterans in the country, the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program (UMAP).   Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982; he served from that date until 1987 and he participated in two deployments. After leaving the Navy, Rick joined Peoples Gas, one of the largest regulated natural gas utilities serving the city of Chicago, where he just recently retired from, after 32 years.   Rick shares in today’s episode some of his very distinguished career of service to his country as well as what has made UMAP such a successful program for veterans.   Key takeaways: [5:37] Richard talks about his Navy career and how it shaped him into who he is now. [7:25] Richard shares his experience in Beirut. [10:05] Transitioning out of the Navy and beginning a career at Peoples Gas [12:20] Richard shares the specific work he did both at Peoples Gas and the UWUA with the UMAP program. [16:10] Richard explains the significance of meaningful employment. [19:56] Richard talks about the partnerships that make the UMAP program so successful. [22:50] UMAP provides a mentorship program for veterans. [25:33] Veteran unemployment before and after COVID-19. [26:31] Richard explains how UMAP is tackling resources for dealing with the pandemic. [28:54] Richard shares his excitement about a new program called Transition for Success.   Mentioned in this episode: Dixon Center: Reaching America At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership. Dixon Center on Facebook Dixon Center on Twitter Dixon Center on Instagram   Learn more about Richard Passarelli Visit UWUA for more information Learn more about UMAP and Power4America   Quotes and Tweetables:   “Almost 50% of the membership in the city of Chicago and utility workers are veterans.”   “It is not just about employment for veterans, but meaningful employment.”   “We want to ensure that veterans and their families can really invest in their future.”   “UMAP offers a holistic approach to veterans who join the program.”   “I told them about the experiences that I gained in the Navy. I wanted to get into the construction industry and be able to utilize that skillset when I transition out. I worked a couple of jobs prior to Peoples Gas and in the construction industry.”   “I approached the CEO of Peoples Gas … and I asked them … to find a way to boost the membership to serve the community but also create … careers forward for our men and women coming back from [the Mideast] — at the time, the unemployment rate for veterans was … over 13%.”   “Collective bargaining agreements provide our veterans with good health benefits, great wage increases each and every year, sustainable benefits so that these guys can live the dream that we all had been promised and have the opportunity to be able to do what we all want to do.”   “This is not just preparing somebody for employment without providing all the supportive services that come with it so that we set up our veterans for success.”  

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