Veteran Legacy Network

By Joshua R. Sosa, U.S. Army Combat Veteran

US ARMY 1SG (Ret.) Rudolph Sosa Jr. &

Son SSG Joshua R. Sosa

 

Imagine this.  After many years of military service, multiple deployments, and sacrifices that have taken a toll on the mind, body, soul, and, for some, the family, the day will come when you take off the uniform for the last time.  The expectation is that everything will be just as it was while you were in the military or better; however, the hard reality is that these are two worlds that are completely separated and very different.  Even though life on the battlefield came so easily, we were trained to take on and confront any mission and adapt and overcome.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case in the civilian world, leaving veterans still fighting a different battle at Home.

 

This was the reality for me and so many others after their time in the military.  Because of my situation, I did not map out exactly what my plan was post military service.  

 

• Do I go into the workforce?   

• Do I go back to college? 

• Do I go and get a government job?  

• How do I provide for my family?  

 

Joshua R. Sosa speaking at the Education Service Center,    -->

informing Students and Adults of opportunities for College,

Careers, and Military Opportunities.

 

For those who are looking to go into the workforce, understand that employers are seeking veterans to come and be part of their team.  One of the areas that the federal government has guided veterans looking to join the workforce is through the Department of Labor.  The Department of Labor, or DOL, provides veterans with employment and training services to include career counseling, job search assistance, and rights protection under the Uniform Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  DOL VETS (Veterans Employment and Training Service) helps veterans, service members, and their spouses transition to civilian careers through programs like the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), job placement assistance, and various grants and initiatives.  This is only one example of the federal opportunities that are available for veterans looking to jump back into the workforce.  However, there are other resources at the state and local level as well.

 

For a Texas resident like me, we fall under the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).  Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and its state and local partners, including the Texas Veteran Commission (TVC), they provide a variety and wide range of support for veterans in Texas, including job search assistance, job placement, career training, career exploration, and priority of service for veterans.  They also connect veterans with employers that have matching military skills to civilian jobs and offer services like resume building and interview preparation for veterans.  Texas Workforce Commission also provides initiatives like the Military Family Support Program to assist military spouses and the College Credit for Heroes Program to help veterans get college credit for military training.

 

 

Joshua R. Sosa & U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Warren E. Phipps, Jr.  -->

 

This is all great at the state level; however, how can this help me where I am?  I'm glad you asked!  Locally, 28 local workforce development boards in the state of Texas provide services not only to veterans but to everyone.  These local workforce boards are responsible for planning and developing local workforce development services, such as helping job seekers find employment and assisting employers with recruiting and training services.  Their purpose is to oversee the local implementation of federal and state workforce programs and also provide services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, better known as WIOA.  

 

These local workforce boards operate in more than 170 local workforce solutions offices across the entire state, providing these services to their clients.  Each board is a business-led organization that works with local officials and community partners to align workforce training and specific economic needs for their region.  They continue to provide services that the state and federal programs offer, such as priority service to veterans and their families, which will help the transition from military life to civilian life.

 

This is great for Texas, but what about where I live in the US?  Are there local workforce opportunities and programs for the rest of us in the country?  Yes, all states in the United States provide some form of workforce development support primarily through federally funded and state-administered Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) system, which includes a statewide workforce Development Board and every one of the 50 states.  While the core programs are national, the specific programs, policies, and funding levels may vary from state to state.  You will just have to see what exactly your state and local board provide for veteran services.

 

Understanding that you are not alone in this fight is half the battle.  There are resources available to you and your families in your transition.  This is a great resource that can help guide and direct you and your family as you move into the next chapter of your journey.  

 

As someone who has worked in a local workforce board and continues to serve the community in these areas, I can reassure you that this is a hidden gem that should be brought out and provided more information to veterans and their families as they move into the next chapter of their lives.  You are not alone in this battle, and there are brothers and sisters that still have your “6.”  

 

God bless you and thank you for all your service, support, and sacrifice!  We are a team that took an oath that has no expiration date.  

 

“Mission First, People Always.”

 
Very Respectfully,

 

Joshua R. Sosa

Executive Director for ANAX Omilos Leadership Group