[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 16, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H939-H941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE FIGHT OF AMERICA'S VETERANS FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY HERE AT HOME

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, with all of this talk about the 
CR and where money is being spent and where taxpayer dollars should be 
spent, I want to remind Americans that there are 1.4 million Americans 
on active duty in our U.S. military. Another 718,000 civilian personnel 
support our men and women in uniform, and 1.1 million are in the 
Reserves or in the National Guard.
  The military is our Nation's largest employer, and it is honorable 
work. Our fighting men and women are the best and the brightest, the 
bravest and the most battle-tested. They serve with distinction whether 
they are on bases here at home or in combat abroad, whether they are in 
the infantry or in military information technology.
  But once our soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines leave the 
service, shouldn't they be assured of jobs right here in America? Is 
that too much to ask of Congress? Is it too much to ask of America? 
Shouldn't their families know that they will have roofs over their 
heads, food on their tables, and clothes on their backs? That's the 
least we can do for our veterans, but for too many veterans, 
unemployment and economic insecurity is what they are finding in 
civilian life.

                              {time}  1020

  Recently, I asked unemployed veterans to send me their resumes and 
their stories so that I can submit them for the Congressional Record, 
to put their struggles front and center before our government. I heard 
from a number of veterans who sent their resumes to me at Resumes From 
Veterans @mail. house. gov.
  I heard from Charles Diver of Plantation, Florida, who served for 4 
years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He wrote that, ``In addition to being 
unemployed, many of us feel the government has been less than 
forthcoming about the scope of the problem.''
  I couldn't agree more. Mr. Diver has been unemployed since June of 
2009. I think we owe him more than that for the service that he's given 
to our country.
  Vincent Torrez of Las Vegas, Nevada, told me, ``It has been a year 
since I have been discharged from the Army, and it has virtually been 
impossible for me to find work that matches my skill-set in the 
civilian market. I believe within the next few years unemployed 
veterans will be a bigger problem than it is now with the wars coming 
to a close.''
  Mr. Torrez last served in the Army's 1st Airborne Division, 509th 
Infantry Regiment Opposing Force. We should see to it that veterans 
like him can find meaningful work when they're back at home.
  I heard from Mr. Jay Magan of Taylorsville, Kentucky, who wrote 
simply and poignantly, ``Out of work for 1\1/2\ years. Desperate for a 
job.'' He signed that short e-mail, ``Respectfully, Jay G. Magan.''
  We owe him more respect than unemployment for his 20 years of service 
in the United States Navy.
  I heard from Evelyn Thomas. She is a veteran of the Army National 
Guard and the Marine Corps and lives in Carlsbad, California. She 
enlisted in the military on the Montgomery G.I. Bill in order to earn 
money for college. She then obtained a master's degree in teaching, 
learning, and leadership. She told me, ``We need to create jobs. We 
need to provide avenues and opportunities for manufacturing and 
production companies to exist in this global economy. Now I am at a 
crossroads, in which I must utilize my activism work to create a job. I 
must work to support my family. I want to work. Surely, there is a 
position for a honorably discharged veteran with a master's degree.''
  Indeed, there should be.
  But then, Mr. Speaker, I received what I think is the most striking 
e-mail. It was from Tonya Batson, the wife of a 12-year Navy veteran 
named Billy Batson. She didn't write much, just that Mr. Batson had 
been out of work since December of 2009, over a year, after his 
military service ended. But imagine the anguish that Mr. and Mrs. 
Batson must be feeling. Imagine the uncertainty. I refuse to accept 
that any military spouse should feel that. No husband or wife, who 
after supporting their partner through military service, deployment, 
travel, and battle, should feel like they have to fight another battle 
right here at home to find a job, to provide for their family, to be 
financially secure.
  Mr. Speaker, we can do better. We can create an economy that employs 
all of our veterans. We need a jobs program that will put Americans 
back to work doing productive things for society--teachers aides in 
classrooms across the country, health clinic workers, home energy 
technicians, food pantry workers. We can create jobs that pay benefits 
to workers and the country without the kind of overhead of 
infrastructure and other projects.
  But, Mr. Speaker, we can do even better than creating jobs. We can 
eliminate unemployment as a factor in American life. In order to do 
that, I need to hear more stories like those of Mr. Diver, Mr. Torrez, 
Mr. Magan, Ms. Thomas, and Mr. and Mrs. Batson. I know they are out 
there, so I'm calling on unemployed veterans to send me their resumes 
and stories to Resumes From Veterans @mail. house. gov.
  As I've said before, sending me your resume will not get you a job, 
or put you into consideration for a job. But it can help keep the 
unemployed problem front and center here in Washington.
  We need to do something, Mr. Speaker, so that all Americans, veterans 
and nonveterans alike, have work. We can do so much better.

             Veteran's Resume for the Congressional Record

     From: Chuck Diver [[email protected]]
     Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 8:25 AM
     To: Veterans, Resumes from
       Dear Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.: Thank you for your work. 
     Providing veterans with recognition is an important 
     contribution, because in addition to being unemployed, many 
     of us feel the government has been less than forthcoming 
     about the scope of the problem. I served four years in the 
     U.S. Coast Guard.
                                   Respectfully, Charles E. Diver.

                            Charles E. Diver


                          Aircraft Dispatcher

       Nine years experience dispatching aircraft under Part 121 
     and Part 135 operations both domestically and 
     internationally, of which the last one and one half years 
     were as the manager of the flight control department.
     Professional Strengths
       Use of aviation software programs; attention to detail 
     while multitasking; composure in stressful situations; 
     excellent communications skills; respectful of cultural 
     diversity; ability to prioritize dynamically; ability to 
     teach and supervise; management experience; private pilot 
     (SEL).
     Key Achievements
       Los prevention by audit control of APIS and E-APIS reports 
     and required passenger travel documentation.
       Designated as dispatch ground instructor.
       Contributed to and assisted with GOM and OPSPEC revisions.
       Poit of contact for U.S. Customs, Immigration, TSA and FAA 
     Inspectors.
     Professional Experience
       Manager of Flight Control Lynx Air International--11-2007 
           to 6-2009
       Disatched company aircraft on charters and scheduled 
     domestic and international flights.

[[Page H940]]

       Responsible for all dispatch operations, reporting directly 
     to the DO and the President of Administration.
       Adjusted master crew schedule as necessary for operational 
     requirements.
       Coordinated operational requirements for charter, cargo, 
     and passenger service departments.
       Managed logistical considerations for all flights including 
     over-flight permits and fuel cost and availability.
       Interviewed, hired and trained new dispatch personnel, 
     including recurrent training.
       Maintained records archives and updated all dispatch 
     records and required manuals, including operational expense 
     reports, aircraft and crew flight times, maintenance status 
     of aircraft and Twelve-five security protocol documents.
       Aircraft Dispatcher Lynx Air International--8-2005 to 11-
           2007
       Dispatched Fairchild Metroliner III (SA227-AC) on charters 
     and to the Bahamas, Haiti and Guantanamo (GITMO) Cuba using 
     Flitesoft Commercial Flight Calculator and Flight View. All 
     releases done manually for each flight and filed or updated 
     all flight plans.
       Assisted the flight control manager as possible in the 
     completion of his responsibilities.
       Interacted with cargo department, reservations and ticket 
     counter personnel for each flight as necessary.
       Assisted other departments as circumstances required when 
     not the dispatcher on duty.
       Flight Follower, Custom Air Transport 2-2005 to 8-2005
       Monitored scheduled and on demand cargo flights of Boeing 
     727-200 aircraft domestically and internationally using 
     Navtech flight planning software and Flight Explorer for 
     flight following.
       Interacted with company supervisors and customer service 
     representatives, especially during delayed flights or IROPS.
       Aircraft Dispatcher Lynx Air International--12-2003 to 2-
           2005
       Dispatched Fairchild Metroliner III (SA227-AC) on charters 
     and to the Bahamas, Haiti and Guantanamo (GITMO) Cuba using 
     Flitesoft Commercial Flight Calculator and Flight View. All 
     releases done manually for each flight and filed or updated 
     all flight plans.
       Assisted the flight control manager as possible in the 
     completion of his responsibilities.
       Interacted with cargo department, reservations and ticket 
     counter personnel for each flight as necessary.
       Assisted other departments as circumstances required when 
     not the dispatcher on duty.
       Aircraft Dispatcher Atlantic Southeast Airlines--11-2000 to 
           9-2002
       Dispatched CRJ's, ATR-72's and E-120's domestically and 
     internationally using Eagle Dispatch Monitor, Flight 
     Explorer, Flight Trac Plot, Storm Century PC and the ``Delta 
     Term'' system of flight information management.
       Aircraft Dispatcher Chalks Ocean Airways--8-2000 to 11-2000
       Dispatched Grumman Mallard seaplanes to the Bahamas.
       Interacted with station agents to coordinate passenger 
     services.
       Health Care Educator Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback 
           Consultants--3-1993 to 12-1999
       Taught behavior modification under the supervision of a 
     licensed psychologist in his private practice and at North 
     Broward Medical Center (NBMC), utilizing biofeedback assisted 
     stress management and relaxation techniques to patients with 
     stress symptoms and work related injuries. Provided classroom 
     instruction and public lectures at NBMC for the management of 
     diabetes, and conducted group sessions for the use of 
     behavioral strategies to improve coping skills for diabetes, 
     pain control and related conditions for stroke survivors.
     Education
       Sheffield School of Aeronautics--Aircraft Dispatcher 
     Certification (Certificate Number 2636673); Graduated 8-2000.
       Sea School--U.S. Merchant Marine Officer License (Serial 
     Number 605571); Graduated 6-1984.
       University of North Florida--Master of Science in Allied 
     Health Services (GPA 4.00); Graduated 3-1979.
       University of North Florida--Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 
     (GPA 3.30); Graduated 12-1977.
     Military
       U.S. Coast Guard--Rate/Rank: Quartermaster / E-5; Enlisted 
     8-31-1970.
       National Defense Service Medal; Small Boat Coxswain 
     Insignia; Secret Clearance, Honorable Discharge 8-30-1974.
                                  ____


                    Resume for Congressional Record

     From: Vince Torrez [[email protected]]
     Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:11 AM
     To: Veterans, Resumes from
       To whom it may concern: I recently read an article in the 
     Army Times that unemployed Veteran's resumes were being 
     published in the Congressional Record for debate on the 
     floor. As an unemployed Veteran of the Iraq War I would like 
     my resume published into record. It has been a year since I 
     have been discharged from the Army, and it has virtually been 
     impossible for me to fmd a job that matches my skill set in 
     the civilian market. I believe within the next few years 
     unemployed Veterans will be a bigger problem than it is now 
     with the wars coming to a close. Furthermore, with the 
     reduction of military force this will only increase, and 
     possibility lead to unrest among Veterans and their families.
           Thank you,
                                                   Vincent Torrez.

                           Vincent Torrez Jr.

     Objective
       A dedicated and loyal Veteran with a plethora of diverse 
     talent seeking to obtain a position with the Secret Service 
     as a Special Agent
     Professional Experience
       Company: Active Army Component, 1st Airborne 509th Infantry 
           Regiment Opposing Force, Joint Readiness Training 
           Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana
       Employment Dates: August 2008-April 2010
       Supervisor: 1 SG David Crosson, May Contact
       Salary: $35,000 per year, 40-50 Hours Per Week, Pay Grade 
     E-5
       Position: Lead Company Program Administrator
       Duties:
       Manage accountability and adjustment of over $1.5 million 
     worth of assigned equipment.
       Development and implementation of standardize training in 
     clerical data.
       Brief senior leadership on work conditions and climate.
       Ensure the workplace is in compliance with policies and 
     regulations.
       Accountable for official administrative actions of one-
     hundred seventy employees to include separations, 
     retirements, awards, and leave.
       Director of company retention and professional development 
     program for approximately one-hundred sixty-five employees.
       Strong clerical skills with ability to type forty words per 
     minute.
       Possession of superb written and interpersonal skills.
       Processing of legal documents Absence Without Leave, 
     Chapter Discharge packets, and Company level Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice proceedings.
       Created an internal guidelines for processing employees 
     more efficiently.
       Monitored coordinating and supporting of reports to meet 
     objectives and deadlines daily, monthly, and quarterly basis.
       Orally administrated numerous operational directives.
       Assisted in unit operations center (C2 Command and 
     control).
       Company: Active Army Component, 1st Battalion 26th Infantry 
           Regiment, Schweinfurt, Germany
       Employment Dates: April 2005-August 2008
       Supervisor: Major Andrew Jasso, May Contact
       Salary: $28,000 per year, 40-50 Hours Per Week, Pay Grade 
     E-4 to E-5
       Position: Team Leader
       Duties:
       Outstanding ability briefing senior leadership.
       Skillful in research and analysis in security protection 
     programs.
       Highly organized and attentive in the construction of 
     emergency response programs.
       Active Department of Defense secret clearance.
       Extensive experience as a Team Leader in a personnel 
     security team; maintaining static and roving security 
     posture, preventing of unauthorized trespassing of controlled 
     access points, and provided physical body protection for Army 
     Officers, Army civilian employees, and Army contractors while 
     in Baghdad, Iraq.
       Familiarized in remaining composed and disciplined under 
     duress.
       Expertise with American small arms weapons systems; 9MM, 
     M203, 240B, 240C, M-4, M-16, 50 Cal., and M-14 rifle.
       Participated in conducting surveillance, search warrants, 
     and arrests on criminal targets for the purpose of testifying 
     in Iraqi court to the events witnessed.
       Seized numerous devices as evidence while conducting 
     preliminary intelligence gathering such as weapons, 
     ammunitions, and bomb making materials.
       Conducted primarily field interviews of suspected criminals 
     during search warrants.
       Development and implementation of standardize training.
       An earned reputation for continued consummate team player 
     with ability to communicate effectively with internal and 
     external agencies.
     Achievements
       Participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom Fiscal Years 2006-
     2008.
       Awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.
       Awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.
       Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Actions in Combat.
       Received commendable evaluation for pioneering overhaul on 
     Company Retention Program.
       Company: Oreck Corporation, 2047 West Bullard Avenue, 
           Fresno, CA 93711
       Employment Dates: March 2000-April 2005
       Supervisor: Martin Lopez, May Contact
       Wage: $9.00 per hour plus commission, 30 Hours Per Week

[[Page H941]]

       Position: Manager
       Duties:
       Administer daily operations: including accounts, security 
     deposits, customer service, and sales.
       Planning and coordinating business itineraries for 
     management.
       Oversight on protection of store assets and investigation 
     of loss assets.
     Education and Specialized Training
       Specialized Training:
       Drivers Training Course: Ft. Polk, Louisiana 2009. 
     Curriculum focuses on laws of the road 40 hours, and 20 hours 
     of on and off road vehicle driving of military and civilian 
     wheeled vehicles.
       Advance Leaders Course: Schweinfurt, Germany 2008. A focus 
     on planning and conducting operation orders, combat 
     leadership skills, and becoming subject matter experts on 
     small arms proficiency. Fundamental characteristics of 
     ballistic trajectory.
       Warriors Leaders Course: Grafenwohr, Germany 2008. Primary 
     focus on developmental leadership skills. A breadth of 
     military subjects to include leadership in combat, land 
     navigation, individual skill training, and physical fitness.
       Combat Life-Saver Course: Schweinfurt, Germany 2006. Highly 
     developed lifesaving procedures beyond the level of basic 
     first aid. Combat methodologies on intravenous injections, 
     cardiopulmonary resuscitation, trauma management, and medical 
     evaluation.
       Bachelor of Arts in History with an emphasis in U.S. 
     History, May 2004; California State University, Fresno: 
     Fresno, CA 93740
       Related Course Work:
       Political Science: Acquired a strong foundation of American 
     politics, domestic and foreign policy. Composed written 
     assignments on U.S. and North Korean Relations.
       Computer Aptitude:
       Military Systems: Force Battlefield Command Bridge and 
     Below, Blue Force Tracker System
       Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista
       Software Applications: Microsoft Power Point, Word, Excel, 
     Access
       General Education Diploma, June 1997; Sanger High School: 
     Sanger, CA 93657
     References
       Available upon request.

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