WATERVILLE– More than 60 veterans have been hired through the 2016 hire a vet campaign, but its not over! With over 30 days left, they’re still striving to find more veterans in need of help, and employers who are willing to hire excellent workers.
Heather Q,uesnel starts her day at Maine General like every other, but it wasn’t always this way. “I was an Army nurse. I graduated from the University of Vermont and went in as a direct commission into the Nurse Corps” said Quesnel.
She says that being a veteran helped her start her career outside of the service, giving her the skill set she needs in a leadership role. “I was stationed at Walter Reed, that was during the time of Desert Storm. That was definitely a mixture of people, and ideas, and races and ethnicity, so I feel as though that has definitely helped me be more compassionate and tolerant of people.”
But not all veterans have found it easy to transition to the civilian life like Heather, which is why the 2016 Hire A Vet Campaign is looking to change that. “What were looking for are employers of any kind, who need to hire good workers, and workers with skills, and veterans bring a wealth of skills” said Julie Dumont Rabinowitz, the Spokesperson for the Director of Labor.
The programs goal is to get 100 veterans a job in 100 days, and so far they’re right on schedule. “Maine is a great place for them to live and work” said Rabinowitz.
Martin Macgown is an employer participating in the campaign and already has 107 veterans working for him. “They bring a lot of experience around teamwork, and teamwork in our environment is very important” said Macgown.
Heather says the best advice she can give a struggling veteran is this, “Don’t give up”.
For those who are looking for more information, you can visit Mainecareercenter.gov
