We are all inspired by strong leaders. And, it’s amazing (outside of politics) how much agreement there is about how we define who a strong leader is. We admire greatly those who bring passion to what they do. Those who get back up and dust themselves off when they stumble. People who are motivated by values and callings that are outside their own self-interest. The people willing to roll up their sleeves to get important work done.
So many of our veterans provide real-life examples of this kind of leadership.
Next Tuesday marks an important day for us as Americans as we honor those who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom and democracy.
Even with the failings or weaknesses of our country, we know the values we aspire to, the ones upon which we were founded, still have meaning and are worth protecting. Our veterans have taken that mantle for decades. And, they are highly trained, disciplined, loyal individuals who provide great value to our organizations when they return to civilian life. But their re-entry requires more from each of us to ensure that transition is successful.
During the 2014 point-in-time survey of homeless in the seven-county metro area, the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative found that just over 13 percent of its respondents were veterans. They were almost all men, and of that group almost one quarter were identified as chronically homeless. While the number of homeless veterans is declining, we can do more.
As a business leader, you can make an immediate impact by making veterans a priority in your organization through an internship, mentoring relationship or by hiring a service member to join your team.
This fall, we joined the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to kick off a hiring effort for veterans. We heard from organizations like DaVita and the Colorado Department of Transportation about why they hire veterans. What’s key is the experience—real on-the-job work experience and the leadership skills they have learned—that show veterans add great value to our work teams. In fact, DaVita is hosting a half-day workshop on Nov. 13 for those who want to hire more vets. To attend, send an email or call 720-250-1189 to reserve a spot for yourself or a member of your team.
The Chamber also has partnered with the University of Colorado Denver on Boots to Suits for nearly three years, which helps our highly trained, well-educated veterans gain the skills and tools they need to start a new career when they have returned home from service. In addition to the opportunity to have a veteran on your team, Boots to Suits also works with business leaders to literally suit up our vets so that they are dressed for success when they have an interview or start a new career. This past year we have helped 85 veterans move from the classroom to a career. To become a mentor or learn more about the program, please contact Jennifer Jones.
You can also encourage the veterans you know to build community with their peers. Our Small Nonprofit of the Year, VFW Post 1, is the very first post in the world for veterans. It continues to be a great source of camaraderie for our vets, providing activities like hiking, attending a professional sports game or helping to plan their next career.
When it comes to honoring our veterans, don’t just thank them for their service—show your support by helping them find careers back in Colorado.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by: The National Guard]