Carl Meyer observes each Fourth of July by raising support for veterans in a unique way
If it’s the Fourth of July, that means Carl Meyer is on the links…for hours…and for veterans. For eight years, Meyer has observed the Fourth by golfing 100 holes, collecting contributions for Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that works to help returning veterans land a good job back in the States.
“We would not live in a free society without the efforts and sacrifices of our enlisted men and women and the veterans who served our country,” says Meyer, who is executive vice president for the Wetrich Group, a healthcare management consulting firm. “Veteran unemployment is far higher that the U.S. average, and these men and women – along with their families – sacrificed to protect our many freedoms.”
As the U.S. military adjusts to smaller overseas commitments and deep budget cuts, 1 million men and women are expected to transition out of the military into the civilian workforce over the next four years, according to the organization. Without effective transition assistance, many of them could join the ranks of 573,000 unemployed veterans. Hire Heroes USA matches the career interests and skills of returning veterans to the needs of companies who are looking to fill positions.
To date, Meyer’s golf outings have brought $360,000 for Hire Heroes USA.
Repertoire readers can help out in three ways, says Meyer:
- According to the organization, a $10 donation pays for a career counseling session; a $50 donation gives a veteran a professionally revised resume; a $150 donation allows a service member to attend a two-day Warrior Transition Workshop; and $1,600 covers the total cost of a veteran achieving employment. (To donate, go to the organization’s website at www.hireheroesusaorg.)
- Make sure to include veterans in the hiring pool when looking to fill open or new positions.
- Incorporate veteran-owned businesses into the product offering when possible.
Leading up to the 4th, Meyer offered this advice: “Be safe, and know that we would not be celebrating the day without the sacrifice of so many who have and are serving.”
Healthcare hires heroes
Healthcare providers are among those who have taken on employees through Hire Heroes USA. For example, here are a few that have done so in and around Atlanta, Ga.:
- Central EMS, EMT patient driver (Roswell, Ga.)
- Genesis Healthcare, dining services director (Riverdale, Ga.)
- Floyd Medical Center, rehab aide (Rome, Ga.)
- Hester Eye Associates, front desk coordinator (Kennesaw, Ga.)
- Abbeville Primary Care, medical assistant (Abbeville, Ga.)
What’s more, 11 Veterans Health Administration hospitals have hired employees through Hire Heroes USA. UnitedHealth Group has hired three.