On this Veterans' Day and Remembrance Day, I wish to thank our veterans and try in my own small way to describe why I think our veterans make great hires. Two words: perseverance and talent.
I’m informed on this subject by my sister who was a US Marine, and other members of my family including my father and my uncles who served our country to various degrees in the military. I also just finished reading Lost in Shangri-La, a book about an ill-fated US military plane in New Guinea at the end of World War II and the rescue of its survivors.
While most of us acknowledge the bravery and service to our country, it’s important to also understand that the military in particular demands loyalty and service, down to the last man or woman. This has been demonstrated time after time with stories of our soldiers not leaving comrades behind, or taking up the flag and charging forward after another flag bearer has fallen.
This characteristic, whether gained through training or innate ability within our military personnel, is the epitome of perseverance. It’s the idea of being able to push through and keep pushing when the mind and body tell you differently. It’s loyalty as reflected in the Marine’s motto of “Semper Fi”.
I have seen my sister persevere through tough times after the military and countless other veterans who struggle daily to find a place outside the military. But always persevering. Always pushing on.
Second is the talent developed, gained or enhanced by service in our military. The weapons of today are as much about technology as they are about strategy. But aside from conflict, there are millions that support our troops in varying capacities around the world. These are talents that don’t fade, because they are connected to the duty that made them necessary.
Many of us find our talents in civilian life though college or work, but many of our veterans find it during times of need, in battle or when duty calls in other areas. This is not only what we think of as discrete “skills” but also talents such as problem solving, finishing a job or following directions.
If you get the chance to read books like Unbroken (now a movie) or Lost in Shangri-La, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. Whether it’s combat or support, our veterans used their talents and persevered through the elements, enemies and circumstances to help us become the country we are today.
Yoh as a company has been a proud employer of veterans for many years. In fact, we got our start in the 1940’s during and after World War II, to support our fighting men and women and the industrial boom that followed. On our employee rolls after the war were many veterans, including one notable figure, Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. I don’t know why we employed him, I’m guessing as an aeronautics consultant, but I’m glad we were able to help him, just as he helped our country.
Please look for an opportunity to hire a veteran. The talent and perseverance you will be getting will serve you well, and you will be helping someone who has served his or her country well. They deserve our gratitude, our respect and our perseverance. Let’s help them continue to develop their talents and find a place outside of the military where they can continue to contribute to our great nation.
Resources:
- Careers In the Military
- Veteran Job Site
- Wounded Warrior Project
- Recruit Military
- Career Transition Partnership
