Last week, the Texas Workforce Commission was in town, honoring three local workplaces that have achieved a 10 percent makeup of veterans in their workforce.
A part of the Texas Operation Welcome Home initiative started by Gov. Greg Abbot last March to assist veterans making the transition from military to civilian life, We Hire Vets is designed to highlight those businesses that have made hiring veterans a priority.
According to the commissioner representing employers, Ruth Hughes, Texarkana, Texas, Police Department (of which veterans comprise 24 percent), Cooper Tire (12 percent) and First Bender Products (10 percent) met this level of veteran employment. In a presentation ceremony honoring the employers in question, those organizations were awarded with decals and electronic emblems to be displayed in their physical locations and online media to let the community know they employ and value their veterans.
"This is part of a wider initiative we began to help veterans in their transition to civilian life," Hughes said. "Texas is a state that greatly values our veterans and we want to encourage them to stay here and contribute to the quality of life here, as well as contribute to theirs."
Texas has 1.5 million veterans living in its borders.
Hughes emphasized the traits veterans tend to bring to employers that bring value to the workplace.
"They bring a skill set already ready to be put to work," she said. "They've proven they can be trained and perform at a high level of proficiency under a variety of conditions. Further, they bring leadership experience as well as a high degree of personal integrity."
We Hire Vets is one of four parts of Texas Operation Welcome Home. The other three are:
1. Skills for Transition provides funds for training in high-growth, high-demand occupations at a local community college.
2. Texas Transition Alliance enhances partnerships between military installations, military transition centers and a number of state agencies, helping promote employment opportunities for servicemembers.
3. Military Family Support assists military spouses in obtaining employment and qualifications to compete in the job market.
Operation Welcome Home kicks in 180 days before a Texas-bound veteran leaves the service. It is not intended to duplicate federal veteran resources but to offer additional assistance for Texas veterans.
"If you have served our country, we want you to retain pride and purpose. We want you to thrive," Hughes said.