WASHINGTON, D.C. - Alongside representatives from several National Veteran and Workforce Associations, Army Maj. Gen. James Tyre, the Florida National Guard’s assistant adjutant general (Army), testified Wednesday before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs about the urgency of putting America’s Veterans back to work.
“Guardsmen have proudly answered the call when needed but have returned home to face a different threat: unemployment,” said Tyre.
“We’re proud of the progress we have made in engaging our service members and linking them to employers, however, there are still some measures that can be taken to enhance our ability to foster these relationships.”
As part of the “Putting America’s Veterans Back to Work” hearing, Tyre represented the adjutant general of Florida, Air Force Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw.
He was joined by other dignitaries from state and federal agencies dealing with veterans’ employment issues. Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Congressman Jeff Miller offered the opening statements, calling the hearing “one of the most important ones we’ll have this Congress.”
According to Tyre, the current economic downturn has significantly impacted the ability of Reserve and Guard personnel, as well as veterans, to find or keep their civilian jobs.
Like Guard components in other states, the Florida National Guard remains challenged with unemployment among its 12,000 service members.
While the Florida National Guard has experienced some improvements thanks to transition programs put in place during the past few years, the need exists to explore options that will enhance and expand the current services provided.
Tyre highlighted the Florida National Guard employer partnership programs with several state and federal agencies, as well as with private and non-profit organizations. He also stressed the importance of having facility-based programs, similar to those traditionally offered to the active components, which can help Reserve and Guard members find jobs.
The Florida National Guard vision, he stated, is to establish a local, accessible source in the communities that integrates services and programs, and links Guard members to employers.
“Reserve Component service members who are employed are easier to retain in their respective services,” added Tyre. “We cannot afford to lose this generation of Soldiers and Airmen, as the negative consequences will impact the readiness that we’ve worked over a decade to achieve.”