APRIL 16, 2008 -Director Keith W. Cooley reminds veterans and their families that Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth's Veterans Services Program is available to help with jobs and health care.

"All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Unfortunately some veterans return from active duty to their families only to find the loss of a job and health care. We want all of our hometown heroes to know we are here to help," said Cooley, who is also the father of a U.S. Marine.

DLEG works with all Michigan Works! Agencies and a dedicated network of service providers to help veterans find a job. Services, such as transition assistance, are available for military veterans, Guard, reservist or their family members. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/veteranjobs or call 1-800-455-5228 to speak to a Veterans Resource Specialist.

According to the National Association of State Workforce Agency, a Department of Veterans Affairs survey has found that returning veterans face a more challenging time than civilians of similar age and education in finding employment. The NASWA report said, "Eighteen percent of the veterans recently back from tours of duty are unemployed. Of those employed since leaving the military, 25 percent earn less than $21,840 a year. The survey was obtained by groups that advocate on behalf of veterans,' the study says.

Cooley added that Michigan employers are encouraged to contact Veterans Services Program to find qualified workers or register for a Veterans Job Fair.

"Employers, if you want a worker who meets and exceeds your expectations, look no further than a veteran. Veterans are intelligent, disciplined, hard-working and respect authority - many of the qualities that many employers tell me they are looking for in an employee," Cooley said. "Employers can contact our Veterans Employment Specialists who will help you find the perfect candidates and review incentives, such as tax credits, that may be available."

Project MOVE (Michigan's Opportunities for Veterans Employment), which is part of DLEG's Bureau of Workforce Transformation sends a welcome home letter to every returning Michigan Veteran, guard and reservist offering reintegration services to make the return to civilian life as smooth and productive as possible. To speak to Project MOVE staff, veterans may call (800) 455-5228.

Additionally, DLEG offers veteran focused jobs fairs throughout Michigan, which are posted at http://www.michigan.gov/veteranjobs.  Here are the upcoming dates for job fairs as well as Transitional Assistance Programs (TAP) session for veterans, guards, reservists and their spouses to help them find employment in the state: 

• Michigan Veterans Job Fair, April 17, 2008, Traverse City, MI - For more information, please contact ProjectMOVE@michigan.gov or call (800) 455-5228. 
• Livingston Regional Job Fair, April 23, 2008 - Howell, MI - 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 5768 E. Grand River, Howell, MI. 
• Transition Assistance Program classes available: April 22 - 25, 2008 - Lansing, MI - To register or for more information, please contact Richard Kryza at kryzar@michigan.gov. 
• Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology (MIAT) Career Expo, May 1, 2008 Belleville, MI - 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 47884 D St, Willow Run Airport, Belleville, MI. For more information, call (800) 447-1310. 
• West Michigan Job Fair, May 15, 2008, Wyoming, MI - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Michigan Army National Guard 1200 44th Street SW Wyoming, MI 49509 For more information, call (800) 455-5228

The Michigan Legislature partnered with DLEG and Department of Military Affairs to produce a new Michigan Veterans Benefits & Service Guide of Federal, State and Local Programs, which is online at http://www.senate.michigan.gov/gop/publications/Veterans.pdf.  These free guides are also available through any member of the Michigan Legislature.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases