Employment assistance is one of the most important resources veterans need when making the transition back to civilian life. Finding reliable work that allows them to not only help support their families but also to utilize their unique skills continues to be one of the biggest challenges returning service members face. Organizations like the Call of Duty Endowment are working to help make the dream of civilian employment a reality.
The Call of Duty Endowment is a nonprofit organization co-founded by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, publisher of the popular Call of Duty® video game franchise. In October of this year, the Call of Duty Endowment announced it had reached yet another milestone: successfully helping more than 50,000 veterans find jobs after discharge. Now, the organization wants to raise that number to 100,000 veterans by 2024.
How is the Call of Duty Endowment helping veterans?
In addition to its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the value of hiring veterans, the Call of Duty Endowment finds and supports those charities that have proven successful at helping veterans prepare for and find profitable jobs that match their skill level. Each year, the organization reviews a number of nonprofit groups and provides funding to those charities with a history of placing veterans in meaningful careers.
The Call of Duty Endowment introduced its Seal of Distinction in 2013 to recognize charitable organizations with exemplary records of helping veterans find high-quality jobs. Winners receive $30,000 in grant money, plus the opportunity for additional funding, as well as personalized advice and support aimed at helping them expand their reach and provide even more assistance for job-seeking veterans.
Why is it so hard for veterans to find work after discharge?
The biggest problem is a clear disconnect between civilian employers and the men and women transitioning out of the military—a disconnect that the Call of Duty Endowment is hoping to diminish through its efforts and funding. A lot of companies either don’t understand how military skills translate to those needed in the civilian workplace, or they require advanced degrees or certifications that many veterans lack, despite having a successful military career.
Concerns about future deployments leaving them short-staffed may also explain why businesses are reluctant to hire veterans, and some companies still express concerns about veterans’ mental health, even though only a small percentage of returning service members develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Finally, age and disability discrimination may also prevent qualified veterans from securing a civilian job.
Before you start your job search, make sure you have a copy of your DD214.
Prospective employers will typically ask you to provide proof of your military service, and the form most often requested is the DD214 (or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If you never received a copy of your DD214, or if it was lost, stolen or damaged, contact DD214Direct.com to get the replacement process rolling so you don’t miss out on the position you want.
Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.
Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than competitors. We physically stand in line at the records repository and manually coordinate your order, freeing up your time and easing your worries about whether or not you will get your DD214. Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier.
Instead of having to download, print, sign and fax your document request form, you can submit your order directly through our website with the ease of e-signature technology from a desktop, laptop or mobile device. Once we locate your DD214, we will email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.
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