in this issue… · program provides employers with a pool of highly skilled, motivated and...
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U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE…
IES COMMUNICATIONS BECOMES LATEST PaYS PARTNER
WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN & DOLPHIN CELEBRATES THEIR VETERANS
SPOTLIGHT ON HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
JOB POSTINGS
EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES
BOISE CASCADE
COUNTY OF NEVADA, CA
AECOM
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
UNION PACIFIC MILITARY RECRUITING EVENTS
NATIONAL CAREER FAIRS
CHOICE CAREER FAIRS
RECRUIT MILITARY NATIONWIDE VETERAN JOB FAIRS
JOB FAIRS AND ASSISTANCE
MICHIGAN YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY
PaYS PARTNER ANNIVERSARIES
MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM MANAGER
INSIDE ARMY PaYS
INTERSTATES OFFERS VETERANS INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICAL
APPRENTICESHIP
SUCCESSFUL BEGINNINGS IN NEW YORK
BATTALION OF THE MONTH - MIAMI
CFI - WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
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U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success Newsletter
IES Communications Becomes Latest PaYSPartner
Story and photos by: Alun Thomas, A&PA Chief Phoenix Recruiting Battalion
A MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM MANAGER..
Dear PaYS Partners,
Let's welcome our newest PaYS Partners and a special thanks to the Battalion's leader-ship and A&PAs for their support.
Purdy Mobility Group –DallasSonsray, Inc. –Los Angeles Bay & Bay Transportation –Minneapolis
Look out for new partnerships and signing ceremonies coming in 2020!
Centimark Corporation - 21 February 2020 (Newport News, VA) officiated by LTG Theodore D. Martin, Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff, TRADOCExide TechnologiesTerrapin Beer - 26 February 2020 (Milton, GA)
If you would like to attend any of our events, reach out to your PaYSRegional Marketer for more information. Photos are shared on all our social media sites.
Regional Army PaYS Marketing Analysts:
Antonio Johnson (Northeast Region) (502) [email protected]
Samuel Armstrong (Southeast Region) (301) [email protected]
Davin Bentley (Midwest Region) (614) [email protected]
Donna Morales (Midwest Region) (571) [email protected]
Crancena Ross (Southwest Region) (410) [email protected]
Anthony Velasco (Southwest Region) (757) [email protected]
Corin Gillens (West Coast Region) (843) [email protected]
Remember to annotate your PaYS Soldiers hires and interviews into the PIX database, visit and like our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/armypays/, follow us on Instagram @armypaysprogram and all our social media platforms to share in all of our events. Send us your good news stories, job vacancies, etc., and we will highlight, at no cost, on all our social media sites. To participate in any Army recruiting event, don't forget to reach out to your regional PaYSmarketing analyst.
For more information on PaYS program, visit our website at https://www.armypays.com.
It PaYS to partner with the US Army!
Angela R Byrd
PaYS Program Manager
The Partnership for Youth Success program held a partnership signing agreement between the U.S. Army and Integrated Electrical Services Communications Jan. 21 at IES headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. The agreement between IES and PaYS is part of a program designed to prepare, train, and connect Soldiers to future employers. The PaYS program ensures Soldiers are guaranteed a job interview with a PaYS partner of their choice after completing their Army Reserve training or first term of active duty service. The program provides employers with a pool of highly skilled, motivated and professional candidates from which they can fill their personnel needs.
The partnership with IES is a vital step forward in providing the local job market with qualified workers, which gives back to the community, said Capt. James Hur, executive officer, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion. "We are proud to be associated with this outstanding institution, who will now have access to some of the finest young Americans this nation has to offer and keep them a part of the local community workforce," Hursaid. "IES Communications can now be proud of the fact they are directly helping young men and women who willing to sacrifice their lives to protect America's freedom."
"The company can choose from a range of varied job seekers, who represent the diverse nature of the U.S. Army and society," Hur said. "The Army seeks qualified resilient and fit people of character who represent the diversity of America-
Photo above - Capt. James Hur (left), Executive Officer, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, presents a Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) plaque to Matt Simmes, president, Integrated Electrical Services Communications (IES)
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this is the pool of potential employees IES Communications will now have access to," Hur continued. "These are candidates who have established a positive work ethic, have values, have entry to mid-level leadership skills, are tested free and clear of drugs and have honorably served or are serving their country."
Hur mentions that the standards for military service are higher than ever, making the job candidates among a select group of individuals. "Most people are not aware, but the standards for military service are high. More than 70 percent of today's youth do not qualify for military service," he added. "Many are also unaware of the many educational opportunities available in the Army,including the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill and Army College Fund, not to mention monetary enlistment incentives up to $40,000."
"We value our Pays partners and are proud to be able to supply IES Communications with qualified and talented young Soldiers, who will undoubtedly be a major asset. We look forward to a long and profitable partnership," Hur concluded.
Also speaking was Matt Simmes, president, IES Communications, who said the company is excited to be partnered with the U.S. Army, whose core values are closely aligned with those of IES. "The overall goal in our business vision is to process developed and dedicated employees who provide service everywhere we go as a company," Simmes said. "The U.S. Army does that better than anyone else, on a much larger scale than us." Through their development and enrichment as Soldiers and IES employees, these workers can spread this initiative throughout their communities and anyone they touch along the way, Simmes added.
Simmes concludes, "We've seen this hundreds of times through the countless veterans that either work for us today, or have worked for us in the past. They have helped us grow through quality work and helping touch each individual they come across at IES. It's an honor to be a part of the PaYS program and we thank the U.S. Army for giving us the chance to work with them and give something back."
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IES Communications Becomes Latest PaYS Partner(continued)
Photo above - Color Guard from Tempe Recruiting Company retreats after placing the colors, prior to a Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program Signing Ceremony, between the U.S. Army and Integrated Electrical Services Communications (IES)
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Celebrates their Veterans!
Known as one of the happiest places on Earth, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is a proud PaYS Partner. The partnership became official March, 2019, and the resort is excited to grow their workforce with military Veterans. Army Veterans on the team share how their experience serving in the U.S. Army gave them the tools they need to be successful.
ZairaFront Office Manager
"I was in the Army from 2011 to 2017. Loyalty, respect, and team work are key to a successful operation. My military experience definitely helped me in getting ready for my leadership roles as I am able to drive results by being focused and organized."
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The Houston Police Department (HPD) aims to enhance the quality of life in the City of Houston. As a PaYS partner, HPD prides itself in hiring the best qualified applicants to be a part of their team. The department recognizes that PaYS Soldiers fit perfectly with their values. Coming into 2020, HPD has made great strides in their community and within their department. The Houston Police Department strives to be the finest law enforcement agency in the United States and is looking forward to building a better relationship with Army PaYS, for hiring Veterans.
Ms. Courtney Lytle has been the Administrative Specialist/Social Media Administrator for the Houston Police Department since 2016 and she is also responsible for the Army PaYS program. The Army PaYS Team wants to congratulate Ms. Lytle on her recent promotion to Administrative Coordinator for the Office of Budget and Finance-Grants Division. When asked about her recent promotion, Courtney expressed her excitement to continue serving HPD and being more valuable to the organization. Courtney says, "The Houston Police Department has had the opportunity to interview 41 Army PaYS Soldiers and hire 13. HPD is proud to work with Army PaYS, as we continue to seek and hire the best and brightest to be a part of our team.“
"Being an Army PaYS partner in a city such as Houston, is great opportunity," says Ms. Lytle. The City of Houston is the second largest provider to the all-volunteer Military in America. Over 300,000 Veterans call the Greater Houston Area home. The city is very Military friendly and always finds ways to make their Veterans feel a part of the community. As their community grows, the Army PaYS Team hopes to see more and more PaYS Soldiers select Houston Police Department as their preferred employer.
Photo above - Courtney Lytle shares her excitement about her latest promotion.
PaYS Partner Spotlight: Houston Police Department13 PaYS Soldiers Hired!
Story by: Gabby Bonilla & Crancena RossPhotos by: Courtney Lytle
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Celebrates their Veterans!(continued)
AvrilBanquet Cook
"I was in the Army from 2000 to 2004. The most important thing I learned is TEAMWORK... Individual accomplishments are great and yes, necessary, but during training, teamwork is essential. I started cooking back home in Jamaica, loved it since I was a kid. I came to the United States, joined the Military and used my GI Bill for Culinary Arts.“
JimonteFood and Beverage (F&B) Manager
"The most important thing I learned from the Army would be teamwork. In the Army, no matter where you are from or what you believe in, we are all equal and a family. We all count on each other to get the job done. The Morals that the Army instilled in me has made me a better manager today, which in the end has helped me to further my career here at Marriott."
Interstates, an electrical construction company and Army PaYS partner, offers veterans a great way to transition from military to work with its Apprenticeship program. The construction industry is hungry for skilled tradesman, and career opportunities abound for people with the proper training and education. In four years or less, veterans can complete the Interstates Apprenticeship program - taking advantage of GI Bill benefits at the same time - and pass their test to become licensed journeyman electricians.
Headquartered in Sioux Center, IA, Interstates meets the electrical and automation needs of customers around the world. When it became an Army PaYS partner a few years ago, Interstates committed to growing the number of veterans in its employ and helping them utilize their specific military benefits. Kent Heronimus, Recruiting Manager at Interstates and 24-year Air Force veteran, makes sure any new hires who are veterans are aware of their ability to use their GI Bill benefits while in Interstates' Apprenticeship program.
These benefits can be used while veterans complete career-based education. "It's a matter of paperwork, and easier than most people think," says Heronimus. "We have hired on several veterans within the last year who have used their GI Bill benefits to go to technical school, and now that they have hired on with us, they can use the remainder of their GI Bill benefits to complete our Apprenticeship program," he says.
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway in which workers can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a transferable credential. These programs enable job creators to develop and train their future workforce whileoffering career seekers an affordable path to secure high-paying jobs. In short, it gives workers the ability to earn while they learn.
Apprenticeship is different from other types of education/training in these ways:* Apprentices are paid by their employers during training.* Apprenticeship programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related classroom training.* On-the-job learning is conducted in a work setting under mentored direction.* Training results in an industry-recognized and portable credential.* At Interstates, apprentices have a hand in creating personalized career paths.
Leaders at Interstates have been quick to realize the benefits of employing veterans.
Mike DeRosier, Regional Manager at Interstates' Minnesota office, says, "Our veterans bring leadership qualities to the table early on. They are used to working together to find success as a team, which directly correlates to our projects at Interstates.“
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PaYS Partner, Interstates, Offers Veterans Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship
Story and Photos by: Jordan Knight, Interstates Marketing Coordinator
Photo left - Students participating in Interstates Apprenticeship Program attend class to gain more education on their skillset.
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Operations Manager Tim den Hoed finds loyalty and perseverance among the qualities of veterans hired at Interstates. "They are all team players used to doing a lot with very little, which helps significantly with creative thinking. If they don't know something, they figure it out," he says, adding that veterans are also skilled at utilizing their networks. "Veterans have worked and lived with people from all over the country and are happy to connect their friends with job opportunities," says den Hoed.
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Josh Barber, Regional Manager at Interstates' Fort Collins, CO, location, lauds veterans for their patriotism and commitment to seeing things through. "Veterans show strong discipline, work ethic, and strength of character," he says.
Why Should Veterans Choose Apprenticeship?
Since apprentices earn while they learn, they reduce their debt potential, and 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program. Veterans who graduate from the Interstates apprenticeship program have many options; they can have a thriving career as an electrician, or they can go on to pursue roles from technical support to estimating to being a superintendent. Nationally, the average starting wage after completing an apprenticeship program is $70,000, and workers who complete these programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their careers compared to peers who don't, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Heronimus highlights the value of the Interstates/Army PaYS connection. He says Army recruits can have a sense of comfort knowing that they have a career lined up before they even leave for boot camp or ROTC. "Our Apprenticeship program is registered with the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hiring veterans creates a pipeline of talented individuals into our industry. They are upstanding citizens with moral character and a strong work ethic," he says.
DeRosier sees the Interstates Apprenticeship program and Army PaYS partnership as a way to thank veterans for their service: "What better way to thank veterans than to show them the many opportunities that out there for them?"
As we all know, January marks the beginning of a new year. For most individuals as well as organizations, this is a time for reflection and goal setting. In New York, two recruiting battalions set aside time in the first full week of the month to conduct their Annual Training Conference (ATC). Both, the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion and the Albany Recruiting Battalion invited the Northeast PaYS Marketer, Antonio Johnson to their conferences to provide PaYS training to their teams in order to promote awareness and increase program efficiency.
Photo above - Interstate Employees participating in the Apprenticeship program get hands on training in a functional and safe setting.
PaYS Partner, Interstates, Offers Veterans Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship(continued)
2020: Successful Beginnings in New YorkStory and Photos by: Antonio D. Johnson
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Photo left - PaYS Marketer, Antonio Johnson, speaks to a large audience of New York Army National Guard Recruiters during their Annual Training Conference.
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On Wednesday, 8 January 2020, Antonio met with the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Saratoga Springs, NY. During the PaYS training, Antonio gave the team an update on selection statistics throughout the state, partnership requirements and discussed the necessary steps to take when Soldiers return home from Advanced Individual Training. Antonio also introduced Officer Thomas Joy of the Suffolk County Police as the PaYS point of contact (POC). Officer Joy gave an overview of Suffolk County Police to the recruiters and outlined the hiring process along with the preferences given to MilitaryVeterans. After the presentation, the New York Army National Guard Recruiters formed a line to speak with Antonio and Officer Joy.
Annual training conferences provide an excellent opportunity for PaYS Marketers because it is the one time of the year when the entire battalion is assembled and you have their undivided attention. The New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion and the Albany Recruiting Battalion recognize the Army PaYS Program as a vital asset for mission success and the PaYS Team would like to thank them for their support. The PaYS Team also encourages all recruiting battalions to utilize their assigned PaYS Marketer for future training events.
Photo above - After speaking with the audience, Officer Thomas Joy speaks with recruiters about the opportunities Suffolk County Police Department can provide.
On Friday, 10 January 2020, the Albany Recruiting Battalion conducted their ATC in Albany, NY. With over 250 Army Recruiters in attendance, Antonio presented the PaYS program with an emphasis on PaYSaccessions, creating new partnerships and incorporating PaYS in the recruiters' message to Army applicants. PaYS POCs, Denise Reed, Marketing Manager from ANS Advanced Network Services, LLC. and Technical Sergeant Mark Cepiel, Military Liaison from New York State Police were introduced to Albany Battalion and each of them gave an overview of their organizations and discussed the jobs they have loaded on the PaYS database. Antonio emphasized the fact that ANS and New York State Police are headquartered in Albany, NY and the POCs should be incorporated into the battalion's list of community partners for future collaboration.
2020: Successful Beginnings in New York(continued)
Photo right - (Left to right) CSM David O'Dea (Albany Recruiting Battalion), Antonio Johnson (Regional PaYS Marketer), Denise Reed (ANS Advanced Network Services, LLC Marketing Manager), and Technical Sergeant Mark Cepiel (New York State Police, Office of Human Resources Military Liaison) all pose for a group photo.
The Miami Recruiting Battalion showcased the 2nd Brigade Gaming Trailer at the Miami Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to Future Soldiers. The Gaming Trailer is a handcrafted 60-ft trailer that boasts eight gaming stations, that includes multiplereclining gaming chairs, curved monitor, an Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. There are also four monitors attached outside to display what the gamers' see when they're playing. The U.S. Army Esports team launched in 2018, and has been used as a recruiting tool to show the wide array of opportunities that the Army provides.
In December, General Paul Funk II, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), visited the Miami Recruiting Battalion. During his visit, General Funk was able to tour the Miami Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), meet Future Soldiers, and even conducted a Future Soldier Swear In ceremony. He presented Challenge Coins to Soldiers and Army Civilians from the Miami Recruiting Battalion who exemplified excellence and went beyond for their team. At the end of his visit, General Funk met with multiple Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) and community partners. During the meeting, General Funk discussed how the U.S. Army has changed, and continues to change. Changes include enhancing ways to train, educate, and care for Army Soldiers.
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PaYS Battalion of the Month: Miami Recruiting Battalion
Story by: Gabby Bonilla & Samuel Armstrong
The Army PaYS team is excited to announce the Miami Recruiting Battalion as our Battalion Of The Month! The Miami Recruiting Battalion has contributed toward the achievement of the Army's manpower and mobilization requirements for more than a quarter of a century. During the past few weeks, they have connected with their community, PaYS partners, and future Soldiers to inform them of the perks and benefits of being a U.S. Army Soldier. The Miami Recruiting Battalion consists of six companies: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Jupiter, San Juan, Aguadilla, and Puerto Rico District.
Photo left - Nancy Clauss, BN CDR, Miami BN, Raul Mas, CASA, General Paul Funk, II CDR, TRADOC, Jeraline Johnson, CASA and Juan Scott, CSM, Miami BN
On November 11, 2017 Miami Recruiting BN Soldiers had a chance to participate in the Salute to Service game between Miami Dolphins & Buffalo Bills. During the game the Dolphins honored our military and Veterans. Salute to Service is a year round effort to honor, empower, and connect our military, Veterans, and their families The NFL show its gratitude for service and sacrifice of military by recognizing them. They also partner with organizations that support our military, Veterans, and family members. Through their shared love of football the NFL brings service members, Veterans and their families together to connect with one another.
PaYS Partners: Bluehawk, LLC., Broward County Sheriff, Community Asphalt Corp., Florida Power and Light Co., FPL Energy, LLC., G4S Secure Solutions, INC., Gerelco Electrical Contractors, Jackson Health System, MAPEI Corporation, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Norwegian Cruise Line, NUCO2 Management, LLC., Office Depot, INC., Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Ranger Constructions Industries, TranscoreLP, Vecellio Group, Virgin Island Police Department, White Rock-Quarries.
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In December 2019, CFI and the U.S. Army Joplin Recruiting Company participated in the 5th Annual Wreaths Across America "Wreath Ride". The Wreath Ride delivers wreaths to the Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. CFI employees have been long-time supporters of the Fort Scott wreath ride, and convoy from Joplin, MO to Fort Scott, KS escorted by the Joplin Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and The Patriot Guard. The convoy included CFI True to the Troops honorary wrapped tractor trailers, a Charter bus for CFI employees and family members, and many other of the company's employees following the convoy in their personal vehicles.
For the second year in a row, 6,194 Veterans' graves received a wreath. Donations from CFI family members and the surrounding community made that feat possible. This year, Andy Standefer, Senior Manager of Safety for CFI, played TAPS for the ceremony. Professional
PaYS Partner, CFI Participates in Wreaths Across America: Wreath Ride
Photo right - (Left) Captain Nate Beerman, Joplin Recruiting Company Commander, and Neil Lamont, CFI Veteran Advocate, open a box of Wreaths to distribute
driver Charles Corkill delivered the wreaths in CFI's "American Eagle" truck and "This We Will Defend" trailer. Despite extremely cold temperatures, there was such a great turn out from the community and CFI that it took less than 2 hours to honor each one of the6,194 Veterans Graves with a wreath.
CFI has donated over 10,000 miles with their Military Honors trucks delivering wreaths, traveling to six different National and eight public cemeteries for Wreaths Across America. In addition to donating the transportation to Wreaths Across America, CFI has donated over $100,000 of in-kind donations for several Military programs they partner with. In addition to their support of Wreaths Across America, CFI donates transportation to deliver coffee from Holy Joes Cafe. Holy Joes Cafe sends free coffee to U.S. military bases around the world. CFI donates transportation for this honorable cause- one truckload of Holy Joes Cafe coffee delivers approximately 500,000 k-cups per load. Recent deliveries include the Naval Air Station Meridian in Gulfport, MS, and the 10th Mountain Division out of Ft. Drum, NY.
Story by: Neil Lamont, CFI Veteran AdvocatePhotos by: James Stark, CFI Marketing
Photo left - CFI's specialized American Eagle Truck travels from Joplin, MO to Fort Scott, KS for the annual Wreath Ride.
Photo right - Community Members, CFI Employees, and the Joplin Recruiting Company unloading Wreaths
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The Michigan Army National Guard is strengthening its' commitment to providing quality young teenagers ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century workplace. The MIARNG is looking to team up with Army PaYS to engage our partners located within Michigan for possible employment opportunities for both current and future members of the MIARNG and future graduates of the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
Michigan Army National Guard Works with Michigan Youth Challenge Academy to Provide Youth with Career Opportunities
Every six months, the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) welcomes 150 candidates from across the state to its free-of-cost, 22-week, residential program. The program applies the military model of learning and discipline to alternative education, giving young people the chance to reclaim their future.
MYCA offers at-risk youth a chance to take control of their future by providing life skills, educational opportunities and job preparation. Cadets may earn a high school diploma, GED, or recover credits over the 22-week residential phase, as well as develop leadership and life coping skills, physical fitness and civic responsibility. The MYCA is a program of the National Guard; however, there is no obligation to enter military service.
Story by: Davin Bentley & Gabby Bonilla
Qualified candidates to the MYCA are between the ages of 16 and 18, Michigan residents, and at risk of not graduating high school. All candidates must voluntarily apply to the program.
MYCA is currently hosting informational orientations across the state for those seeking enrollment. For more information, or to schedule an orientation, please call the admissions department at 269-968-1294 or visit www.michigan.gov/MYCA.
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CRANCENA PARTICIPATES IN OPERATION REVEILLE
INSIDE ARMY PaYS(continued)
On 25 January 2020, Sisters from Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc, from the DC, MD and VA, Chapter and Army PaYS Marketer, Crancena Ross, participated in the Operation Reveille. This is an annually event, which is held every year in January at the VA Hospital in DC. There are so many homeless Veterans Events that are being conducted all over the United States. They are called (Operation Reveille), so in case you are interested in volunteering you can go to https://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp. The Sisters of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Incin the DMV area united with other volunteer organizations to contribute to Helping Veterans.
Story and photos by: Crancena Ross
Operation Reveille events is designed to make accessible housing and wraparound amenities that Veterans can use to effectively leave homeless behind them in just one day. Yes you heard right in just one day. The program brings together government agencies, fromdifferent background, faith-based organizations, housing providers, nonprofit agencies and local business to unite with the homeless Veterans with permanent supportive housing; employment and many other assistant including legal. The day started off with volunteers serving breakfast to the Veterans, and a briefing on what their day would look like as they move around throughout the day. Veterans then have the opportunity to go through all the areas that was setup for their usage and received clothing, hygiene items, and shoes, legal, medical and housing assistants. All items and clothing that the Veterans received are new and to see the smile and grin on their faces showed that they're so grateful. Veterans were provided a nice hot lunch and live entertainment while enjoying lunch with other Veterans at the event.
There are so many homeless Veterans that are out in the communities that is unaware of Operation Reveille and is in much need ofhelp. My heart bleeds for our Veterans and as a Veteran myself I still don't understand how any Veteran can be homeless or go without having benefits after they have served their country, this should be unacceptable by everyone. As a Volunteer you are being a blessing in someone else life. Sometimes just talking or listening to our Veterans, can be a blessing in their live, instead of criticizing them for what they don't have, help them get the help they really need.
Crancena, shares the importance of helping her community and says, "being a retired member of the military, and a member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc, is a group of Military Sisters, 'That aspires to Honor our Past female service members, Unite our Present female service members and Mentor our future leadership of the Armed Forces.' We are always ready to assist in our community when the opportunity presents itself. We sometimes take for granted what we can do for others and forget to realize there are people that wish they had someone to talk to." Crancena, not only served her nation, but is serving her community in a variety of ways.
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My 20th Anniversary with PaYS!
INSIDE ARMY PaYS(continued)
Story by: Gena Goldsmith
February 15th marks the 20th anniversary of the initial IT website design of a new U.S. Army Recruiting Command recruiting incentive - the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success program. The initial team consisted of the Program Manager, the Assistant Program Manager, an Operations Manager and the IT team - one programmer and one web designer, me.
When we started to work, the only thing we knew is that PaYS was to be a web-based recruiting incentive used to marry-up Fortune 500 companies and first term, highly qualified Soldiers. We had no logo, no web address, no Partners, not much idea of where to start, and eight months to get it in production and working. PANIC!
We worked countless 12 hour days to meet our deadline of October of the same year, but were flabbergasted when the deadline was moved up to June of 2000! Four months to launch a complex program! MORE PANIC!
The Army's IT system was not nearly as robust 20 years ago as it is today. At first the Guidance Counselors had to toggle between REQUEST, the recruit reservation system, and the PaYS website to make a job reservation for a new Soldier. Awkward, but it worked. Later, as more capabilities were added, we were incorporated into the REQUEST system.
PaYS was not initially offered to all Soldiers, as it is now, but only Soldiers in the top scoring brackets of the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) tests. But, initially we also didn't have many Partners. When the program launched in June 2000, we had ONE Partner, and FOUR job titles. Today, 20 years later, we have almost 900 Partners and over 6 million jobs available to Soldiers! Amazing...especially for a program that no one expected to last more than a couple of years!
During the past 20 years with the PaYS program I have seen lots of changes in the make-up of the PaYS IT team:
4 Project Leads
4 different IT contracting companies
8 different offices in 4 buildings on Ft. Knox
Employees coming and going...
I am the last survivor of the original team! From the development and registration of our logo, creating print advertising and displays, acting as the photographer for the PaYS Partner Conferences and past signing ceremonies, designing official certificates, website development and updates (to include a couple total redesigns), and countless other "duties as assigned", I am thankful and have loved to be a part of this great, ever-improving program.
How many people can say, "Today, I helped get a Soldier an interview with a great company!"?
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Deere & Company 16-Feb-01
NFI Industries 23-Feb-04
Pierce County Sheriff's Office 23-Feb-04
Shell Oil Company 24-Feb-04
Tallahassee Police Dept. 4-Feb-05
RDO Equipment Co. 17-Feb-05
Texas Instruments 25-Feb-05
Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. 7-Feb-06
Orange County Sheriff's Office 7-Feb-06
Quad/Graphics, Inc. 7-Feb-06
Hawaii State Government 13-Feb-06
Las Vegas Metro Police Department 13-Feb-06
Sears Holdings Corporation 16-Feb-06
G4S Secure Solutions (formerly The Wackenhut Corporation) 21-Feb-06
Quest Diagnostics 5-Feb-07
Nationwide Truck Brokers, Inc. 5-Feb-07
OMNI Energy Services Corporation 5-Feb-07
Brock Group 13-Feb-08
City of Columbus, Department of Public Safety 19-Feb-08
Mississippi Dept. of Corrections 19-Feb-08
Albuquerque PD 23-Feb-08
Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice 17-Feb-09
Baton Rouge General Medical Center23-Feb-09
Orion South, Inc. 23-Feb-09
U-haul International, Inc. 28-Feb-09
East Texas Medical Center 28-Feb-09
AT&T, Inc. "previously BellSouth" 9-Feb-10
A Big Thank You to these Partners Celebrating their February PaYS Anniversaries:
Haas Automation, Inc. 1-Feb-11
Don Schumacher Racing Corp. 1-Feb-11
Schumacher Electric Corp. 1-Feb-11
GSE Lining Technology, LLC 1-Feb-11
Minnesota Wire & Cable Company24-Feb-11
Frank C. Alegre Trucking, Inc. 12-Feb-14
URRA CO., Inc. dba Flynns Tire Group19-Feb-14
City of Cape Girardeau 19-Feb-14
Rivera Consulting Group, Inc. 19-Feb-14
AM Waters 8-Feb-16
The City of Orangeburg 10-Feb-16
The Geo Groups, Inc. 10-Feb-16
St Joseph Regional Medical Center11-Feb-16
Ocala Police Department 11-Feb-16
Horizon Health Care, Inc. 17-Feb-16
Brad Cole Construction 23-Feb-16
Dental Associates 26-Feb-16
System Scale Corporation 26-Feb-16
Indue Sales & Services, Inc. 10-Feb-17
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office2-Feb-18
First Coast Security Services, Inc.2-Feb-18
Novation Enterprise 2-Feb-18
Pennington County Sheriff's Office 2-Feb-18
West Florida Medical Center 2-Feb-18
GAT Airlines Ground Support 2-Feb-18
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic Authority 2-Feb-18
Cortina Solutions 5-Feb-18
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation5-Feb-18
Pharmaceutical Products Deveploment 5-Feb-18
RMI 5-Feb-18
South Carolina DMV 16-Feb-18
Cincinnati Fire Department16-Feb-18
Centerstone 16-Feb-18
Regional Health 16-Feb-18
Tempus, Inc. 15-Feb-19
ShipEx, LLC 15-Feb-19
The Meruelo Media 15-Feb-19
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office 27-Feb-19