Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming June edition of the American Legion Magazine. Stoffer talked about the magazine article about the United States military branches struggling to meet their recruitment quotas. He also discussed some of the ways veterans are finding work and finding help after their service and a four-part documentary series leading up to Memorial Day.
The cover story in June's American Legion Magazine discusses the struggles of the United States military branches to meet their yearly recruitment quota. Nearly 56 percent of the population who wants to join the military have been classified as obese. However, it’s not just a weight issue, 23 percent of the population wanting to join are unable to pass the educational and behavioral requirements to qualify. Both the Army and Navy have introduced a pre-camp prior to basic training in hopes of getting recruits in shape before being sent to basic training.
With a workforce shortage in the trucking and cyber security industries, groups like Hiring Our Heroes are working with veterans to find employment. Stoffer points out that many of the veterans already have security clearances, and after some job training, would be able to fit in to open roles in cyber security and the trucking industry. To help veterans mentally, there is a group known as the Best Medicine Brigade who host a veteran-only comedy tour called Heal-arious. The tour travels to 10 cities where they hope to show the importance of comedy and the arts in helping veterans heal after their service.
On May 1 the American Legion began posting a four-part documentary series called A Vietnam Seabees Vow. The series follows the experience of Vietnam veteran David O. Warnken, and shares a story of honor and remembrance leading up to Memorial Day. The video series is available on the American Legion’s YouTube channel. For more information on Warnken or the story visit legion.org.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.