A Missouri business helps veterans find jobs before leaving the military

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Multiple organizations are hosting hiring events and touting veteran workforce accomplishments ahead of Veterans Day.

EquipmentShare

EquipmentShare is hosting an event to show off a specially wrapped patriotic piece of equipment that will help raise visibility and support for veterans on construction projects located in the mid-Missouri area.  A portion of its rental proceeds will go toward veterans support organizations. 

EquipmentShare has an internship program that helps active-duty members find jobs before they leave the military.

"So before they're separated they already have a job lined up for them post-military so you don't get out of the civilian sector and get dropped off in the deep end," Veteran Mark Ayers said.

The Columbia Business offers a wide variety of internships for vets such as yard technicians, parts manager, and sales representative roles.

Money is also raised by renting out this piece of equipment the company refers to as TELE-HERO.

"It goes directly towards helping veterans transition out of the military," Ayers said.

ABC 17 also spoke with Megan Silvers, who works for "Welcome Home", a no-cost emergency shelter for at-risk veterans.

Silvers says networking is one challenge veterans face when they leave the military.

"Where is home, you know... where am I going back to? Is it back where I started in my roots. Is it somewhere where I served and really enjoyed um so having those kind of social and familiar networks can be really difficult if you don't have them," Silvers said.

EquipmentShare and Welcome Home say it's not only up to their organizations but the community as a whole to help veterans find jobs when they leave the military.

"Because without income... without a job. Things can swirl out of control", Silvers said.

Gerbes

Gerbes grocery stores are hosting a virtual and in-store hiring event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for full and part-time jobs available in stores, pharmacies and distribution centers.

“Gerbes’ values our military and has a longstanding commitment to supporting the military community in Kansas,” said Sheila Regehr, Gerbes spokesperson in a release. “We recognize the skills and experience our brave servicemen and women have to offer through their military experience and we look forward to hiring our heroes and look forward to feeding their future.”

Hy-Vee

Throughout November, Hy-Vee is hosting special virtual events for veterans and service members returning to civilian life to learn about career opportunities across its eight-state region. The company provides specific benefits for veterans, such as a paid day off on Veterans Day, relocation assistance and hiring bonuses based on eligibility. Interested individuals can register for a virtual event at 
Hy-Vee.com/Homefront.