ARLINGTON, Va. - "If you really want to thank a veteran this Veterans Day, offer them a job opportunity," said retired Army Lt. Col. Ed Pethan.
Pethan, a manager with CVS's Talent Connect Center is passionate about helping veterans find employment. The health giant recently established TCC; a new workforce initiative at Fort Bragg, N.C. The center is an innovative employment and training facility dedicated to helping veterans, Guardsmen, Army Reserve Soldiers and their families' transition from military life to civilian careers and life in the private sector.
"I completely understand what these veterans are going through, it's a process, not an event," Pethan said of the transition into civilian life. "The longer you stay in the Army, the harder it is to transition. I feel their anxiety; you think to yourself, what am I going to do and where am I going to do it? It's the fear of the unknown and it can bring sleepless nights, so this is a wonderful opportunity to help them ease their anxiety."
At the TCC, service members and veterans have access to hands on experts to help with resume writing, virtual job training, job search and practice interview techniques. Veterans and their spouses can identify opportunities within CVS Health's nearly 9,700 pharmacy locations, more than 1,100 minute clinic locations, 30 corporate offices and 20 distribution centers.
U.S. Army Regional Career Skills Program Coordinator, Deon Boyce, says hiring veterans is a no brainer.
"It's about connecting employment needs with capable talent. Transitioning service members bring an incredible skill set to the workplace. I find most service members are loyal, committed, use sound judgement and are committed to getting the job done," Boyce said.
CVS Health has been making an effort to help veterans find employment opportunities. Since 2015, the company has employed nearly 8,000 veterans and more than 2,300 military spouses.
After nearly 26 years in the military, Pethan says the hiring effort is about giving back to the community.
"The Army took care of me all those years, it's time to give back and give Soldiers the opportunities they deserve and CVS is leading the way."
To learn more about opportunities for Veterans and their families (www.jobs.cvshealth.com/military)
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