The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) tells Action News Jax the unemployment rate for nonactive duty veterans in its "Warriors to Work" program is at a five-year low.
According to a recent WWP annual survey, the unemployment rate for nonactive duty warriors in the program has fallen from 19.7% in 2014, to 12.3% in 2018. WWP tells Action News Jax the total salaries among the veterans in the program now total more than $100 million (approximately $103 million), for the first time in their history.
Sean Packer tells Action News Jax he spent about two decades in the Navy, and served as a gunner's mate, before retiring in 2015.
“Deployed a couple of times in the Middle East,” said Packer. “I went to more, Bahrain, than anywhere. I spent a year on IA with minesweepers.”
Packer, a father of three, says he never anticipated the challenges of finding employment after the service.
“It's difficult, and I've been in the military my whole life…” said Packer. “So I never really had to interview for a job, never had to write a resume.”
He now works as a regional intel analyst at Deutsche Bank.
The program exists to help veterans like Packer polish their job seeking skills, and match them with potential employers.
“This gives them that giant step in the confidence, and the quality of life, that they know that they want," said Tom Kastner, WWP VP of Financial Wellness. “They just need the help to get there.”
Packer credits the program and mentors he gained along the way with his success.
“Without the ‘Warriors to Work’ program I don't think I'd be in the position I am today,” said Packer. “In fact, I know wouldn't be in the position I am today.”
He encourages other veterans who may feel lost to remain motivated and seek out the assistance they may need.
Cox Media Group
