S. 1971 would authorize a competitive grant program to assist members of the National Guard and Reserve and former and current members of the Armed Forces in securing employment in the private sector.
Detailed Summary
Hire a Hero Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel to help ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces have access to gainful employment.
Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist the following individuals in securing employment in the private sector: (1) a member of the National Guard or reserve; (2) a member of the Armed Forces who is nearing separation, discharge, or release; and (3) a former member of the Armed Forces.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chief, in awarding such grants, should consider organizations that partner with private entities and associations involved in construction, energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals having past military service would be of particular utility.
Requires the Chief to establish fiscal control, accountability, and program performance measures for grantees.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 8/2/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Dan Caulfield
Awesome idea, About time America
Ronnie Miller
I think it's great. I don't know why any military person would not be for this.
Jeff Smith
THIS IS GREAT for all those who have served!
Jeff Gray
As a retired disabled veteran in a very competive job market, I'm not looking for a hand out for what I have done for my country, but would like to at least get a far shake. I feel we are stero typed in the community and feel that something needs to be done. Fair is all I ask for. Age is already a factor at 47 and eliminates all law enforcement jobs to enclude Park rangers, but a college grad with a degree at 23 has the confidence of our american public to bare arms with no experience.
ssg. geroge johnson
I served two tours in iraq cnt not get a job nowhere lost my house all i wanted was a job is that to much to ask for
Sgt Julio C. Pinedo Jr
How is ti possible to be in the greatest country on earth, have served, lost more than just your life, come to Your country, because it is, and not have a job or the necessary help to get you back on your feet. This government & Congress are just a shame.
Zohe
I think is a great idea
Proudly Served
As as a young Marine infantry combat veteran, I can say there are only a few jobs out there that we grunts can adapt to. Law Enforcement, Fire Department, and Security are the most adaptable. If you don't want to go those routes and you don't have a college degree (Bachelors, because Associates are starting to be treated like a HS Diploma) you are most likely going to be looking at low income jobs and its hard to maintain a family with that. I've seen more homeless vets my age (23) on the streets now days. The Act is a good thing, and for those who don't want it, don't bother with it.
Combat veteran
Too much duplication of sertvices already. Too many entities fighting for the same ability to claim they have helped the most.
Combat Pilot
I have a bachelors degree, graduated with the AF Blue Chip Award from college and I have been looking for a job every since I left active duty (over a year ago). The way this country treats its Vets is a disgrace.
Sempersweet
Many people in the civilian sector don't have a good idea of what kind of qualities and job skills a Veteran brings to the workforce. They are struggling with a generation of youth who can write code, but who have no sense of loyalty, no initiative, no teamwork skills or Esprit De Corps. Veterans have all these and more.
I am in favor of this bill if it will build the momentum needed to educate the public in general about the outstanding skills and leadership that Veterans possess.
Also, there are those who are coming back that will need help assimilating. They need more than our prayers and good wishes. They need action by those able and capable of helping. This Country is honor bound to assist them. It's a win win for everyone. I'm for it.
Francis Icaza
Edmund Burke said: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Evil comes in many forms. Sometimes it rides in the caboose of a train called "Despair".
SomaliaVet1993
As a 100% Service-connected disabled Vet who served with distinction in combat in multiple tours, I can tell you that there certainly are MANY miperceptions regarding Veterans, especially combat vets. The VA paid for me to get my Bachelors from a very highly regarded university and I have over 10 years of outstanding esperience as an Intelligence Analyst specializing in the Middle East - I can't even get an INTERVIEW!!! And we are critically short of qualified intel people? No wonder! There are new laws that state that the government can NOT use Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that is the result of combat to prevent one from being able to get/keep his clearance - this policy is either not known to the people who need to know it or its NOT being followed. Its about time that someone requires the same people who were happy to enjoy our service to also FOLLOW THE LAW and at least GIVE US A CHANCE to show that we don't just want to sit around collecting a VA check! LET US HELP!
OEF/OIF Combat Veteran
The trials and tribulations and the transitioning into society can be job by itself. As veterans past, present, and future the question is How will thou take care of my brother and sister in arms? Our employers that call themselves user friendly have turned the other cheek and made a mockery of our patriotism to this country. I agree with my fellow veterans how can you discriminate on the same people that are looking for jobs and they served. What a shame and embarassment I sure wouldnot want any veteran to go through the shame and humiliation I have gone through in the last 4yrs this was horrible.I am right back where I was when I joined the military several years ago. Many organziations don't accept our training despite the ACE programs of education for colege credit. Companies disregard personnel that get thier degrees online whereas the ones who did theirs conventional get more preference. I don't know but you have a miracle worker to be a veteran today in America. Semper Fi
1SG Retired James R. Tankersley Combat Veteran
I also think it is great. I served in the Gulf War and retired with 21 years of service. I think every fellow Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine should have an opportunity to blend back into society and pick up his or her life as a productive civilian.
RPT0557
Not sure this is of value. There's already a lot of services out there to help vets. Sometimes we don't know how to use them or where they are. A lot of companies love to hire vets regardless of our military MOS, rate, AFSC, etc because we have "WIT" whatever it takes to get a job done. Don't accept no and don't beg, the VA, DOL, ACAP, Fleet & Fam Support, Airman and Family Readiness Ctrs are PAID to support transitioning veterans. Make them earn their money!!! State local vet reps also. Talk to people about how to market your talents. Don't accept no and don't beg!
Miles McLellan
Right now has to be the WORST time for any service member to transition back into the civilian life. I was honorably discharged in December of 07 and to be quite honest, NOBODY wants a trigger puller. I have a pretty competitive resumé and an interview is next to impossible. I am taking advantage of the GI bill so that I can earn my degree in Engineering, so its not like I'm seeking a top of the line job. Just something to make a few extra dollars for spending money while I study...
I dont feel like anything should be handed to me, HOWEVER, I feel like being a vet is almost hurting my chances of getting a job.
I have a clean criminal record, honorable discharge, and a strong work ethic. Drug free....
Anyway, OOH RAH to all my brothers out there! Still wouldn't trade it for the world!
SEMPER FI