By Sandi Moynihan
The USO headed to Capitol Hill this week to join the Congressional Veterans Job Caucus to discuss what needs to be done to support transitioning troops and increase veteran employment. The hour-long briefing, was hosted by Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus co-chairs Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Cali.), Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Sen. Joe Machin (D-W.Va.).
During a panel discussion, USO President and CEO Dr. J.D. Crouch II pressed the need for more support for transitioning service members as they re-integrate into the civilian world. Crouch also introduced caucus members and their staff to the USO Transition 360 Alliance, an initiative that helps U.S. military personnel and their families successfully transition back into civilian life after their service ends
“[The USO Transition 360 Alliance is rooted on the idea that] if you’re well rooted in your community, you’ve got a plan, you’re on your way to getting employment and you have a strong family network to rely on, you’ve got a great chance of being successful,” Crouch said.
The briefing also featured panelists from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Starbucks and USO Transition 360 partner, RP/6. Anne M. Sprute, the founder and CEO of RP/6, described their unique service model to help service members find a job that matches their unique skillset.
“We create an action plan for each individual that comes in that’s tailored towards not to what their military skill was, but is tailored to what their military experience is,” Sprute said.
Crouch and Sprute highlighted the innovative efforts of the USO Transition 360 Alliance to help service members re-connect with the community to navigate the sometimes-confusing civilian world.
“At the end of your military career is really that last re-connection,” Crouch said. “[The USO Transition 360 Alliance is there to help with] that re-connection and re-integration back into civilian life.”
The USO Transition 360 Alliance is an initiative to help U.S. military personnel and their families successfully transition back into civilian life after their service ends. Learn more here.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
