Veterans Playbook

WORKING WITH BARRIERS

WORKING WITH

VETERANS Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. giveit2goodwill.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

2

Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience

4

Chapter 2: Appropriate Language Dos and Don’ts

6

Chapter 3: How to Conduct an Intake

7

Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers Client Faces

9

Chapter 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources

10

Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits – Am I Eligible?

12

Chapter 7: Social Media Resources for Clients

14

Appendix

15

1

INTRODUCTION Veterans can be recently separated or long separated, which can include those with an honorable discharge or those who have retired. It is assumed that the military prepares them for everything they need in civilian life, but there are gaps in what they are told and what they need to know.

Many people make assumptions about Veterans, such as: ● ● ● ●

They are all suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Their military skills make them automatically job ready They have a clear idea about their career path They know about resources available to them The military is a culture - like any other culture.

Ask if they served in the military - it is a great way to start the conversation

There are many other assumptions about veterans, but they would like us to know these 15 facts so we can better understand and serve them:

2

1. They are not all soldiers. Soldiers are only in the army. After question 1, ask “Which branch?”

2. The Reserves are part of the military (on standby, while active duty is full time).

3. Not everyone in the military is infantry. Asking what their job was shows you understand.

4. They have leaders at every level in their chain of command, with responsibility and accountability.

5. They are always on duty. They can be called back at any time.

6. They take pride in their appearance and their conduct, since they have to be prepared.

7. They did not all kill someone and those who have do not want to talk about it.

8. They do not all have PTSD. 9. Those who have an invisible wound are not dangerous and they are not violent.

10. It is really hard for them to ask for help, thinking that it is a sign of weakness.

11. Their military service changes them - through good and bad experiences.

12. They differ in how much they identify with the military after they leave active duty.

13. Their families serve with them.

14. They would die for each other and they would die for their country.

15. They have all made the sacrifice for one reason: to serve something more important than themselves.

3

CHAPTER 1: Defining the Target Audience Newly-Separated Veterans A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the 3-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

Long-Separated Veterans A Veteran who has been separated longer than the above.

In the armed forces, separation means leaving active duty, but that does not mean leaving the service entirely for some. When someone reaches their ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) they are released from active duty, however they must still complete their military reserve obligations. Once separated, they receive a form called ‘DD214’, that verifies their service in the military.

A Veteran cannot receive VA (Veterans Administration) benefits without their DD214, but they can request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center's website. Once a service member completes their full military obligation, they are then discharged and receive a certificate - usually an Honorable Discharge.

Protected Veterans Veterans with this status are protected by an amended version of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), which prohibits discrimination against them.

Certain employers who hire protected veterans must adhere to Affirmative Action type requirements, which involve a level playing field for them.

Who Is Considered A Protected Veteran? ● Disabled veterans. ● Veterans who served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. ● Veterans with an Armed Forces Service Medal “pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 FR 1209)”. ● Recently separated veterans.

They must have a military discharge that’s not characterized as Dishonorable. Protected veterans cannot be denied employment, harassed, demoted, terminated, paid less or treated unfavorably because of their veteran status. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for the veteran’s disabilities or limitations.

Which Employers Are Required To Comply? Employers conducting business with the Federal government, which includes contractors and subcontractors.

4

5

Chapter 2: Language Do’s & Don’ts ● Don’t call them soldiers (soldiers are only in the army). ● It is best not to say “Thank you for your service.” (Some take it as a forced or insincere pleasantry.) ● Don’t assume their branch or job in the military - ask. ● Keep your voice volume at a moderate level - avoid using an angry, threatening, or demeaning tone of voice. ● Refrain from making jokes about the military - even if you think they might have the same sense of humor as you. ● Don’t ask them about PTSD or other injuries, unless they offer the information themselves. ● Don’t assume that veterans cannot think for themselves - that they are like trained robots due to their military experience. ● Do ask Veterans about what their military service means to them. ● Do ask if they feel comfortable answering your questions. ● Understand that there is a cultural difference between the civilian and military work environments. ● Do feel free to share your own, your family’s or friends' military experience. This can help bridge the gap. ● Tap into their skills, talents, and passions and explore how these can transfer to civilian jobs.

6

Chapter 3: How to Conduct an Intake Along with the initial intake, ask questions using the Veterans Intake form, to discover their background, experience and barriers.

Job Readiness Before they can prepare for a job they need a one on one and service plan to ask discovery type questions like do you have ID, DD-214 (military separation documentation, needed to access many benefits, including veterans preference), clothing for work, temporary shelter etc.

Refer to the list of community partners to help with these needs.

Resumes’ etc.

Veterans may need a civilian resume if they are interested in civilian employment. Veterans should have a federal resume that was completed in the “Transition Assistance Program.”

(TAP) Register them for Goodwill’s Virtual Resume Writing and assist with completing a resume.

Tip: list AIT (Advanced Individual Training), BLC (basic leadership course), ALC (advanced leadership course), etc. for education if no formal degree.

Tip: list security clearance, certifications (i.e. foreign disclosure officer certified) under skills if relevant.

Veterans may not know what type of work they would like to do post-military, so spend time exploring how their skills might transfer over to positions in the civilian workforce. (Use ONET.) GWCS can assist the client with this using Google’s MOS job search. Veterans may not know about paying state income tax in applicable states (TN vs KY) Veterans who do not have previous civilian employment experience may lack knowledge of civilian positions, pay, hiring process, and work environment. See if they would like to attend all job readiness training taught by GWCS and Operation HOPE. Training and Education for Newly Separated Veterans Veterans may not know how to use the GI bill and FAFSA. They may not know about opportunities for training during their transition out of the military. (Trade school or similar, the military will usually let service members complete this training during their transition).

We can link with an education/training partner that can host an “orientation”. Refer to the Veteran Intake form for referrals and resources. Share our training classes and assessment tools (Northstar and ONET) to discover their competencies and career interest profile.

7

Applying for a Job Veterans may not know how to find government jobs. USAjobs.gov can help them find GS jobs. Register them for Jobs4tn and focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t do.

Learn more: Veteran employment VA Benefits VET Job Programs

Learn More

8

Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers Every day, many veterans and their families are living with the mental and physical scars from serving their country during military service. Mental wounds are just as difficult to heal as physical wounds – and treating them is just as important.

Along with local resources such as Centerstone, the Mental Health coop, etc. there are many services and programs for Veterans. Refer to the appendix for referrals and resources.

Many Veterans will only be looking for work or training but you might come across someone who deals with PTSD or has other mental health issues. Like anyone else, they might be taking care of an elderly relative or dealing with homelessness. Some might have substance abuse issues and some might have a disabled child they need services for.

A good place to start is asking if they have good support from their family and/or friends.

Linking them up to a local “Meetup” group or support group might be useful.

They should be linked with a VA hospital.

Stigmas in the Workplace Overcoming stigmas many veterans face in the workplace. Americans regularly celebrate the service of returning military service members. Yet veterans coming home from war zones find that the civilian world actually is not waiting with its arms wide open, especially if there is any inkling that the vet has PTSD. This stigma means that at a time when vets need the most help in transitioning back to stable lives back home, they frequently find themselves shut out. To solve this problem, it takes patience and understanding from employers.

Overcoming stigmas many veterans face in the workplace

15 Things Veterans Want You to Know

9

Chapter 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources Certain VA benefits and other perks of military service require certain types of military discharges. You may see generic statements such as a requirement that the discharge be anything “other than Dishonorable” or any military discharge not characterized as a punitive discharge in some cases. The different types of military discharges are; Honorable Discharge This is the highest discharge a military member can receive. It indicates the service member performed duties well, faithfully executed the mission, and was an asset to the branch of the military where the member served.

General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions This type of military administrative discharge is motivated by different things depending on the branch of service. The overall conduct of the military member may have been exemplary in some areas, but other areas of misconduct or failure to adapt to the military environment may have resulted in such a discharge.

The separation paperwork for these military discharges may be quite specific about the reasons for the discharge, so while it’s not stigmatized the same as a Dishonorable discharge, the General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions may still hurt the veteran in some ways where a DD Form 214 Report of Discharge is required for employment or other reasons.

Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge This is the most severe of the administrative discharges (which do not require a court-martial).

Reasons for the OTH discharge may depend on the severity of the offenses, how a particular branch of the military has traditionally handled such issues, and other variables.

Bad Conduct Discharges A Bad Conduct Discharge comes as the result of a court-martial and may be followed by prison time depending on the nature and severity of the conduct.

Dishonorable Discharge This is the most punitive of all military discharges and is given as the result of a court-martial.

Desertion, murder, fraud, and other crimes performed in uniform can result in court-martial proceedings that lead to a Dishonorable Discharge.

No military benefits or future military service is possible with a military discharge characterized as Dishonorable.

10

Other Military Discharges

A new recruit that cannot complete Basic Training, adapt to the military environment while in Basic Training or Tech School, or otherwise is unable or unwilling to complete the initial phases of training.

These separations generally happen before the new recruit has served more than 180 days.

These are not considered “good” or “bad” discharges, the recruit is not considered a veteran, and those receiving Entry Level Separations are not eligible for benefits.

A medical discharge may be given to service members who become sick or injured to the point where military duty is no longer possible based on a medical evaluation of the medical condition.

Military members who receive Medical Discharges should apply for VA compensation for service-connected medical issues, especially those that resulted in the discharge.

11

Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits Veterans may lack knowledge of employment benefits, including retirement plans and insurance, and the associated details, including copays, deductibles, premiums, etc. If they have a disability, they could be eligible for SSDI. Refer to the appendix for information about how they can access assistance from agencies that specialize in helping vets with disability claims.

Invite them to attend Goodwill’s Virtual Financial Literacy class and see if they’re interested in partnering with a health markets type insurance agent to explain benefits and options.

Veterans can connect with their local US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where they can be assigned a case manager who can discuss in detail the health, disability, education, etc. benefits they may be eligible for.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs (OSA) works to help service members, veterans, and military families overcome unique financial challenges by providing educational resources, monitoring complaints, and working with other agencies to solve problems faced by service members. More information can be found in the appendix.

Military Benefit Information Links:

Home of Record (HOR) versus State of Legal Residency: Home of record and State of legal residency Basic Allowances - BAH Calculator: https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm Official Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Thrift Saving Plan Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

12

13

CHAPTER 7: Social Media Resources for Clients LinkedIn Groups: U.S. Veterans - Military, Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Active duty, National Guard/Reserves, separated, retired or just looking to help the veteran cause - this group is for you. Ask a question, find a mentor, network with others, share information and resources.

US Veterans Military Network - Our Vision is to mentor companion warriors towards realizing their dreams.

Our Mission is to actively network & introduce participants with one another, with professional & social peers, associates & acquaintances, with professional mental / physical / social specialists and with opportunities available to them toward realizing their dreams.

Military Network The Value Of a Veteran - The purpose of this group is to connect military service members (Active, Guard, Reserve, retired, or separated) who are looking for civilian employment opportunities with employers who value and support military service.

The Value Of a Veteran US Military Veterans Network - This is an exclusive, all volunteer force of US Military Veterans. If you have served in one of the US Military branches, enlisted or officer, you are welcome to join (please include veteran experience in profile). We are interested in serving the needs of veterans in Life, Politics and Business.

US Military Veterans Network

14

APPENDIX General: For DD214: Requesting Military Service records Benefits, News and Veterans’ Jobs: Military.com Veterans Service Organization - Our county veteran service officers and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, support and counseling for all veterans. We will provide referral service to other state and federal agencies for veterans, surviving spouses and their dependents to ensure quicker access to the benefits to which they are entitled. https://mcgtn.org/vso Army Community Service: ACS programs support Soldiers, civilian employees and Families in maintaining readiness by coordinating and delivering comprehensive, responsive services that promote self-reliance, resilience and stability.

Army Community Service Ft. Campbell Soldier Asst. Program: Transitional Soldier & Spouse Support Ft. Campbell Soldier Asst. Program Montgomery County Veterans Coalition: amplifying the impact of our community partners to better serve our veteran community. https://vetcoalition.org/ Operation Stand Down Tennessee: Resources for Veterans/Families: provides and connects Veterans and their families with comprehensive resources focused on transition, employment, housing, benefits, peer engagement, volunteerism and connection to the community. www.osdtn.org Exceptional Family Member Program: Military and Veteran: mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs.

Exceptional Family Member Program Employment and Training: https://militaryvetjobs.com/ https://www.veteransinc.org/services/employment-training/ https://www.tn.gov/veteran/veteran-education.html

15

SkillBridge is a Defense Department (DOD) program for transitioning service members. It offers employment training, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities at more than 1,000 public and private organizations across the country. Details https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm 9 Best Job programs for Separating Veterans: US Veterans Magazine Heather Lane (AJC in Gallatin) - She is the Local Veterans Employment Rep. ph: 615-2060233 Check out your AJC for a VER closer to you Employment Readiness Program (ERP) Military and Veteran Career Center.

Employment Readiness Program (ERP) Fort Campbell Career Center: Spouse Employment Center. Fort Campbell Career Center Soldier Recovery Unit: Career & Education Readiness.

Soldier Recovery Unit Digital Works: WAH Training and Job Assistance ONLY Military Active Veterans/ Dependents. www.digitalworksjobs.org NAMI Homefront: Educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and vets with mental health conditions.

NAMI Homefront VETS: TN Veterans Education Transition Support. A program of recognition for higher education institutions which allocate resources for veterans’ successful transition from military service to college enrollment.

VETS: TN Veterans Education Transition Support Hire a Hero - Job board for Veterans: https://hireahero.org/ Corporate Fellowship Program: The HOH (Helping Our Heroes) Fellows Program is a bestin-class workforce development program that places highly skilled and educated transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers with employers committed to hiring them. Hire a Hero

16

Mental Health: Nashville Vet Center: counseling for needs such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). https://www.va.gov/nashville-vet-center/ National Veterans Foundation: Crisis Management, Information, and Referral Needs of all U.S. Veterans and their Families. https://nvf.org/ National Resource Directory: a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers. https://nrd.gov/ Vet Centers: Readjustment Counseling, community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ Cohen Veterans Network: Therapy services to post-9/11 veterans and family members. https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/ TVH Suicide Prevention program: Assistance with Suicide prevention.

TVHSuicidePreventionProgram@va.gov Sabrina Dowd-Abele - 3400 Lebanon Pike Murfreesboro, TN 37129 p: 615-225-6892 Housing: Centerstone Supportive Services for Veterans Families: helps veterans and their families gain access to resources needed for permanent housing.

Centerstone Veterans Affairs: community employment coordinator/Homeless Program https://www.va.gov/ Matthew 25: a Nashville based nonprofit offering housing, help, and hope to homeless men and veterans struggling with addiction. https://www.matthew25nashville.org/

17

Financial Assistance:

Veterans Evaluation Services: VA disability claims assistance, employment, info etc. https://www.vesservices.com/ Veterans United: Home loans - Veterans United Home Loans

Meet Up: Veterans of Foreign Wars - (Franklin and Williamson county) The purpose of this group is to let Veterans know that we have a post right next to the factory and we are looking to raise awareness of the service offered. Karaoke Nights, Full Bar, and coming soon venue rentals.

The VFW also assists in VA related claims and can answer any questions you have as you navigate life whether active, separated or retired.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Meet Up Military & Business: The Next Stage (Clarksville, TN) - If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this group is for you. This group is focused on Active Duty, transitioning military members and veterans of our Armed Forces. We will be focusing on the next stage of a veterans career and what post military life looks like in the civilian world in regards to being an entrepreneur. If you are interested in becoming a business owner we would love to have you! We operate in a relaxed setting and the group is hosted by military veterans.

Military & Business: The Next Stage Meet Up Post 82 American Legion (Nashville, TN) - Veterans/conservatives here to do the turkey shoot from every year from October to December every Saturday and Sunday. Starts at 12 and ends when you’re tired of shooting. Money goes to a fundraiser and the winner wins lots of meat. Cost $30 to participate each time. A good place to come through on Tuesdays filled with country dancing and drinking. Music by the cowpokes band. Mondays are filled with cool rock from the toneboys band. Wednesdays are about bluegrass bands. Thursdays are for debuting bands. Fridays are karaoke.

Post 82 American Legion Meet Up Other: Rally Point - The social network by, for, and about service members and veterans. Peer counseling. Job placement. Mentorship. The largest social network from the military helping you lead your best life. https://www.rallypoint.com/ VetFriends - Connecting Veterans, Reuniting Thousands of Old Friends https://www.vetfriends.com/

18

Together We Served - This website is for all those who served in the U.S. Military. Here is where you can reconnect with your former brothers and sisters-in-arms, share in the camaraderie of other Veterans, and preserve a record of your military service that will live on for future generations. https://www.togetherweserved.com/

Marketing to Veterans ● Distribute flyers to VA clinics, VFW's, American Legions, veteran support centers at local colleges and universities, senior centers, libraries, newsletters, etc. ● Radio Stations: ● Wreaths Across America Radio - A Voice for America’s Veterans ● Veterans Radio - Veterans Radio is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) dedicated to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Veterans Radio includes our listener’s stories and experiences, not only while in the service, but afterwards as well. Interviews with guest speakers and authors are a weekly feature.

Podcasts - Veterans United is a show about veterans, for veterans, their caregivers, patriots and anyone wanting more insight into the military and veteran community. They discuss the good and bad things that veterans do and talk about alternative treatments for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and share some stories along the way.

Listen each week as host, Navy veteran and new father Shad Turner talks with other veterans, artists, musicians, non-profits, therapists and more about parenting, entrepreneurship, hobbies, their time in the military, issues facing the military and veteran community and how we can help each other out.

Wreaths Across America Radio - A Voice for America’s Veterans https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio Veterans Radio https://veteransradio.net/ Veterans Unite https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/podcast/veterans-unite-welcome/

19

Goodwill Training Programs: Online & Virtual Trainings: Interviewing for Work, Applying for Work, Explore Jobs Online, Preparing for Success at Work, Resume Writing, Financial Literacy (monthly), Working from Home Training (monthly).

Virtual Training Sign Up- 2022 Training Programs Overview & Registration Instructions Basic Digital Literacy/Computer Skills and Resume Class: (FREE) Class topics include: Computer Basics, Email, Online Job Search, Resume Office Productivity Skills Training: (FREE) A two day introduction into the Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite. You will learn Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets.

Call Center: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $240 after completion of course) A three-week paid training course teaching participants how to manage and respond to incoming phone calls from customers. Trainees may earn a Contact Center Associate certification. Pre-training assessments are required prior to starting training. Please call 615742-4151 for information.

Construction: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $100/week) A four-week paid construction training program providing classroom and hands-on training to those interested in a construction career. Trainees may earn an NCCER certification. Contact Tim.Kahn@givegw.org. for application information.

Custodial: (PAID TRAINING COURSE = $30/DAY) This is a 4-week custodial certificate program.The program is designed for front-line custodians and teaches basic and advanced skills in all areas of commercial building cleaning. Call 615-742-4151 for more information.

Forklift: (THIS COURSE COST $100) An OSHA approved forklift certificate program that is a three to four-hour course including classroom instructor led training and hands-on training using a forklift. Some fees may apply for this program. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Google IT Professional Certificate Training: Full scholarships are available through Goodwill for an IT training program designed to prepare students for entry level IT positions such as Google IT Support, Facebook Social Media Marketing, Automation With Python, Google Project management, Google Data Analytics, and Google UX Design.

20