Nebraska officials announced a coordinated recruiting initiative Tuesday aimed at encouraging military members leaving active duty to live, work and attend college in the state. The Good Life is Calling Veterans initiative connects prospective residents with employment opportunities, education and veterans services.
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert said the email outreach began in July and has reached approximately 86,000 service members. About 65,000 recipients have opened the messages, he said. “We’ve had 1,000 interactions so far from 30 states and countries as far away as Japan,” Hilgert said at a news conference with Gov. Jim Pillen.
The campaign directs people to different agencies based on their interests. Those seeking education are connected with participating colleges and universities, while employment inquiries go to the departments of Labor and Economic Development. Questions about veterans services are directed to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Labor Director Katie Thurber said the initiative can help meet Nebraska employers’ workforce needs. “Nebraska has a strong demand for skilled workers across high growth industries, and veterans possess many of the technical leadership and problem solving skills Nebraska employers need today,” Thurber said.
Officials also highlighted opportunities for veterans to continue serving in the Nebraska National Guard while pursuing civilian careers. Daniel Fritz, the Nebraska Army National Guard’s recruiting and retention battalion commander, said experienced veterans strengthen the Guard’s leadership and ability to respond to severe weather, natural disasters and other emergencies.
Hilgert said funding from the state’s Honor Our Veterans license plate program helped support the outreach, which builds on the existing Good Life is Calling campaign. Officials also plan virtual job fairs to connect interested veterans with Nebraska businesses.