ALA Hiring 25,000 Veterans & Families

Another President Obama Veteran initiative which was initially rolled out October 2011 in conjunction with the American Jobs Act includes tax credits to make it easier for businesses to hire America's Veterans.

 The American Logistics Association pledged to hire 25,000 veterans & and family members over the next two years. By December 2011 they had already hired 500 vets, and by March of this year over 1200 veterans had already been hired. ALA which is a trade group of companies doing business with military exchanges and commissaries and organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and numerous other retailers and manufacturers are joining forces to aid veterans seeking jobs, have launched  a website http://www.alajoiningforces.org

 The website is an informational tool that will assist ALA member companies in this 25,000 hiring pledge -- it will help veterans and military families find jobs within member companies, offer information on incentives and tax breaks and help companies link up with potential employees.

Our Veterans risk everything for our country, and are now finding themselves not served or underserved once their tours or enlistments are up, is this the thanks we want to give them?  As a 20 year Veteran myself, these types of programs are near and dear to my heart, and these men and women who’ve served unconditionally and military family members represent a hugely talented workforce this country has to offer.  The training and skill-set they received on active duty is immeasurable and those skills are now being recognized and utilized. This web site http://www.alajoiningforces.org is designed as a one-stop-shop for veterans & military families and companies so that they can connect with each other and learn about available resources, opportunities and incentives when it comes to the hiring of veterans.

 In the coming weeks I will identify many more programs that are available for veterans, that have not received wide exposure or that people may not be aware of.

Karen Butler, Military Specialist, CDPE, SRES, ABR, Green, ABR, SFR