1138th participates in training workshops to help land next job

The 1138th Engineer Company of the Missouri National Guard returned to Southeast Missouri on Sunday after an eight-month deployment in Afghanistan. The unit conducted route-clearance support in hazardous areas, and its 93 members -- known as "Sappers" -- executed more than 120 missions and disabled nearly 70 improvised explosive devises, or IEDs, during its tour.

The returning soldiers of the 1138th now face a less daunting but equally unpleasant task: finding a job in a sluggish economy.

To that end, some members of the 1138th have been participating in a three-day workshop at Southeast Missouri State University to develop skills and resources to find a job or meaningful career.

"The workshop is opening up doors and giving us information on what we may be missing," said Staff Sgt. Craig Wadlow. "A lot of us don't know how to present our skills to potential employers."

Wadlow, from Park Hills, Mo., said that after serving time in a combat zone, he appreciates that the workshop is there to help him.

"I didn't have this when I came home from my other deployment in 2006," he said. "It wasn't even offered."

Army National Guard soldier Spc. John Gilman, right, speaks with Spc. Michael Oberkramer about a recent job interview he had Thursday, May 16, 2013, during their job training exercise at Dempster Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. (Laura Simon)

The workshop, which began Wednesday and ends today, stems from the Hero to Hire Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 2012. The act mandates in part that troops be given access to a job-training workshop coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor before they return to civilian duties. Thirty-one members of the 1138th requested to take advantage of the workshop at Southeast, where they are receiving help in creating effective resumes, identifying resources for employment and developing job-interview skills.

During Thursday's session, the soldiers received networking lessons.

"You never know who you might meet," said Erin Walerko, a Labor Department representative and instructor at the workshop. "You have to be prepared to talk about yourself. That's when you get across your message."

Walerko said the soldiers underwent self-assessments Wednesday.

"The self-assessments help identify the skill sets they have learned while in the military," she said. "It's about transferring those skills from military to civilian life."

Transferring their skills to a civilian job market will be crucial for returning soldiers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in April, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 7.5 percent, the same as the nationwide unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in April for veterans of all generations was 6.2 percent.

"That's why the workshop is needed," said Sgt. First Class Juan Bernard of Jackson. "It's going to provide soldiers the tools they need in making the transition into civilian employment."

Bernard, who serves as the employment assistance NCO for the Southeast Missouri area, said when the soldiers return to their families after Friday's session, they will undoubtedly "decompress" for awhile. He said they will soon have to start thinking about what's best for their families and their careers.

"But we want them to know that we're here to help them," Bernard said. "We're here to take care of our soldiers."

There also will be help offered to the 1138th and other veterans at the 2013 Hiring Our Heroes event on May 29. The event will be at the Osage Centre and will consist of an employment workshop and hiring fair.

"We have about 20 employees signed up," said Matthew Jenkins, a family-assistance specialist for the Missouri National Guard.

Jenkins said employers and veterans should register for the event online at HOH.Greatjob.net.

After Thursday's session, soldiers were treated to a meal of grilled hamburgers. The person who grilled the hamburgers was Dr. Ken Dobbins, president of Southeast and a former captain in the U.S. Air Force.

"We're very pleased that the workshop is here," Dobbins said. "The men have done a great job, and it's the least we can do."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO