WILDWOOD, N.J., June 11, 2015 &ndas h; The American Legion, Department of New Jersey honored the Christie Administration for its continuing efforts to provide New Jersey’s former military personnel with resources to prepare for employment and connect with employers during its annual state convention held at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood today. Acting Governor Kim Guadagno addressed the convention emphasizing her and Governor Christie’s commitment to New Jersey servicemembers and their families, and saluted the American Legion for its leadership in galvanizing support for programs and activities that strengthen veterans and communities.

The American Legion has partnered on numerous occasions with different New Jersey state agencies including the Governor’s Office, Lt. Governor’s Office and the departments of Labor and Workforce Development, and Military and Veterans Affairs to host career and resource fairs; to provide veterans and active servicemembers with the tools to successfully transition to civilian life and build a career; and to offer opportunities to learn interviewing techniques and create resumes that reflect their valuable military skills.

“We are extremely honored to have the American Legion recognize our One-Stop Career Center and our dedicated veteran representatives – all of which are veterans themselves,” said Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths. “We will continue to partner with organizations like the American Legion to provide our men and women in uniform with career, training and resource opportunities.”

Past State Commander Robert Looby of the American Legion, Department of New Jersey, said, “On behalf of the veterans community, we always should give credit to those that assist and support our veterans with employment and other matters. These awardees are a great example of that support and we recognize and appreciate their dedicated work.”

The American Legion presented the following awards:

·       Essex County One-Stop Career Center: Employment Service Local Office Award

·       Angelica Lindo: Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) of the Year Award

·       Ricky O’Hara: LVER** of the Year Award

Under Governor Chris Christie’s Operation: Hire a Jersey Hero initiative, launched in 2012, and through the collective efforts of many state agencies, New Jersey continues to innovatively assist veterans in the Garden State. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has a staff of 35 dedicated to working with the veteran population. Currently, the Labor Department is working with approximately 17,000 veterans at its 29 One Stop Career Centers throughout the state. For nearly three decades, New Jersey’s veteran service programs have ensured that veterans are treated with dignity, compassion and understanding.

Veterans seeking employment assistance should:

·       Contact the State Veterans Program Coordinator O. Wayne Smith via email: Ottis.Smith@dol.state.nj.us 

·       Visit the veteran representative at the nearest One-Stop Career Center (locations available at: http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/plan/support/njccsites/one_stop_career_centers.shtml )

·       Go to http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/plan/foryou/veterans/veteran_services.shtml for information on veteran job fairs

** Please note:  The Local Veteran Employment Representative title, known as LVER, has transitioned to Business Service Representative for Veterans.