In a collaborative effort to attract transitioning soldiers to Michigan, SFC Timothy Snider and SSG Yaser Abusabha from the Michigan Army National Guard, along with Randy Leffel and Pat Muoio from Veterans’ Employment Services (VES), recently visited Fort Riley, Kansas to showcase the benefits of making Michigan home after active-duty service.

The team successfully delivered an in-depth briefing to six Army Counselors responsible for assisting more than 1,200 soldiers separating from the Army each year. The counselors were enthusiastic about the opportunities available through both the Michigan Army National Guard and the personalized support through VES – and have agreed to include this information in all Transition Assistance Program (TAP) literature. They will also be highlighting these resources directly with transitioning service members and encouraging them to consider Michigan as their next chapter.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in attracting skilled veterans to Michigan, offering them new opportunities and a supportive community as they transition into civilian life.

Put your valuable trade skills to work in a new way in Michigan, building the U.S. Navy’s next-generation submarines.

Thanks to the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative, a $10 million partnership aimed at training Michigan workers to lead the future of defense manufacturing, you can learn valuable trade skills and grow your career in Michigan while building the U.S. Navy’s next-generation submarines.

The M3 Initiative will focus on training workers in critical skills for submarine construction, particularly in maritime welding and machining, through local community colleges.

For more information about the M3 Initiative and how to get involved, go to BuildSubmarines.com/Michigan.

VES Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Bridget Baker recently had an enriching experience attending a core development course in case management at the National Veterans' Training Institute (NVTI) in Dallas, Texas. This specialized training program is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support our nation's veterans in their career development and job placement efforts.

The highlight of the training was a visit from the Honorable James D. Rodriguez, MA, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). During his visit, Assistant Secretary Rodriguez shared his deep appreciation for the crucial work being done by Veterans’ Employment professionals in serving veterans and emphasized the importance of their roles in helping veterans into civilian careers, underscoring the positive impact of their dedication and expertise.

In addition to sharing his insights, Assistant Secretary Rodriguez engaged with the class in a lively Q&A session. He provided an overview of his impressive background, including his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps and extensive experience in VETS, offering perspectives on the success in the field. His presence was both inspiring and motivating for all attendees, reaffirming their commitment to their vital work.

Bridget's experience at the NVTI and the opportunity to engage with a leader and fellow Marine veteran like Assistant Secretary Rodriguez have been pivotal in her professional journey. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact committed professionals can have in the lives of veterans, and the importance of continuous learning and development in this critical field.

Located in Mattawan, Michigan, Charles River Laboratories prides itself on being a visionary leader in the development and delivery of advance drug therapies. With over 75 years in the health industry Charles River Laboratories has improved global health and is a leader in drug therapies that change people lives.

The company has an impressive 1 million Square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes a cafeteria, dog park and recreational area. This facility has around 2,000 employees raging from entry level to corporate leadership and has openings in many different areas and skill sets.

Charles River Laboratories employees Spencer Streeter and Rick Gilbert (Navy 2005) started an initiative to hire more veterans to their Mattawan location and fill future openings through working closely with Veterans' Employment Services and Michigan Works!. With more than 40 veterans already employed at this facility, Charles River Laboratories sees the value in hiring more veterans and how they can be an asset with their unique skills and work ethic.

Addison connected with Veterans' Employment Services through her local Michigan Works! Service Center when she needed help finding a job. At the time, Addison had an outdated resume and was looking for mental health services.

She worked closely with Veterans' Career Advisor Brian Zarzycki, who provided her with connections to Macomb County Community Mental Health and helped her update her resume. Within a few short weeks of service, Addison was ready to begin working with her Local Veterans' Employment Representative on applying for a Customer Experience Associate position with the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

After Addison's application, her Local Veterans' Employment Representative followed up with the Recruiting Manager to advocate for Addison. That personal connection worked, putting Addison's resume at the top of the pile. The coordinated effort by VES staff, along with Addison's dedication, allowed her to connect to resources and land a job in just two months!

Addison is now working as an Inventory Control Associate at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Army & Airforce Exchange Service. She is incredibly grateful for the support she found through VES and her local Michigan Works!.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development provides training opportunities to prepare Michigan job seekers for rewarding, in-demand careers.

From traditional adult education programs to apprenticeships and short-term training, you're sure to find a program that's right for you! Explore the programs available to help you prepare for and find a job at Michigan.gov/Workforce.

Warrior Rising has assisted 26,132 veterans, 21 veteran businesses and donated more than 39,190 hours to training, educating and mentoring veterans. And now they're coming to Detroit!

Join them on September 21 at 5 p.m. for the Veteran Venture Series. Hear Warrior Rising success stories, insights and inspirations from a distinguished guest, and enjoy a live auction and dinner. 

Purchase your tickets here.

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.