CLEVELAND – The job market may not be friendly to everyone.
But now, Walmart is pledging to hire every veteran looking for work in the next five years.
“When they come back from fighting they should have something to look forward to and not come back stressed out and struggling,” said Denise Anderson of Cleveland. “So I think what Walmart is doing is a very excellent job.”
In a statement sent to Fox 8, the nation`s largest retailer says it will hire 100,000 during the next five years. The veterans must be within 12 months of active duty and must be honorably discharged.
Vietnam Veteran Paul Wyatt said when he returned from war, people weren’t as kind as they are today. He hopes the generosity continues for military servicemen and women.
“More companies should offer these people an opportunity for these people an opportunity to make a living after they`ve put their lives on the line,” Wyatt said.
Wyatt, works two jobs in Cleveland. He expects more jobs will lead to better communities.
“Opening up jobs for people will mean a better economy and it’ll cut down on the violence too and stealing,” he said.
PROGRAMS FOR OTHER VETERANS
Some, like Wyatt, worry about other veterans – namely those who’ve struggled to find work for years.
Volunteers of America`s Veterans Resource Center, located on East 152nd Street, has helped give veterans a home – and help them find work.
“We explain to them that there is a process,” said regional executive director Michael Salois. “That you start with something, you build those skills, you build that reputation and then you move to the jobs. We talk to them about a five to 10 year plan.”
Volunteers of America has four locations in the state. Salois said the program placed more than 500 homeless Ohio veterans in jobs last year.
“For them to come and to say ‘I got the job’… It`s a really great moment when you see them and something finally happened for them,” Salois said.