Issue 13:04, Tuesday, May 1, 2012
www.vetjobs.com
VetJobs is an appropriate employment service delivery system for EEOC, VEVRAA/JVA and OFCCP compliance support!
The VetJobs Early Eagle is for member employers, recruiters, friends and supporters of VetJobs. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and other employers.
This issue sponsored by TECHEXPO Top Secret and CRI University
Contents:
1. Message from the Top
2. VetJobs Virtual Career Fair
3. President Signs Executive Order Protecting Veterans from For Profit Schools
4. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
7. National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 1, 2012
8. Significant Events this Month in Military History
Thank you for reading the VetJobs Early Eagle employer newsletter. If you like this newsletter and what VetJobs and the VFW do to assist veterans and their family member find employment, please go to http://www.weddles.com/poll.htm and vote VetJobs for the WEDDLE’s User’s Choice Award!
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1. Message from the Top
As reported in the past, VetJobs has been in the lead to correct the problems that certain for-profit training schools, -online schools and -universities have been causing for active duty military, veterans and their family members. I was interviewed by PBS Frontline (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/educating-sergeant-pantzke/) for a second program in the PBS Frontline series that is investigating and exposing problems surrounding this issue. As I mentioned in the interview, not all for-profit educational programs are bad. There are many excellent for-profit schools that meet a definite need in the market place.
Last week the president signed an executive order to start the process to curtail certain for-profit schools (see article 3 below). While not what many wanted, this is at least a start. As we move forward into next year, VetJobs and other veteran service organizations will continue to push for legislation to protect veterans from the “predatory” for-profit schools.
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The special days of recognition this month include:
Loyalty Day – May 1
National Day of Prayer – May 3
Cinco de Mayo – May 5
Victory in Europe Day – May 8
Mother’s Day – May 13
Military Spouse Appreciation Week – May 7 to 11
Armed Forces Day – May 19
National Maritime Day – May 22
Memorial Day – May 28
Loyalty Day is on May 1 each year. It is a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American freedom.
In 1933, Congress decreed May 22 as National Maritime Day and each year since then it has been a day for the United States to observe its proud maritime heritage, honor the men and women who serve and have served as merchant mariners, and recognize the many benefits that result from our American maritime industry.
Victory in Europe Day marks the date when the World War II Allies formally celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Of interest, the Allies had agreed to mark May 9, 1945 as Victory in Europe Day, but Western journalists broke the news of Germany’s surrender prematurely (some things never change!), precipitating the earlier celebration. If you know a World War II veteran, tell them thank you for freeing our world from the Nazi socialist tyranny and for preserving the freedoms and our free market economy we enjoy today!
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. While Waterloo, NY, was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead.
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On the economic front, the American economy is still not making much progress. There are over 18,000,000 people unemployed, and yet I hear daily from employers stating they cannot find enough “qualified” candidates. In many respects, the country never came out of the recession.
Unemployment in the Eurozone rose to a new high in March with unemployment in the 17 European countries reaching 10.8%.That is up from 9.9% over the same month last year. Britain’s economy has fallen back into recession for the first time since 2009 after recent official figures showed that it unexpectedly contracted during the first three months of the year. The Office for National Statistics said economic output as measured by gross domestic product fell by 0.2 percent in the first three months of the year from the previous quarter. The first quarter drop follows the 0.3 percent decline recorded in the last quarter of 2011 and means Britain has returned to recession — two consecutive quarters of negative growth are required for a country to be officially deemed to be in recession.
In the United States, amid disappointing unemployment numbers that fell 80,000 jobs short of projections, another number is raising eyebrows: the number of Americans not in the labor force has hit a record high 87,897,000 per the Department of Labor and reported by many economists. This figure helps to explain why overall unemployment dropped from 8.3% to 8.2%, as the Department of Labor’s unemployment figure does not include people who have given up hope and are not actively seeking employment. When the number of individuals who have stopped looking for a job and/or who are working part-time but desire full-time employment is included–a figure known as the “underemployment rate”–real unemployment stands at 19.1%
On the negative side:
-The ADP employment report shows the private sector added 119,000 jobs in April, significantly fewer than the 177,000 jobs expected.
-Leading economist says this is the weakest recovery since WWII
-U.S. housing starts slid 5.8% in March to a 654,000-unit rate, missing expectations of a 705,000-unit rate and marking the lowest level since October 2011. Housing permits rose 4.5% during the month to a 747,000-unit rate, topping estimates of a 710,000-unit rate.
-The New York Federal Reserve’s regional manufacturing gauge dropped to 6.56 in April from 20.21 in March, far short of expectations of 18. Readings above zero point to expansion, while those below indicate contraction.
-A preliminary reading on consumer sentiment for the month of April came in at 75.7, lower than a final March reading of 76.2, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan. Economists had expected the reading to remain unchanged.
-The Institute for Supply Management said its services sector index in April dropped to 53.5% from 56.0% in March to mark the worst reading since December
- The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector a ctivity fell to 53.5 in April from 56 in March. Economists were expecting a reading of 55.5.
- U.S. productivity fell 0.5% in the first quarter, but none of the decline occurred in manufacturing
On the positive side:
-Retail sales rose 0.8% in March, more than doubling expectations for a 0.3% rise. Excluding the auto segment, sales were up 0.8%, topping estimates of 0.6%.
-A preliminary reading on consumer sentiment for the month of April came in at 75.7, lower than a final March reading of 76.2, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan. Economists had expected the reading to remain unchanged.
- The U.S. economy grew at a modest-to-moderate pace in mid-February though late March, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book. However, the central bank is growing increasingly concerned over what impact rising energy costs will have on consumers.
-Mortgage rates are at record lows, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average declining to 3.84% in the week ending May 3 from 3.88% in the prior week
- New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 365,000 last week, the lowest since March 31, from an upwardly revised 392,000 the prior week. The drop was the biggest since May 2011. Economists were expecting a drop to 380,000 from an initially reported 388,000.
-The European Central Bank said Thursday it is keeping its main refinancing rate unchanged at a record low of 1% as expected.
As you can see, most of the economic news is not good. Hopefully those in power in Washington will eventually learn that socialism does not sell well in America. Time will tell.
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As always, if there is anything we at VetJobs can do for you, please do not hesitate to call or email.
Remember, Freedom Is Never Free – Support Our Armed Forces and Veterans
Best regards,
Ted Daywalt
President
/—May Early Eagle sponsor is TECHEXPO Top Secret—-\
TECHEXPO Top Secret’s next job fairs are:
5/9, TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fair, BWI Marriott, 1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Security clearance is required for attendance. Register at www.techexpousa.com
5/15, TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fair, Tysons Corner Ritz Carlton, 1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Security clearance is required for attendance. Register at www.techexpousa.com
5/22, TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fair, Lee Club, Battle Drive, Building 9009 Fort Lee, VA, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Security clearance is required for attendance. Register at www.techexpousa.com
TECHEXPO Top Secret job fairs bring you face to face with security-cleared professionals. For 2011 event schedule, contact Nancy Mathew 212-655-4505 x225 or NMathew@TechExpoUSA.com. http://www.TechExpoUSA.com
\—–Please visit your Early Eagle sponsor TECHEXPO Top Secret —-/
2. VetJobs Virtual Career Fair
VetJobs has entered the virtual career fair business to assist employers in reaching qualified veterans. Our second VetJobs Veteran Career Fair launched on May 1 and runs through May 15. If you want information on this event or on the next two, please contact Tom Cushman at tcushman@vetjobs.com.
/—April Early Eagle sponsor is CRI University—\
CRI University provides informative and dynamic one-hour webinars and recorded educational sessions on important HR topics that impact every employer who employs fifteen or more people. CRI University topics are offered both live and as recorded sessions for registrants who choose to view the materials and listen to the recording at their leisure.
These webinars and educational sessions are as important to CEOs, COOs, and CFOs as they are for HR personnel due to the myriad of changes in employment laws, regulations, discrimination findings and court case findings in 2009 and thus far in 2011.
April webinars are:
EEOC and OFCCP Compliance
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 11:00 AM Central Time
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 11:00 AM Central Time
Understanding the Achiever in the Selection and Development Process.
Friday, April 13, 2012, 11:00 AM Central Time
Each webinar is $65 and the website to register for a webinar is www.criuniversity.com
\—–Please visit your Early Eagle sponsor CRI University at www.criuniversity.com ——/
3. President Signs Executive Order Protecting Veterans from For Profit Schools
On a visit to Fort Stewart in Georgia on Friday, the President signed an Executive Order designed to protect veterans and servicemembers and their families from colleges that seek to mislead and swindle them. In his speech, the president said:
I’m not talking about all schools. Many of them — for-profit and non-profit — provide quality education to our servicemembers and our veterans and their families. But there are some bad actors out there. They’ll say you don’t have to pay a dime for your degree but once you register, they’ll suddenly make you sign up for a high interest student loan. They’ll say that if you transfer schools, you can transfer credits. But when you try to actually do that, you suddenly find out that you can’t. They’ll say they’ve got a job placement program when, in fact, they don’t. It’s not right. They’re trying to swindle and hoodwink you. And today, here at Fort Stewart, we’re going to put an end to it.
The goal of the Executive Order is to
-Provide students with educational and financial information to make informed decisions.
-End fraudulent and aggressive recruiting techniques on and off military installations.
-Ensure support services for service-members and veterans.-
-Develop and collect service member- and veteran-specific student outcome data-
-Create a centralized complaint system for students receive-g military and veterans’ educational benefits
-Begin the process to trademark the term “GI Bill.”
4. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012. The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:
-Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
-Are unemployed
-Received an other than dishonorable discharge
-Are not eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
-Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
-Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program
The program is limited to 45,000 participants during fiscal year 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants will receive a monthly payment equal to the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DOL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates or applies to the VRAP program.
Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation. The VRAP will provide training for programs of education that lead to a high demand occupation, as determined by the Department of Labor
The Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin accepting applications May 15, 2012. To complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the high demand occupation that your program leads to. Apply for VRAP on or after May 15, 2012. For more information, visit http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm
5. National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 1, 2012
The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 50,331; Navy Reserve, 4,557; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 10,050; Marine Corps Reserve, 4,482, and the Coast Guard Reserve, 811. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 70,231, including both units and individual augmentees. A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found on line at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20120501ngr.pdf
6. Significant Events this Month in Military History
1756 – French & Indian War began, lasting for seven years.
1846 – The U.S. declared war against Mexico. Mexican troops under General Mariano Arista were defeated at Palo Alto, Texas, by U.S. Army under General Zachary Taylor. (Mexican American War)
1863 – Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeated Union troops under Union General Joseph Hooker at the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA, with the considerable aid of Confederate General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, who decisively routed the Union right wing. (Civil War)
1940 – German troops invaded Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. (WW II)
1942 – Congress created the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).
1942 – Fall of Corregidor (WW II)
1942 – Battle of the Coral Sea, the first major naval action fought without either side having visual contact with enemy forces. (WW II)
1945 – German forces surrendered Berlin to the Russians. (WW II)
1945 – The German military in Europe surrendered unconditionally to GEN Eisenhower and other allied commanders in a French school building at Rheims, France, ending World War II in Europe. V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) was formally proclaimed on 8 May. (WW II)
1968 – Mini-Tet (Vietnam War)
1972 – Operation Linebacker (Vietnam War)
1975 – Capture and Release of SS Mayaguez by Khmer Rouge forces, the first battle action of the United States Navy boarding a ship at sea since 1826.
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VetJobs is exclusively sponsored and partially owned by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (www.vfw.org) and endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org), the Association of the US Navy (www.ausn.org), the Veterans of Modern Warfare (www.vmwusa.org), Student Veterans of America (www.studentveterans.org), Military Order of the Purple Heart (www.purpleheart.org), Hope4Heroes (www.hope4heroes.org), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (www.usawoa.org), The Retired Enlisted Association (www.trea.org) and the National Guard Association of the United States (www.ngaus.org)
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