Honoring Our Heros

By Governor Dave Heineman

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Veterans Day is November 11th and this provides a great opportunity to honor and remember those who have served our state and our country in uniform. As we observe Veterans Day, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our veterans for their service. We’re proud of these men and women and their families for what they have done for us.
This year, the Nebraska Department of Labor has joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to hold Hiring Our Heroes events throughout the state. These events helped over 9,000 veterans across the country find employment. I want to thank the U.S. Chamber and National Chamber Foundation for spearheading this event and bringing it to Nebraska.
In Nebraska, there are approximately 4,800 Army and Air National Guard men and women and thousands more Nebraskans serve in the active duty military Reserves. The enthusiasm surrounding Hire Our Heroes shows that the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by these men and women has not gone unnoticed. Current and former military members bring sought-after skills to the workforce.
Nebraskans stand behind our men and women in uniform, both during and after their service. The Hiring Our Heroes events bring Nebraska’s employers and service members together in an environment that creates opportunities for both groups. Nebraska’s military members have important skill sets and qualities that employers value. They have honed skills like leadership, problem-solving, an ability to operate under pressure, time management, and many others. These are abilities that our employers are looking for today.
The same can be said for Nebraska’s military spouses, who have been asked to take on many more responsibilities and roles while their loved ones have deployed. They, too, have exceptional qualities that are directly transferrable into today’s work force.
I would also like to invite you to view a new recruitment video entitled, “Nebraska Hires Veterans.” It was produced by the Nebraska Department of Labor to draw job-seeking veterans to Nebraska. The video features veterans from various parts of the country, and a wide array of occupations, discussing why Nebraska truly is The Good Life when you’re transitioning from military service.
Following active duty deployments, many servicemen and women are looking for employment and a place to call home. The veterans in this video provide just a few examples of the job opportunities and quality of life veterans can find in Nebraska.
The video is being distributed to and by veterans, their friends and family, veteran support organizations and many others. Links to the video can be found on nebraska.gov and dol.nebraska.gov.
We are fortunate to live in a country where people are willing to step up to defend the liberties we hold dear. I know the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard are very appreciative of the support they receive from the people of Nebraska.
To our veterans, thank you for the service you have given to our state and our nation. We are very proud of you.