WOODBRIDGE, Va. (April 5, 2013) -- The U.S. Army, the Potomac Nationals baseball team and the Carolina League are joining to launch a pilot program to hire transitioning Soldiers, veterans and their families for the 2013 season.
The program will be announced during the Potomac Nationals season opener against the Lynchburg Hillcats, April 5. The pilot program will begin with the Potomac Nationals, and if successful, will expand to other Carolina League teams.
This initiative reflects one of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno's top priorities -- assisting the Total Force as they transition from the Army.
"We must do our utmost to ensure that the Soldiers leaving the force are treated fairly and that they and their families are provided with support to help them successfully transition to civilian life," said Odierno.
"The Potomac Nationals are proud to be a part of this effort with the U.S. Army, and look forward to working with the great men and woman who have served our country with such pride, integrity and leadership. These are important qualities to the Potomac Nationals' organization and we look forward to a great season," said Potomac Nationals' General Manager Josh Olerud.
The U.S. Army Transition Strategic Outreach and U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership Office sponsor this program. These organizations help place Soldiers and veterans with proven leadership skills, in civilian organizations.
The first veteran of the hired under the program, retired Army Sgt. Arthur Bouvier IV, will throw out the first pitch and will be joined on the field by officials from the Potomac Nationals and U.S. Army. Fans attending the game will also enjoy a performance by the U.S. Army's Fife and Drum Corps prior to the game.
"Those of us who have been in baseball a long time know the value of veterans as employees, and we are happy to share this experience with our fans and business partners. We are very proud that our Potomac club and the Army have taken this step, and I expect to be taking this initiative league-wide in the near future," said John Hopkins, Carolina League president.
This new relationship between the U.S. Army, the Potomac Nationals and the Carolina League is a part of an ongoing Army commitment to connect with the community, and to successfully reintegrate Soldiers, veterans and their families into civilian life.
ABOUT THE U.S. ARMY TRANSITION STRATEGIC OUTREACH OFFICE
The TSO is the primary conduit for Employers and Industry to access the Army Talent Pipeline. Our staff of strategically-focused professionals serves as the Army's preferred point-of-contact for Businesses and Hiring Managers -- thereby facilitating the connection between transitioning Soldiers and potential job opportunities. We help Employers "navigate" the Army's reintegration network by developing lasting Industry relationships. This targeted effort then builds the foundation for numerous long-term, value-added partnerships between Businesses and the Army. For more information visit, www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/ArmyTalentPipeline.
ABOUT THE EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP OFFICE
The Army Reserve Employer Partnership program launched in 2008 with a mission to connect military-friendly civilian organizations that have employment opportunities to reserve or veteran status job seekers. There are currently has more than 3,700 Employer Partners with the Army Reserve across industries such as law enforcement, medical, and transportation and more than 45,000 job seekers registered with the Employer Partnership Office. For more information visit, www.employerpartnership.org.
ABOUT THE POTOMAC NATIONALS
The Potomac Nationals Professional Baseball Club is the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals and competes in the Carolina League. They are located in Woodbridge, VA. Opening Day is April 5th at Pfitzner Stadium vs. the Lynchburg Hillcats and Fireworks will be displayed on April 6th. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the ticket office at 703-590-2311 for more!
ABOUT THE CAROLINA LEAGUE
Founded during World War II, the Carolina League's inaugural 1945 season featured two Southside Virginia cites. But throughout the 1940s and '50s it was known as a predominately North Carolina League. Over its first 65 years, the Carolina League has established itself as one of baseball's premier Minor Leagues, a circuit renowned for hot prospects, intense rivalries, memorable pennant races and excellent play. The league has fielded anywhere from four to 12 teams, in places ranging from metropolitan centers to tiny Red Springs, N.C., with only 4,000 people.
For more information visit, www.milb.com.
Related Links:
The Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (The VOW Act)
Army.mil: Inside the Army News
STAND-TO!: Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act
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