Romney Recognizes Employers for Hiring Veterans

ROMNEY RECOGNIZES EMPLOYERS FOR HIRING VETERANS

Governor Mitt Romney today joined state and federal officials at a State House ceremony to thank the hundreds of employers across Massachusetts who have pledged to hire veterans.

"I want to salute the Massachusetts employers who have hired or plan to hire veterans this year," said Romney. "As our troops return home, we remain mindful that the best way to honor their service is to help them to reenter the workforce."

Veterans in the younger age group experience higher rates of unemployment than non-veterans and often face unique employment challenges. Many veterans in this group enlist in the military straight out of high school and need additional training before entering the Massachusetts workforce. Veterans are also more likely than non-veterans to have a disability, an additional challenge. Massachusetts is home to nearly 500,000 veterans.

"There is nothing more important than helping employ and train our veteran population," said Secretary of Veterans' Services Tom Kelley. "These employers are a key to helping reduce the high unemployment rate faced by our young veterans."

"Even under the best of circumstances, returning veterans are likely to need assistance to successfully transition back into the workforce," said Director of Workforce Development Jane C. Edmonds.

"I am grateful that Massachusetts employers recognize the same qualities we do in our veterans and service members,' said retired Brigadier General Samuel Shiver, assistant adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard. "This is truly a win-win; veterans will get more opportunities and in return, Massachusetts employers will get dedicated, professional employees."

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