Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted Urge Employers to Hire Veterans

COLUMBUS, Ohio - November is Hire-a-Veteran Month, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder and Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) Director Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (U.S. Army, Retired) are joining together in encouraging Ohio employers to consider veterans when growing their workforces.

"Our Ohio veterans have selflessly served our state and nation to protect our freedoms and keep us safe, and they bring that same level of dedication to the workplace," said Governor DeWine. "During Hire-a-Veteran Month this November, I challenge Ohio business leaders to seek opportunities to add these highly skilled, passionate and adaptable employees to their team."

"If you want to thank a veteran, hire one," said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. "Veterans bring unparalleled skills, dedication and leadership to the workforce. Their commitment to teamwork, resilience and mission-driven focus make them invaluable employees who strengthen any organization they join."

Ohio is home to nearly 700,000 veterans and service members, the sixth-largest population in the nation. ODJFS oversees OhioMeansJobs.com and the state's OhioMeansJobs Centers, which offer priority of service to veterans and their spouses. More than 8,300 Ohio employers are listed on the "Military-Friendly Employer Registry" at OhioMeansJobs.com. A new interactive map makes it easier to search for employers in the registry by county, ZIP code, industry and employer name. To view the registry, click on "For Job Seekers" and then "Military Service."

"ODJFS is committed to helping connect employers with great veteran candidates," Damschroder said. "Both veterans and employers can use the self-service features at OhioMeansJobs.com or visit their local OhioMeansJobs Center for one-on-one assistance. At either the website or the centers, veterans can get help translating their military skills for a civilian resume. Ohio also offers free employment services to the spouses of military members, whose transfers can present challenges."

On OhioMeansJobs.com, the resumes of veterans are designated with a red and blue "V," and the resumes of military spouses are designated with a red and blue "S," to make them stand out to military-friendly employers. ODJFS also offers incentives for employers who hire veterans, through the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program and On-the-Job Training program.

Ohio's ODVS Workforce Team also offers services to employers interested in hiring veterans. The team provides free consultation and empowers employers to not only recruit and hire veterans, but also manage and retain them. Regional consultants around Ohio can connect employers with local resources and provide free training presentations accredited by the Society for Human Resource Management.

"Veterans contribute greatly to Ohio businesses and communities," ODVS Director Ashenhurst said. "I applaud the tremendous efforts of ODJFS and their work through OhioMeansJobs in creating pathways that offer our veterans not only employment but rewarding, purpose-driven careers."

For more information about ODJFS services for employers interested in hiring veterans, visit OhioMeansJobs.ohio.gov/for-employers/resources-for-employers/hire-a-veteran.

To search for Hire-a-Veteran Month events planned across the state, visit OhioMeansJobs.com/news-and-events. All are open to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services and child support services.