Serine
On National Hire a Veteran Day, the state of Missouri and Columbia-based company Equipment Share joined forces to support veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. Their goal: to recognize the unique skills veterans bring and to connect them with meaningful employment opportunities.
Equipment Share Hosts Veteran Recruitment Telethon
Equipment Share led the charge by hosting a telethon on Friday, dedicated to recruiting veterans into its expanding workforce. Currently, over 10% of the company’s employees are veterans, a figure they hope to increase by tapping into the leadership and technical skills veterans acquire during service.
Amy Susan, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Equipment Share, emphasized that military training aligns well with careers in construction and technology, adding, “Their leadership and technical background make them an ideal fit for our company.”
Veteran employee Ericka Tibit reflected on her own experience, expressing admiration for the company’s veteran-friendly approach. “I really wish I had any kind of support when I transitioned from the Air Force to civilian life,” she said. “I look at Equipment Share and think, ‘Holy cow, I wish I had that.’”
Jefferson City Veteran Hiring Event Sees Growth
Simultaneously, the Missouri Office of Administration hosted a veteran hiring event in Jefferson City. The event, now in its second year, nearly doubled in attendance and featured close to 30 employers and state agencies seeking to hire former service members.
Shayne Martin, spokesperson for the Office of Administration, highlighted the event’s purpose: “The No. 1 goal is to ensure that veterans in Missouri have the opportunity to connect with state agencies and find a job that’s right for them.”
Veterans Helping Veterans: A Shared Mission
Many recruiters at the event were veterans themselves, including Shayne Martin, who acknowledged the emotional challenge many face when exiting military life. “We’ve all been there,” he said. “After serving your country, finding a renewed purpose can be difficult.”
Joseph Fortenberry, Yellow Ribbon Officer in Charge for the Missouri Army National Guard, stressed the value of community. “It’s veterans helping veterans,” he said. “But it also shows how deeply the state of Missouri values those who served.”
Through coordinated efforts between state agencies and private companies like Equipment Share, Missouri is actively working to provide veterans with stable career paths.
Events like these not only connect job seekers with employers but also demonstrate the state’s dedication to honoring military service through opportunity and support.