Brigadier General Robert Petersen Stands Behind Effort To Hire Veterans
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Sherlock
jsherlock@jennacommunications.com
Donna Clementoni
Brigadier General Robert Petersen (Ret.) PA ANG Stands Behind Effort To Hire Veterans
PHILADELPHIA, May 22, 2013 – Retired Deputy Commander of the PA Air National Guard and former Chief of Police/Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Brigadier General Robert Petersen has joined an impressive list of politicians, sports personalities, military and community leaders to raise awareness to hire veterans. American businesses are being called upon to provide meaningful employment for veterans, guardsmen, reservists and military spouses.
The story left untold on veteran unemployment is the uniquely challenging employment situation confronting National Guard and Reservists. Nationally, their unemployment remains persistently high at 11 percent. For Jr. Enlisted Service Members, joblessness stands at 18 percent. The National Guard and Reserve are vital to our nation’s security and represent 48 percent of our country’s Total Force.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) National Chairman James Rebholz said, “For our nation to remain a viable and ready military force, our uniformed service members and their families need the security of meaningful civilian employment – both existing jobs and new opportunities.”
More alarming, nearly 16 percent of enlisted veterans ages 25 to 29 are unemployed according to the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
Petersen is a NJ committee member for ESGR, a Department of Defense organization that seeks to create a culture where all American employers value and support the service and sacrifice of their employers.
He joined in the applause as Martin E. Judge Jr., CEO of The Judge Group, a professional services company, announced at a recent gathering of dignitaries and veterans advocates at a news conference at the Philadelphia Union League, that his company’s newest division, Judge VIP (Veterans in Professional) Careers, will hold the first ever Speed Career Networking Event exclusively for transitioning military service members, wounded warriors, veterans and military spouses on June 22 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Judge VIP Careers, which has successfully implemented a full “Boots to Boardroom” program that opens career doors for military members, expects nearly 50 employers to attend including Virtua Health System, Jacobs Engineering and Subaru of America.
The Speed Career Networking Event is all part of the Philadelphia Souls’ and Judge VIP Careers’ June 22 “Military Appreciation Night”. The Philadelphia Soul and Judge VIP have joined forces to salute the members of the Armed Forces. Martin E. Judge, Jr. is a minority owner of the Philadelphia Soul.
Following the 6:05 p.m. Philadelphia Soul vs. Iowa Barnstormers match-up, the Soul organization and Judge VIP Careers will host a special exhibition Arena football game with teams rosters consisting of Army and Navy veterans.
“The deployment of veterans onto the arena field following the regularly scheduled Soul game is the patriotic culmination of the Philadelphia Soul’s Military Appreciation Day,” said Ron Jaworksi, majority owner of the Soul, former NFL Quarterback and ESPN Commentator.
All friendly patriotic rivalry and cheers aside, the battle cry is clear… EMPLOY OUR AMERICAN HEROES.
Brigadier General Robert Petersen (Ret.) Air National Guard will continue to recognize employer support through his volunteer advocacy with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as well as direct veterans to contact Judge VIP Careers when they are seeking civilian employment.
“With thirty-five offices nationwide, Judge VIP Careers is well positioned to offer veterans a unique career lifeline, or a boots to boardroom approach, to help these men and women transition into good jobs and rewarding careers as we have hundreds of veteran friendly employers who are our clients,” said Command Chief Master Sergeant Mike Ferraro, president of Judge VIP Careers.
“The U.S. military is the greatest training program in the world, and these men and women have the skills and attributes our nation needs and wants,” Ferraro said.
“While there is an increased focus on finding jobs for returning vets by both the public and private sectors, the reality is that a lot of employers still don’t realize the value added benefit of life experienced, mature crisis tested individuals and what they truly bring to the work place,” Petersen said.
As more vets are hired into the civilian job market, they, by their very nature will sell themselves, awakening employers to this valuable under exploited resource.”
To learn more about all planned events for Military Appreciation Night, visit: www.philadelphiasoul.com. For more information about The Judge Group and VIP Careers, visit: www.judge.com. Tickets for the Soul game are on sale now by calling 888-789-SOUL or going to ComcastTix.Com. All active duty military and veterans can type the promo code “MILITARY” for $5 off the price of the ticket, or show their military ID at the Box Office on game day.
Employers interested in participating in the “Career Speed Networking Event” can register at www.JudgeVIP.org.
Veterans who want to attend the “Career Speed Networking Event” can submit their contact information to: vetjobs@judge.com.
Pictured left to right is: Command Chief Master Sergeant Mike Ferraro, President of Judge VIP Careers, Col. Carmen Venticinque (Ret.) United States Army, Former Governor Ed Rendell, Brigadier General Robert Petersen (Ret.) PAANG, Major Glenn Battschinger, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion
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About the Philadelphia Soul:
The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. They capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. For 2013 season tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.
About The Judge Group & Judge VIP Careers:
The Judge Group, established in 1970, is a global leader in professional services that provides technology consulting, staffing solutions, corporate training and human capital management. Our newest division, Judge VIP Careers, is focused on helping transitioning military service members, wounded warriors, veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment after honorably serving our country. We aim to create unique, cost-effective and innovative employment solutions, opening a pipeline of outstanding talent into corporate America. To learn more about The Judge Group and Judge VIP Careers visit www.judge.com and www.judgevip.org.