North Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham is pushing for more businesses to recruit and hire veterans.
Congresswoman Gwen Graham is spearheading an effort to recognize businesses that hire veterans. Graham says her “I Hire Veterans” program could help more service members join the workforce.
“We continue to look out for those veterans who return from active duty and need as much help as we can provide them as they transition into veteran status,” she said.
Re-entering civilian life can be challenging. But Kyle McIntyre, Graham’s Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison says employment can help bridge the gap between military service and civilian life.
"It's always a little bit of journey and a little bit of a struggle if you don’t have support and assistance," he said.
But veterans don’t leave service empty handed. McIntyre adds veterans have skills that can serve them well in the workforce.
"The devotion to duty, loyalty, hard working ethic and drive and just their ability to lead,” he said.
Florida has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, with over 1.5 million service members. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 5 percent of Florida veterans are unemployed.
