When Johnny comes marching home
Part 1: Program to help returning veterans with job placement begins in the Midlands
When Johnny comes marching home again Hurrah! Hurrah! We'll give him a hearty welcome then Hurrah! Hurrah!
By Rachel Haynie

This mid- 19th century song credited to Bandmaster Patrick S. Gilmore includes in the third verse references to the symbolic laurel wreath, ready now to honor the hero, the winner.

Twenty first century patriots returning from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan are more concerned with another form of green: salaries.

"For young men and women fighting the war on terrorism, coming home in good health is a major goal, but coming home to a good job is also a primary concern," said Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson.

But in a shrinking job market, veterans are coming home to uncertain career futures. Last year alone, more than 5,000 veterans returned to S.C. Many were young people who entered the military immediately after high school. These returning veterans now must face putting their civilian lives together. They are joining a large group of South Carolinians looking for work in a fast- changing job market.

Nationally, the VA reported that in 2005 190 active duty soldiers came out of the military seeking first time civil employment in the Midlands. While these men and women were serving their country, the demand for a highly skilled and educated workforce has escalated.

The fastest growth is projected to occur in computer specialities. Technological advances come so rapidly that patriots who have been in service for one tour of duty find themselves in need of updates.

To address these needs, Fast Forward, the Midlands' community technology center, has been awarded a major U.S.Department of Commerce grant. Fast Forward's commitment is to help area veterans claim their places in the Midlands' workforce.

The Fast Forward proposal is called the Homefront Readiness program. This month, the program will provide high quality job training services.

In collaboration with the Veterans Administration and the Midlands Workforce Development Board, Fast Forward's program staff will use technology training in a program designed to provide assessment, job training, and job placement for returning veterans.

The initiative is aimed at softening the landing of the veterans to prevent unemployment or even homelessness.

As Nicholson said, "Unless something is done to better prepare these separating service members for careers outside the military, the rate of unemployment for them will continue to rise."

The first veterans to begin the program have undergone assessment and have been referred by staff members at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Hospital. They will be beginning classes soon.

Editor's note: The Columbia Star will be following the veterans and the results of this program.