Statement by Co-Chairman General James Jones on the Passing of Endowment Advisory Council Member Gordon H. Mansfield

Washington – Call of Duty Endowment Co–Chairman General James Jones released the following statement on the death of Advisory Council Member and former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield:

“Mr. Mansfield’s passing is a great loss for the veterans community. He dedicated his life to the service of this country through both his time in active duty with the U.S. Army and his unflinching commitment to our veterans following his transition to civilian life. And for that, we are truly indebted.

“In addition to being an original member of the Call of Duty Endowment’s Advisory Council, Mr. Mansfield served veterans for more than three decades in his capacity as the Executive Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and as the Acting Director, Deputy Director and COO of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Mr. Mansfield leaves behind a tremendous legacy for all American servicemen and women – past, present and future.  On behalf of the Call of Duty Endowment, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

New Year’s Resolutions

The Endowment’s 2013 resolutions include helping the greatest number of veterans find civilian jobs, and inspiring other community leaders, businesses and organizations to step up and pledge their support.

With this renewed spirit and sense of conviction, we were excited to read about Indiana Senator Jim Banks’ proposed bill to help military members receive in-state tuition at Indiana public colleges and universities. Indiana Public Media goes on to report that Indiana Representative Sheila Klinker also proposed a bill that “would send Hoosier servicemembers and their spouses to the front of the line for state Department of Workforce Development’s job programs.”

Although private and public entities have made great headway in the last few years driving down unemployment numbers, we must remember that many military members still struggle and need our help. Keeping this in mind, we ask you to join us in making 2013 the most meaningful year yet.

Make a Dog Tag Ornament for the Endowment’s Virtual Christmas Tree and Support Veteran Employment

This December the Call of Duty Endowment is featuring a holiday tree on our Facebook page where you have the opportunity to purchase and customize virtual dog tag ornaments in order to help combat veterans’ unemployment.  These dog tags are available in three colors and can be customized with a personal message. The dog tags are available from December 13^th through December 28th for a minimum donation of $2, with the proceeds benefitting the Call of Duty Endowment.

Google Launches VetNet – A Great Resource for Veterans Looking for a Civilian Career

Last week Google launched what is being called by NBC as “the largest online hub to help men and women exiting the military” – VetNet. This website is a collaborative effort from the nation’s leading veteran employment organizations – Hire Heroes USA, Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring our Heroes Campaign.  The Call of Duty Endowment is excited to announce that two of these three leading organizations are our partners in ensuring opportunities for veterans to find suitable employment.

Check out what VetNet has to offer:

• Resume help and career skills training through online forums (participate in the Ultimate Elevator Pitch session starting here at 3pm ET today).
• Connect with industry leaders, fellow veterans and spouses (join them here at 1pm ET today as representatives from Walmart and Verizon Wireless talk about career opportunities in retail).
• Attend online classes to learn how to start your own business (join them here at 3pm ET Tuesday for the Be the Boss session with Dr. Mike Haynie).

This Veteran’s Day, the Call of Duty Endowment Adds Two Outstanding Military Veterans to its Advisory Council

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we are excited to announce the addition of two new members to the Call of Duty Endowment advisory council – Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Alford L. McMichael (USMC – Ret.) and Lieutenant General Martin Steele (USMC – Ret.). Their military experience and passion for helping veterans will prove invaluable in supporting the Endowment’s mission of helping veterans find civilian careers.

In remembering those that served our country, we are reminded of the hundreds of thousands of capable and eager veterans who are unemployed today. SgtMaj Alford L. McMichael explains that “In October’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the veteran unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans increased slightly from 9.7% to 10%, which continues to be higher than the national average of 7.9%. The Call of Duty Endowment is committed to helping these veterans find employment, and I am excited about being part of their efforts.”

One of the most important things Americans can do to support our veterans is ensure they have the opportunity to find employment. Although SgtMaj McMichael and LtGen Steele’s involvement with the Call of Duty Endowment will undoubtedly bring us closer to addressing the issue of veteran unemployment, we cannot do it without the support of people like you.

Call of Duty Endowment Dog Tags – Come and Get ‘Em!

Activision Publishing announced that starting today Call of Duty Endowment dog tags will be available for purchase in more than 12,000 stores across the country including GameStop, Walmart, Toys R Us, Best Buy and Target. The proceeds will go to the Endowment, which helps veterans with job placement and employment training.

With Veteran’s Day quickly approaching, please consider purchasing one of our $4.99 dog tags. Activision Blizzard CEO and Endowment Co-Chair Bobby Kotick explains that “with the sale of our limited edition Call of Duty Endowment dog tags, we are urging Americans to join us in the support of our heroes as they attempt to re-join the workforce.”

Veteran’s Day Specials to Thank our Heroes

With the Veteran’s Day holiday quickly approaching, businesses are already beginning to honor our veterans by offering discounts and specials. For instance, Bed and Breakfasts across the country are offering a free night’s stay on Sunday, November 11^th. These offers are all part of the “Better Way To Stay” campaign, organized by the Professional Association of Innkeepers. For more information on participating Bed and Breakfasts, click here.

Click here to check out more discounts like these from Home Depot, Applebees, Atlas Van Lines and many more.

New Poll Places Veteran Unemployment as Top Issue Amongst Military Members

It should be of no surprise to Mitt Romney or President Obama that veterans’ unemployment issues remain a top concern for members of the armed forces. It is just as important as ever for both the private and public sectors to continue efforts to help our veterans find jobs or receive job training once they return home.

Politico explains that in a recent poll by Concerned Veterans for America, “military voters ranked unemployment as the biggest issue facing them and their families, with 28 percent saying finding jobs after service is the biggest issue. That’s 10 percentage points more than the second biggest issue: accessing care for service-related injuries (18 percent).”

NBC News reported earlier this month that the veteran unemployment situation for females is even harder. Bill Briggs points out that “as the U.S. troop drawdown continues in Afghanistan, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 female vets surged to 19.9 percent in September, compared to 14.7 percent a year earlier and 12.1 percent in August.”

Our new president, whether that turns out to be Romney or President Obama, must consider veteran employment, especially for females, as a top priority, not only for the health of our economy but also for the morale and security of our military.

Jobs Report Shows Progress for Veteran Employment, But Help is Still Needed

There’s good news for veterans in the most recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Stars and Stripes highlights some of these estimates, pointing out that the September unemployment rate for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars is 9.7%. This is significantly lower than the rate at this time last year – which was 12.1%, which indicates that public and private efforts to help veterans find jobs and receive employment training are really making a difference.

However, there is still more work to be done in the months ahead. In the same report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nationwide unemployment for September is at 7.8%.  With Veteran’s Day just around the corner, we should all take this opportunity to consider how we can help those that fought for our freedom and safety! Please consider donating to the Call of Duty Endowment, and help make a difference!

Opportunities for Veterans Looking for Civilian Work and Training

Are you a veteran looking for civilian employment and/or training? Read up on an Endowment-sponsored career fair below. Interested in starting your own business? Check out UConn’s entrepreneurial boot camp below, designed specifically for disabled veterans.

• The Call of Duty Endowment is a proud supporter of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring our Heroes career fairs. The Casper Star Tribune recently reported on one of these local career fairs, to be held in Casper, Wyoming today. The article highlighted that “more than 25 employers are expected to participate, with jobs available for veterans and military spouses of all ranks and levels of experience.” To learn more or to register for free, visit www.hoh.greatjob.net

• The Hartford Business Journal featured an interview with Michael J. Zacchea, program manager for the University of Connecticut’s Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities. In it, he explains that “our program is really an intervention into the economic life of the veteran, by which we give him or her the tools to create self-employment and financial independence. This creates a positive-reinforcing loop for stable housing and mental health.” To learn more, visit http://ebv.business.uconn.edu/