The 2024 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Veteran-Friendly Employer Innovation Conference, held in October, brought together leading employers and veteran organizations from across the state, further strengthening Michigan’s commitment to supporting veterans in the workforce. The event highlighted the ongoing collaboration between MVAA and Veterans' Employment Services (VES), underscoring the importance of creating employment pathways for veterans.

One of the conference’s key moments came when Pat Muoio, a Local Veterans Employment Representative, was invited by MVAA to share insights into the VES program and other veteran-specific initiatives designed to benefit both veterans and employers. Pat's presentation focused on how VES works to align veterans’ career goals with employment opportunities, advocating for win-win partnerships between veterans and businesses. The interactive session sparked a lively discussion, with employers eager to explore new ways to enhance veteran hiring and retention across Michigan.

The conference exemplified the proactive efforts being made to better the lives of veterans while ensuring that employers can tap into the vast potential of Michigan’s veteran workforce. Together, Michigan continues to pave the way for a brighter future for veterans and employers alike.

The 19^th annual Detroit Veterans' Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 10 in downtown Detroit. The annual event is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of veterans and their loved ones before Veterans' Day.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the celebration! Register to walk in the parade by November 1 at DetroitVeteransDayParade.com/Parade-Registration. 

The National Veteran Business Matchmaking Conference and Vets Night Out will take place Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit on October 29-30.

The annual signature conference will host the largest gathering of Certified Service Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses. The event also includes Vets Night Out, where corporations and veteran business owners network on a more informal basis and will feature a special guest speaker.

The National Veteran Matchmaking Conference and Vets Night Out will provide insights through a diverse and dynamic group of keynote speakers and panelists to help navigate the procurement process and provide updates on the industry’s current state. Learn more about these events at nvbdc.org/events.

Melanie Mauai – Veterans' Career Advisor, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?

My military experience gives me the opportunity to understand and relate to our veterans in a way that civilians wouldn’t really be able to. I have noticed that when I meet with my participants and explain that I am a veteran as well, they tend to relax and build rapport is easier.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

They should expect that we are here to help in any way that we can. This is a safe place. If we cannot immediately help, we will do our best to find them a partner agency that can and if we don’t know the answer, we will do our best to find it. 

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

I tend to recommend veterans look into Federal or State jobs because their time in the military will be honored. I suggest they utilize our main job seeking website (MiTalent.org) to apply for that position on the company’s website. If they need help with their VA Disability, I refer them to their Veteran Service Office. If they need help with training, I refer them to Michigan Works! or Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

Frank Peasley, a Navy veteran who served as a Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons and Navigation Systems Technician, found himself in a difficult situation after being laid off from a job he held for over eight years. Thrust into an unfamiliar job search, Frank turned to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for guidance. Recognizing his needs, he was quickly referred to Veterans’ Career Advisor Brandon Latusek, who began working with Frank to develop a strategy for his job search.

Brandon focused on helping Frank craft a strong resume, while Jessica Villet, a Michigan Works! Career Navigator, provided essential transportation assistance, supplying Frank with bus passes so he could attend interviews and appointments. Recognizing the challenges Frank faced with limited transportation options, the team sought ways to address these barriers.

Pat Muoio, a Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER), joined forces with Brandon and the Michigan Works! team to pinpoint Frank’s employment goals. Together, they began advocating for Frank at several companies. One of Frank’s preferred employers was Home Depot, but the job required weekend shifts, and public transportation in Otsego County doesn’t operate on weekends. The team knew they needed a solution.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, Pat and Brandon reached out to veteran organizations to explore possible support. AMVETS Post 114 quickly stepped up, purchasing Frank a new bicycle, helmet, and lock. Jessica then securing front and rear lights for the bike to ensure Frank's safety. With his transportation needs addressed, Pat leveraged his connections at Home Depot, ensuring Frank’s application received priority consideration. Thanks to this coordinated effort, Frank was quickly hired.

Frank’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork and veteran advocacy, with Michigan Works! and VES going above and beyond to help him overcome his challenges and secure meaningful employment.

Employers across the country are starting to embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace as Americans with disabilities are experiencing employment gains. While labor conditions have improved for individuals and veterans with disabilities, many others continue to struggle to find employment due to lack of preparation and not having the required skills needed to successfully navigate the hiring process.

This hour-long webinar on November 21 at noon will provide interviewing tips and mock interviews to help you with your job search. Register for the webinar here.

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.

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.