Gov. Markell proclaims September Hire a Veteran Month
Gov. Jack Markell has signed a proclamation declaring the month of September Hire a Veteran Month in Delaware. Markell encourages all Delaware employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of September and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year.
The unemployment rate for Delaware veterans and military personnel averages about 5 percent higher than the state average. The state's Workforce Investment Board has set the goal of closing that gap. This proclamation aims to encourage employers to tap into these hardworking men and women, and raise awareness of federal and state tax credits available for hiring veterans.
“Returning veterans are an untapped reservoir of talent for business owners," said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary John J. McMahon Jr. "These brave men and women, to whom we owe so much, are technically savvy, have great soft skills and are the type of people employers always tell me they want. I encourage every employer to look closely at veterans to get the competitive edge you are looking for in today's global marketplace."
The businesses that turned out at the signing of the Hire a Veteran Month Proclamation can attest that veterans are technically savvy, disciplined, good communicators and fantastic teammates; all qualities employers say they're looking for. Flightline Aircraft Services, which supports Frontier Airlines at the New Castle Airport, recently hired one person through our National Guard just as Frontier was getting up and running this summer. Since then, they've already hired a couple more. Other employers present to demonstrate their commitment to hiring veterans were Delmarva Power, Christiana Care, Delaware State Police, WSFS Bank, TA Instruments and Horizon Services. All have hired current or former military members.
Companies that could benefit from the skills of this talented group should contact Christine Kubik of the Delaware National Guard at 302-326-7582.
