Governor Whitmer declared November National Veterans and Military Families Month to honor the sacrifices members of the armed services and their families make every day. 

Michigan is home to more than 550,000 veterans nearly 11,000 Air and Army National Guard members and their families, whose contributions and sacrifices have been vital in maintaining our way of life. 

We want to extend our thanks to every one of you - and your families - for your service and sacrifices. Thank you!

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Zaneta Adams partnered to create a video to share important information about resources available to military members and their families who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during their service, and to warn them about scammers who may try to exploit them for financial gain.

In the video, AG Nessel and Director Adams specify that Michigan veterans, reservists and National Guard members who served at U.S. Marine Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina between August 1953 and December 1987 may qualify for disability benefits, healthcare or compensation under the PACT Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. AG Nessel and Director Adams also highlight resources available to protect veterans from being scammed. Watch the three minute video here.

For the first time in 78 years, G.I. Bill applicants can receive an immediate, real-time education benefits decision, thanks to the simplified Post-9/11 G.I. Bill application experience.

Since 1944, more than 25 million beneficiaries have taken advantage of G.I. Bill benefits. Many of these individuals waited up to a month to receive an eligibility decision – a month of waiting to plan their future, or to take the next step toward their educational goals. But not anymore, thanks to Veteran Affairs Agency's most recent modernization updates, through the Digital G.I. Bill initiative.

Read more about the process here.

When you think about wounded warrior care, you typically think of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But did you know, the U.S. Defense Department also plays an important role in the funding, awareness, and treatment provided for wounded warriors? Both for those who are currently serving and those who have retired or separated from military service.

In 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert F. Gates announced the creation of programs to address the needs of wounded warriors. Those efforts have resulted in each branch of armed services offering its own version of help for those sick or injured in the line of duty. Read more about these programs here.

Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) provides free on-ramps to healthcare careers.
Through support provided by MiREACH, you can receive the education and training needed to get started in a rewarding, in-demand healthcare career.

You’ll also receive on-the-job experience, and you may also be eligible for various wraparound supports such as transportation and childcare.

Perhaps just as importantly, MiREACH offers the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in earning a paycheck in a career with great advancement opportunities? Learn more about the program at Michigan.gov/MiREACH. 

Mindset Is Everything

Most people dread the job search process. For better or worse, technology is also making things less personal. Between Applicant Tracking Systems, video interviews, and ghosting, it can be hard to stay positive. But all you really need is to keep the right mindset.

Here are five things to keep in mind during your job search:

1. Know your value – own it and articulate it fluently.
2. Work with a career coach who knows today’s job search space.
3. Work smart – don’t waste time sending out random resumes. Instead, be strategic by targeting companies and people to create a professional network and increase your visibility.
4. Manage your fears. You can do this!
5. Stay curious. Ask questions and create conversations.

Only 2% of resumes submitted get to the interview stage. Every conversation you have with someone is a win. Even if you don’t get an interview or job offer, you’ve expanded your professional network. When you leave a good lasting impression, you never know when your paths might cross again, and the perfect opportunity presents itself.

Your local Michigan Works! Services Centers have Career Coaches on staff to assist you with building your career plan. Go to MichiganWorks.org to find a location near you.  

Personal Branding Is Not Just for Social Media 

Personal branding is the process of optimizing and managing the way you appear to others. How would your peers describe you? This is your personal brand. 

• Be consistent with your brand – use the same language, photo and style across all of your social and professional communications.
• Decide what you want to be known for and reinforce those attributes. 
• Engage with the community that is established around your field or industry.

Craft Your Elevator Pitch in Four Easy Steps

The "elevator pitch" isn't just for salespeople and venture capitalists. Every networking interaction is an opportunity to use a strongly crafted elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and career objectives. Here are four steps to keep in mind when crafting yours: 

• Step 1: Show passion and enthusiasm for what you do 
  “I just love what the right technology can do for an organization.”
• Step 2: Highlight your unique qualities and achievements
  “I increased sales by 20% in my region,” or “I developed automations that increased open rates by 50%.”
• Step 3: Say what you want 
  “I’m ready to move into a position where I can be a significant contributor to the growth and profitability of a company like XYZ, Inc.”
• Step 4: Craft a call to action 
  “Let’s discuss this further. Can we set up a time next week?”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nicholas Hughey began his long journey with VES back in May 2021 when he stopped by his local Michigan Works! office looking for help finding a job. At the time, Nicholas was working on obtaining his master's degree.

Nicholas worked with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) William Mourufas to line up a job with a local veterinary clinic as a supply manager. This was familiar work for Nicholas, who had experience as a supply chief in the Marine Corps. 

In fact, Nicholas enjoyed this line of work so much, he decided to change his master’s degree program and focus on earning his degree in Supply Chain Management. Due to his status as a disabled veteran, he was able to utilize assistance from the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program to cover the full cost of his tuition!

Nicholas resumed working with VCA Mourufas in April 2022 when he was almost done completing his degree. This time, Nicholas was looking for a career that was commensurate to his education level. 

After conducting a comprehensive assessment and providing prevocational services, Nicholas was referred to Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle for further assistance and advocacy. Together with LVER Kettle, Nicholas began his job search, submitted applications, practiced his interview skills and received career coaching. Within weeks of completing his degree in August, Nicholas had received multiple competing offers for his desired position in supply chain management.

Nicholas weighed his options and accepted an offer as a Procurement Inventory Specialist with the Mayo Clinic that offers a comprehensive salary, full benefits package, and best of all - the ability to stay home in Michigan. 

Spending an evening processing requests down at the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office isn’t nearly as glamorous as the acronym might suggest.

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.