Best Practices Summary January April 2012 ARIZONA. Title of best practice: Reintegration Activity for termination of Border Mission Point of contact: SFC Wells, YRRP NCOIC and MAJ Botkins OIC of Operation Copper Cactus Concise description of event: Individuals who served on Operation Copper Cactus (Border Mission) were scheduled for Resilience Training, Finance classes, Combat Operational Stress First Aid classes, TAA, TRICARE, ESGR and Education briefings along with the opportunity to meet with each community partner to resolve any issues they might be encountering. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Red Cross, AZDVS, ESGR & Employer Partnership of Armed Forces, VA Regional, Vet Center, Vets 4 Vets, Dept Of economic Security, VA Medical, Military One Source, TAA, TRICARE and the Employment Resource Center. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: 560 What went well? The event was well organized and structured to assist the individuals with resources and guidance in resolving any issue or hardship they were experiencing or expecting to face. What improvements are needed? None, the new facilities were more than adequate to accomplish the mission. Lessons learned? There were several individuals requiring employment so we gave classes on resume writing, interview techniques, how to dress and how to respond to certain questions during an interview. These classes were given DOL instructors the week prior to the reintegration activity. Why? to ensure those who wanted this type of training received it before being released from the mission. CALIFORNIA. Title of best practice: Online Version of the DD 2648-1 Point of contact(s): Nicole Townsend, 559-392- 0494. Concise description of event: I email the online Version of the DD 2648-1 to retiring and ETSing SMs to reference long after they leave the military. The way it works is after the Pre- Separation Counseling I review the completed DD2648-1, have the SM sign the hard- copy, then I sign it for filing into the SMs permanent records. Next, I use the online DD2648-1 that s provided and highlight each item the SM had a question on, add the reference name/contact we discussed and email it to the SM along with additional separations resources. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: N/A
Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: So far I have completed 12 Pre- Separation Counseling since last October s start date and I plan to continue use this additional process. What went well? SMs really appreciate the DD2648-1 and especially the online version because they know they can always reference the referral contacts, look at links to sites they inquired about as well as review items they may have overlooked. What improvements are needed? I still need to devise a way to catch a larger Pre- Separations audience so I can brief all at once and utilize this tool to its full potential. Lessons learned? I ve learned from doing the Pre- Separation counseling that retirement and separation is so stressful that many SMs simply want to forget or skip the separations process all together. But having the online DD2648 FLORIDA. Title of best practice: Veteran s Center Point of contact(s): Colonel Len Loving, USMC (Ret), Jim Adams, Research and Development, Jerry Bass, National Commander Concise description of event: The needs of Veterans continue to grow as their numbers increase. The mission of the Veteran center is to facilitate solutions by providing a measure of services and care for those Veterans who have given so much to our country. American heroes who have fallen on hard times during the bad economy will receive a chance to have resources such as skills assessment, job training, counseling, and case workers available to assist with their Veterans benefits. These Veterans will have a roof over their head and an address. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: The group will partner with local agencies to provide resources. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: The facility will be able to house approximately 100 Veterans. I will continue to provide resources and information to COL Loving and Mr. Adams on benefits and employment. I provided several copies of the Blue Book Guide with resources from federal, state, counties, cities and coalition partners. FLORIDA. Title of best practice: Annual ESGR Awards Ceremony Honoring Outstanding Florida Employers, Military Members and Committee Members Point of contact(s): Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw, Honorable Gregory Holder, COL Mike Prendergast (ret) State of Florida Executive Director of DVA, Steve Murray, Communications Director, FDVA, COL Sterling Heymen, Steve Toomey, CSX, Ken Bryan, County Commissioner, Bill Bergeron, Nancy Fishman, Lisa Rice, Elene Terrence, Randy L. Greene; Julie Smith, Melanie Hoffman, Keith Bryon, Isabel Pease, Linda McElroy, MAJ McLevy, Doug Corbett, Al Starling,
Peter Caspari, Tammy Wilson, Debbie Ballard, Dorothy Phillips, Matthew McDaniel and many coalition partners. Concise description of event: Honoring and recognizing all Florida ESGR Senior Leaders of USMCR, USNR, USAFR, DHS, FLANG, USAR, USCGR, Award Nominees with their nominators and invited guests and committee members. If you have the opportunity, attend the ESGR functions honoring businesses in your state. The employers are excited about their Service Members/Employees and are ready to hire them when they have openings. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: ESGR, Yellow Ribbon, TAA and FNG Service Members Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: All receiving recognition Follow- up with the network you established with your coalition partners, employers, and Service Members. Take your business cards, hand- out to employers, and ask them to send you any job openings they may have so that you can distribute to the SM, Veterans, and Families. Employers seeking to hire veterans and Reserve or National Guard members can contact ESGR volunteer representatives at www.esgr.mil or Penny Justice, the Florida Guard Family Career Connections program manager. FLORIDA. Title of best practice: Sharing Information Point of contact(s): All SM, Veterans and Family Members. Concise description of event: Request companies to send you job openings so you can distribute throughout the state. Some organization may send you their requirements before they advertise the position to other agencies/postings giving the SM first access. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Companies I have contacted to support hiring our Service Members. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: This one e- mail, we know, benefited at least one Service Member, others may have received jobs as well. Continue with the distribution of employment info. FLORIDA. Title of best practice: Combining Pre and Post Deployment SMs Point of contact(s): Roger Jarriel (TAA/FL) Major McLevy (Cycle Support Chief) CWO Dennis Fortner (Assistance Cycle Support Chief) and his staff. Fl VA Reps.
Concise description of event: Provide important information to inform pre and post deployment SMs and their families needed information. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: These are just a few of the agencies that participated: Fl. TAA, Cycle Support Team, VA personnel, Tri- care reps and numerous other agencies to include civilian agencies that may be of assistance. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Approximately 300+SMs and families. What improvements are needed? None. Lessons learned? This was and continues to be a proactive approach to extend and advertise our services to all branches. GEORGIA. Title of best practice: Jobs Initiative for unemployed Guardsman or under employed Guardsman Point of contact(s): COL Mark London J- 9 404-520- 4026 Concise description of event: At the direction of the TAG a working committee was established to determine the best avenues to dissemination information to Guardsman about jobs available in the civilian sector. At the recommendation of the committee the best course of action is to partner with outside resources to accomplish the task. That process is ongoing at this time. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: the State ESGR Team, the Army National Guard Education Director and the TAAs assigned to Georgia Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Unknown at this time What went well? An immediate addition to the ARNG Education website with Job Listings and contact information What improvements are needed? feedback mechanism to measure effectiveness is being developed. Lessons learned? This particular job market/career fairs is loaded with many opportunities. The one that supports our Guardsman and other reserve components is yet to be determined. Our research and education continues to develop in support of the tasking. GEORGIA. Title of best practice: Employers/Military Partnership Initiative for unemployed Guardsman or under employed Guardsman Point of contact(s): Penelope Harbour ESGR J- 9 678-569- 5738
Concise description of event: MEP is comprised of representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Air National Guard and Army National Guard, US DOL, GA DOL, ESGR, EPAF and State Veteran Services for the purpose of assisting service members and employers in their employment objectives List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: the State ESGR Team, other reserve components located in Georgia Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Unknown at this time What went well? Employers who partner with MEP will be participate in monthly conference calls (approx 1 hr each month) and one face- to- face meeting quarterly What improvements are needed? a. Initially Employers will assist in formulating a plan for MEP b. Identifying obstacles employers face when hiring military i.e., how to reach service members c. Providing feedback on what employers would like to see from agencies that reach out to them d. Steam line the notification of job openings process Lessons learned? Cost savings for MEP members by reducing recruitment dollars GEORGIA. Title of best practice: Veteran s Workshop Point of contact(s): US Representative Austin Scott, 8th Congressional District, GA and Mr Stone Workman, District Director Concise description of event: Event was conducted at the Warner Robins District Office and provided Veterans one on one meeting with VA Representatives Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: 80 What went well? Event was well managed and controlled What improvements are needed? None Lessons learned Possibility exist to expand Services. A future meeting is in the works to discuss potential. LOUISIANA. Title of best practice: Yellow Ribbon Events Point of contact(s): CPT White LA TAA, LTC Scott Adams Re- Integration Office (RIO) Director, CSM Robert Stiefvater Senior Enlisted Advisor RIO, CPT Catarina Donnelly Yellow Ribbon Coordinator, Mrs. Cindy Goulart Assistant Yellow Ribbon Coordinator
Concise description of event: We had two Yellow Ribbon events at the Crown Plaza located in Baton Rouge, LA. The Yellow Ribbon events help re- integrate recently deployed Soldiers and Airmen back into their relationships with family members and Society. The Soldiers, Airmen and family members go through planned training classes, job and benefits booths and their children are taught various things to help bring them closer together. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: ESGR, Family Programs Coordinator, VAMC staff from Alexandria and New Orleans Louisiana, Vet Center Staff, Military Funeral Honors Program, Tricare Representatives, Numerous college and employers, USAA Representatives, LA State Chaplain Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: 560 What went well? Both events were extremely well coordinated. Louisiana has led the way in providing outstanding services at these events. Numerous attendees stated that this is one of the best things I have been through in my military career. The instructors for these events are usually volunteers from one of the 3 VAMC s in the state and they are always prepared to give outstanding presentations to these Soldiers, Airmen and their families. The event concludes with the Adjutant General presenting these Service Members their Freedom Salute Awards. I would also like to mention that the staff at the Crown Plaza were extremely helpful and ensured all venues were set up and food / drinks were available throughout the weekend. MAINE. Title of best practice: Assite/Educate Point of contact(s): Wendy Moody TAA 430-5778 Greg Small ESGR 207-626- 4282 Concise Description of Event: Leadership at Troop Command is concerned about the unemployment rate within their command. They are making support/assistance to the unemployed soldier a part of the Readiness NCO NCOER. To help the RNCOs assist their soldiers find employment, members of community efforts such as SBA, TAA, Ed Officer, local businesses who provide training/apprenticeships, adult ed (many members may need refresher courses particularly in math to be accepted into programs) were brought in to brief the readiness NCO of the programs they have available. Troop Command has an incentive program in place for the Readiness NCOs whose units show a marked decrease in unemployment due to the RNCOs efforts. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: DOL, Career Center, State Ed Officer, VBA staff, SBA, Troops to Teachers, State Adult Education and three private organizations. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Unknown at this time.
What went well? Presentations were very well received. The Engineer BN has requested we - provide them with the same briefs. What improvements are needed? Larger classroom Lessons learned? The squad leaders and full- timers at the unit know their service members situations the best. Getting the resources and information to the lowest level possible will give us the best chance at helping the unemployed find jobs/training programs or the assistance they need to prepare for a job. MASSACHUSETTS. Title of best practice: VHA Enrollment at RSRP back at Home State instead of only at DEMOB Sites. Point of contact(s): Department of Veterans Affairs OEF/OIF Team Concise description of event: Our Local Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration OEF/OIF Team is involved in our RSRP process. It is a mandatory station in which each soldier has to fill out a VA Form 10-10 EZ along with a copy of their Member 4 DD- 214. This ensures that there is no delay with their application since it often takes months before a VA Form 10-10 EZ makes its way to Massachusetts from the Demobilization site. Therefore, this best practice is working for us because it ensures that our SM s are enrolled in our local VA Healthcare system immediately after they return home. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: The Local Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice:all returning Service Members benefit from this practice MICHIGAN. Title of best practice: Michigan Task Force Point of contact(s): Michigan SARC, CPT Gabriel Beelen, MIARNG2 (Revised Mar 2012) Concise description of event: Making all units within the MIARNG are aware of this new program to help them understand what this organization does in helping our military and aware of the seriousness of the rise of suicide among our military after a deployment List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Chaplains/Pastors, TAA, MFLC, Volunteers of America, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VA. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: 100 What went well: Number of different organizations participating What improvements are needed? Make members of our military even more aware of the rise of suicide in our military after a deployment- recognize the signs before it s too late
Lessons learned? Better awareness of suicide prevention. MICHIGAN. Title of best practice: Military MOSs converted to Civilian Jobs Point of contact(s): ESGR Executive Director, Mr Gary Aten (517) 481-7909 Concise description of event: Making all units within the MIARNG are aware of this new program to help them in converting there MOS to a civilian job skill List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: ESGR Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: All members of the Michigan National Guard (Air and Army and reserves What went well? Hand delivered material so the state will have info before next drill assembly What improvements are needed? NA Lessons learned? Should of focused on this sooner, before we hit 21% of Veterans being unemployed. NEW JERSEY. Title of best practice: Finding Employment Viable Opportunity Point of contact(s): Ms. Joi Anderson: JOULE Staffing Solutions, 609-588- 5900 Wendy Tordillo: JOULE Staffing Solutions, 732-906- 0906 Ext 231 Concise description of event: Meeting set up with the two above mentioned Human Resources Representatives of JOULE Staffing Solutions through networking from a Information Resource Fair. The results from the meeting: JOULE Staffing Solutions will provide information to the NJ ARNG and the NJ ANG on viable employment opportunities, JOULE Staffing Solutions will provide service on resume preparation, as well as instruction on employment interview techniques and presentation. JOULE Staffing Solutions will provide assistance on converting military experience and occupational specialties to civilian language. All services and assistance is at no cost to the New Jersey Guard Personnel, Veterans, and Spouses/Military Dependents. NEW JERSEY. Title of best practice: New Jersey Veteran s Job Fair Point of contact(s): Tammy Cartagena ESGR New Jersey State Coordinator Concise description of event: The NJ State ESGR Coordinator and the TAA of the State of NJ coordinated efforts to sponsor and create a job fair/career fair to address the unemployment issues of National Guard and USAR Personnel, Active Duty Military discharging or retiring, Veterans and Dependents in the State of New Jersey. This event was made possible by CW4 Frank Albanese OIC Joint Military Family Assistance Center in allowing the newly renovated Joint Military & Family Assistance Center facility to be used as the event site and the military assigned staff in support of the event. The vendors that attended and supported the job
fair/career fair were contacted by the NJ State ESGR Coordinator and the NJ State TAA. There were 50 vendors in supporting attendance for employment purposes, 4 Vendors specific to education (college 9/11 GI Bill), resume preparation instruction, Financial Counseling, Military One Source, and two Military Family Life Consultants all in support of this event. Participation at this event also included VFW the American Legion and Department of Labor Veterans One Stop Representatives. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Pepsi Cola Beverages, Coca Cola Beverages, NJ State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Joule Staffing Service, Verizon, Lowes, Home Depot, Tip of the Arrow, Met Life, just to name a few. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Cannot say there were over 400 Military Personnel to include National Guard and USAR that attended, approximately 300 Dependents, 150 Active Duty Personnel within 6 months of discharge or retirement and about 150 to 200 Veterans. The results and benefits of this event remain to be seen What went well? The entire event What improvements are needed? Vendor Registration and Coordination some vendors did not show who were expected and some vendors arrived who originally did not commit and verifed attendance Lessons learned? More events like this are needed NORTH DAKOTA. Title of best practice: Condensed TAP for NG soldiers coming off of AD or ADOS Point of contact(s): ND TAA Concise description of event: 2 day workshop focused on job search and career enhancement skills for 34 soldiers on ADOS orders with the Regional Training Institute (RTI). Funding was thought to expire at the end of April. Coalition members were called on short notice to provide workshops. Funding was acquired to continue ADOS to September 2012. Because of class/job/tdy/leave conflicts, only 14 soldiers attended. AARs from the 14 soldiers indicated that they found it beneficial, with inquiries for a follow up workshop in August. Coalition members met with the RTI CSM, who was thoroughly impressed with the content of the workshop, and is on board with a TAP2. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: TAA, DVET, Job Service ND, ND DVA What went well? Coordination with coalition, RTI admin and leadership. Word of mouth marketing from soldiers who attended to soldiers who did not is more effective than leadership or agency emphasis for increased future participation.
Lessons learned? Continued contact and nurturing relationship with coalition results in positive cooperation for common cause PUERTO RICO. Title of best practice: 2012 Veterans Summit, Employment Development Opportunities & Expo (LULAC) Point of contact(s): Mrs. Elsie Valdes PR LULAC Board Representative, Mr. Agustin Montañez PR Veterans Advocate Office, Mr. Hector De Jesus Transition Assistance Advisor, Mr. Julio Martinez Vietnam Veterans of America, Mrs. Luz Enid Del Valle- Caribbean VA Health Care System, The Office of the Adjutant General Concise description of event: As the TAA and representing all National Guard veterans and other services, I was invited to attend the Veterans Summit and Employment Expo sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Puerto Rico Chapter from March 2-3, 2012. The Veterans summit included the participation of local employers, government entities and different veteran s organizations that participated and supported this event. This is not the first time the TAA office is contacted to support this activity. More than 300 veterans and general public received orientations and ongoing initiatives that LULAC is enforcing through the Congress of the United States. Activities like this one promote well- being, cohesions and hope for our veterans and family members. List coalition groups who will assist in the event or participated: Veterans services organization PR Veterans Advocate PR National Guard Total number of Veterans members who will benefit from this best practice: 75 After action items What went well? A well- coordinated event What improvements are needed? None Lessons learned? Follow up next year PUERTO RICO. Title of best practice: Family Day Event. Point of contact(s): The TAA Office Mr. Hector De Jesus, Veterans Benefits Administration Mr. Daniel Massa, Veterans Health Administration Mrs. Luz Enid Del Valle, The Yellow Ribbon Program MSG Alberto Lugo, Joint Force Headquarters and MAJOR Commands Concise description of event: As a well- known tradition, the Puerto Rico National Guard has been celebrating its annual Family Day activity. For 13th consecutive year s people from all ages to include veterans, service members and families gather together to enjoy and participate in adults and children activities. Orientation Booths and tables from Universities, Veterans and Private Organizations assisted and clarified doubts to those interested. As part of the Joint Force Headquarters, the TAA presence contributed to the achievement of this event by
coordinating VA programs and promoting benefits. The prices included live music, a brand new automobile, HD TV s, I pads and Game consoles. List coalition groups who will assist in the event or participated: The Office of the Adjutant General The Sergeant Majors Association The Transition Assistance Advisor s Office Veterans Benefits and Health Services Administration The Yellow Ribbon Program Joint Force Headquarters and MAJOR Commands Total number of Veterans members who will benefit from this best practice: 4,500 Veterans, Soldiers and Family Members After action items What went well? A well- coordinated event by the Sergeant Majors Association and MAJOR commands What improvements are needed? None Lessons learned? Keep up the spirit to serve and assist those willing to risk their lives to maintain democracy and security to our people. RHODE ISLAND. Title of best practice: Periodic News Email Point of contact(s): My numerous internet subscriptions to sites that provide accurate and timely information regarding services and benefits available (US DVA, US DOL, SBA, various other coalition/network partners, RI s US Congressional Delegation, etc). Concise description of event: The email consists of no more than five items significant to Service Members, Veterans, Military Retirees, their Families, and my coalition/network partners. I make them short, but include where they can go to find more information via references. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: See above POC comment. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Approximately 750 email contacts. What went well? Good feedback via email, telephone and in person. What improvements are needed? Currently none. Lessons learned? Continue to keep them brief and include follow- on information/references. UTAH. Title of best practice: Utah Veterans & Family Summit Point of contact(s): Utah Department of Veterans Affairs, Utah Veterans and Military Employment Coalition, Utah ESGR Committee, Utah NG Family Affairs. Concise description of event: Major Job Fair and Educational Opportunities for Veterans, families and interested friends.
List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Sixteen (16) service and benefits organizations such as VHA, VBA, DAV, ESGR, and ETC.ETC additionally we had 84 employers attend. All had job vacancies and wanted to hire veterans. Net Result: Over 400 hundred Veterans and families attended looking for employment and information about their benefits. Many interviews were scheduled; VHA registrations completed & benefits applied for. VERMONT. Title of best practice: Utilizing Educational Benefits. Point of contact(s): Ron Labounty, TAA Concise description of event: I have been working with Jawana from the VA Voc Rehab program in getting services members to use their GI Bill or Voc Rehab educational benefits for service members with a 10% disability rating or higher. I have also been working with the State Department of Labor Veterans Representative Sheryl Shenilling in utilizing their system for career fairs and their employee training programs and job placements and resume writing classes. This month I have added another piece to the puzzle with the Voc- Rehabs new program of putting services members into voc- rehab without a rating as long as they are on med- hold and they have a PEB evaluation from the National Guard. List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: the VA is located in White River Junction VT Voc Rehab staff, Jawana / DOL Staff, Sheryl who has brought to the table over 40 companies looking to heir veterans to fill their open positions in their companies. Some are even providing on the job training. DSS office med hold staff / LT Silverstrim and SFC Brooks. Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: Any veteran or family member looking for a career or further education to get a better career or an opportunity to better position themselves for a career in the future. In the last two month we have put 25 services member into trade schools such as truck driving school, mechanic program and LPN nursing program, we have even gotten some ready to start collage in the summer 2012 and in the fall of 2012. I have help several more services members and their family members in the last three weeks to get enrolled into training facilities and colleges. What went well? I think the whole program is doing well and will continue as far as I can see. We will continue to build onto the program as time goes on. What improvements are needed? As I said above we are still building onto the program at this time. The yellow ribbon event and our outreach team have also be an intercool part of getting the message out to the service members and their families. For the need of further education in obtaining a better career. Lessons learned? If we take the time an explain the benefits of the new GI Bill and Voc Rehab; they are listening and coming forward to use these benefits they are entitled to better market their skills and continue on to a better career.
WISCONSIN. Title of best practice: Wisconsin National Guard Employers Business Summit Point of contact(s): Captain Joseph Ledger (608)301-8246 Concise description of event: Employer outreach- educating state employers on the benefits and value of hiring a National Guard service member.\ List coalition groups who assisted in the event or participated: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS), Schneider National Trucking, Panther Racing, The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Total number of service/family members who benefited from this best practice: To be determined, it s a work in progress. All underemployed and unemployed Guard service members potentially stand to gain a new or improved career from our effort. After action items: Following up with all 135 employers, and their referrals What went well: Entire formal presentation was very effective and extremely well received What improvements are needed? Need to address the challenges of PTSD and combat stressors, offer personalized resume comprehension on site (help employers understand a resume loaded full of military jargon and acronyms) Lessons learned? State employers are very interested in our service members as potential candidates, they just don t know how to get to us. We must continue to outreach (host employment conferences, job fairs, and seminars), to them and their partners to keep the communication broadening in scope and reach.