by Ted Sherman

Created on: August 05, 2007

To get an honest meaning of this subject, I believe anyone writing about it should be intimately familiar with the concerns of US veterans, as well as the US culture itself. As a veteran of two wars, I believe my experiences give me a knowledgeable and sympathetic take on the subject, and the fact that I live in the US should offer some validity to my discussion of the subject.

Briefly, the most helpful guides for resources can be found on the official websites of the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Labor. Most veterans seeking advice about employment need go no further about basic information until he/she is ready to begin the specifics of his/her actual job search.

There are hundreds of other relevant websites, some from honest organizations and potential employers, but others from the usual parasites who prey on vulnerable people seeking to improve their lives. Before making contact with a site that promises jobs, veterans should check with local government agencies, veterans' organizations and such monitor services at the Better Business Bureau.

Official government agencies helping veterans have been in existence since the years immediately following World War I. The benefits were spotty at first, and there was much controversy as to their effectiveness. Six years after the war ended in 1918, due to political pressure from organizations including the American Legion, Congress voted to give veterans of that war a bonus $1,000 each.

The problem was that the money wasn't to be paid until 1945, and by 1932 the US was deep in the Great Depression. More than 30,000 veterans who demanded the money immediately marched on Washington and camped there with their families. Then-President Hoover ordered the Army to chase them away, and troops under General Douglas MacArthur did the task with what was considered a cruel efficiency. Fortunately, no one was killed, and as the Depression eased in following years, the veterans got their bonuses.

No such problem happened after WWII. With WWI veteran President Truman in the White House, Congress voted a sweeping series of generous veteran's benefits called the GI Bill, including educational grants, mortgage support and a year's unemployment pay for unsuccessful job seekers. I can attest to the scope of those benefits, because I received my full college education and a low-interest loan on my first home purchase. I can't recall clearly after all these years, but I'm sure I took advantage of at least several weeks of $20 unemployment checks in what was called the 52-20 Club.

My advice for today's veterans, those just completing their active duty tours and others who may need help in finding jobs, is to start with the two major US government agencies. Check out everything available to you from those resources to know what your rights and benefits are, and how you can apply them to your search. There may be nearby local branches of those agencies, as well as veterans' organizations, such as the VFW and American Legion, that provide information and guidance.

You'll get plenty of help in your job search, but the main responsibility will be yours to get out there and compete in the marketplace. Of course, like most of us who returned from the wars, you have to shake off whatever problems you had while fighting for your country, and make your adjustment to civilian life as quickly and completely as possible. It will help you in your job search, as well as in your relationships with family and friends.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.