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Veterans' Employment Committee Meeting
October 12, 2010: 10:00 AMMinutes:
Minutes of the Veterans’ Employment Committee Meeting October 12, 2010
Attending: Paul Luce, MDOL/ BES; Edwin N. Clift, Committee Chair; Doug Hudson, LVER; Michelle Lynds, DVOP Specialist; Gail Dyer, MDOL/MJC; Pat McKenna, VBA/Togus; Dave Klein, MDOL/BES; Dave Keaton SCTC/MSAD 54; Don Foster, Vet Rep/ESGR; John Simpson, Maine ESGR; Steve Wallace, Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce; LTC Andy Gibson, MEARNG; Jessica Wood, MEARNG; CSM Lawrence Moody, MEARNG; Robert Carr, Tech Innovations; Lisa Martin, Manufacturers Association of Maine.
Ed…Welcomed and introduced Team.
Patrick McKenna…provided an overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program: 1. Discussed eligibility and application process. 2. Discussed program planning, training, job assistance and payment of program costs and living allowances. 3. Program is on the upswing, with noticeable increase of those who have been “rehabilitated” and moved into suitable employment. 4. Credited MDOL’s DVOP Specialists for helping to place participants. 5. For follow-up information, Tel: 1-800-827-1000 or e-mail www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm
CSM Lawrence Moody…provided overview of 1136th Transportation Company (…currently deployed to Afghanistan) 1. Deployed strength at 170. 2. Stationed in Maine in Bangor (HQ), Sanford and Calais 3. Deployment mission is to provide security force to defend forward operating bases, transportation of logistics personnel and equipment throughout the battle space. 4. Most of the unit is located at Camp Eggers in Kabul. 5. They “escort” high-level officials…i.e., General Patraeus, Admiral Mullen, etc. 6. Grateful for the support from MDOL to find jobs for their unemployed Soldiers.
Doug Hudson and Michelle Lynds…provided overview of how the Veterans’ Program Team supports unemployed Soldiers 1. Covered “contact” by Guard, ESGR, Yellow Ribbon Committee. 2. Related how Soldiers are surveyed at SRC’s for labor force status 3. Provided spreadsheet of unemployed Soldier in the 1136th. 4. Related how contact is made with aforementioned Soldiers. 5. Gave examples (..i.e. resumes) forwarded to unemployed Soldiers while they were still in theatre. 6. Talked about services/support when Soldiers return home. 7. Participate in 30, 60, 90 day Yellow Ribbon
Lisa Martin…provided overview of Manufacturers Association of Maine 1. Have a current membership of 360 (Students, Affiliates and regular Business Members. 2. They have cluster development initiatives…aerospace, wind/alternative energy, medical device/bioscience and advanced textile technology. 3. Use B2B to find suppliers/vendors for members. 4. With regard to education and training…demand driven coordination, resources and support for education, training needs and data services for Industry Partnership Initiatives. 5. The Association is very supportive of hiring Veterans, and encourage direct contact by forwarding appropriate resumes to infor@mainemfg.com
Steve Wallace…Reported out on proposal to have an easy-to-access/easy-to-use “portal” to meet the needs of service members and their families. Reported that a brainstorming session had been held at Camp Keyes, wherein those specific needs fell into four categories: workforce, medical , benefits and education. Customers would be Guard members, Reserve members, Active Duty Veterans, retirees and family members. Steve will be meeting with LTC Andy Gibson for further discussions about how not to duplicate efforts and create a shared “portal” via the www.mainemcn.org website. MDOL/BES/CareerCenters/Veterans Program would be linked under the workforce component.
