A Message from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON

November 3, 2011

A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Today, I would like to introduce VA for Vets, an outstanding new program to help
our Veterans find appropriate careers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Set to launch on November 11, Veterans Day, VA for Vets takes a high-tech and
high-touch approach to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and reintegrating Veterans into the VA workforce. As part of its high-tech solution, the program offers state of the art online tools for Veterans as they seek employment or look to further career development opportunities. The online Career Center includes: a military skills translator that translates military skills into civilian language; a resume builder that tailors Veterans'resumes so they can more easily compete for open positions in VA; and avatar-based technology that connects deployed Servicemembers back to VA during their operational missions.

The high-touch solution comes in the form of career and reintegration coaches
who are readily available to help Veterans and Servicemembers take full advantage of
opportunities offered through the Career Center or to ensure a seamless transition into the VA workforce. Three new Coaching Call Centers will be operational in Dumfries, Virginia; Ebensburg, Pennsylvania; and New Orleans, Louisiana, starting October 26.

As Vice-Chair of President Obama's Veteran Employment Council, I am confident that VA can set the standard for Veterans' recruitment and career development at other Federal agencies. VA for Vets is part of a larger strategic initiative led by the newly established Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) within the Office of Human Resources and Administration. I have set a goal for VA to increase its Veteran workforce from 30 percent to 40 percent, and VESO will be at the forefront of that effort, working with all offices and administrations, to ensure we achieve our goals.

The VA for Vets program represents a commitment to transforming the way we hire and retain our Veterans. This program requires the personal commitment of all VA employees so we can uphold our sacred trust and moral obligation to care for those "who have borne the battle."

Eric K. Shinseki