‘Paychecks for Patriots’ returns Thursday

While military veterans often possess unique skills applicable to civilian employment, many find the transition challenging.

Officials with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs have partnered with CareerSource Pinellas to help connect former service members with local employment opportunities.

CareerSource Pinellas is bringing military veterans and at least 37 county employers together for a special hiring event Thursday (Dec. 1). Dubbed “Paychecks for Patriots,” the event was scheduled for Nov. 9 but postponed due to Hurricane Nicole.

Ahmed Amer, the local veteran employment representative for the DEO, is the event organizer. He is also a Navy veteran. Speaking from personal experience, he said pride often factors into the difficulties former service members face when seeking civilian employment.

“They want to help themselves on their own,” said Amer. “But what we see is that everyone needs help.”

He said boosting confidence and detecting potential barriers is a focus of his organization’s outreach efforts. Many veterans, Amer explained, remain unaware those challenges exist or are reluctant to talk about it with strangers.

He said the DEO and CareerSource try to overcome those barriers through local and national hearing panels. The ultimate goal, said Amer, is to bridge the gap between hiring officials and those who have served the country.

“Break the ice between veterans and employers,” he added. “And make sure that they are providing the adequate work environment for them.”

According to an accompanying release, over 8,000 veterans and military family members statewide have gained employment through Paychecks for Patriots since its inception in 2013. It states that those groups bring dedication, a unique skill set and diversity to Florida’s workforce.

The St. Petersburg College EpiCenter at 13805 58^th St. N. in Clearwater will host the event. From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., veterans and their families will have a chance to connect with some of the area’s most prominent employers.

Coca-Cola Beverages, Lockheed Martin, Pole Star Defense and Raymond James are a few of the private companies attending the event. Several government entities have also registered, including the Cities of Largo, Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor, the Pinellas County School district, the Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA).

Amer relayed that veterans spend their time in the military completing the same routines, and those lessons stay with them in civilian life.

“To wake up on time, report to work and take responsibility for their actions,” he said. “That responsibility is a strong aspect that employers look for. Whether they’re being watched or not, they’re doing the right thing; and they’re also making sure they’re doing it safely.”

It is a job seeker’s market, said Amer, with more unfilled positions than applicants. He hopes at least 100 veterans will attend Paychecks for Patriots and said former service members are an untapped pool of qualified people that can propel the local workforce.

He added that the ultimate goal is to connect veterans with meaningful careers they can retire from rather than temporary positions.

Job seekers should register for Thursday’s event here.

Here is the complete list of registered employers: