To: President Donald Trump, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Require the VA to Hire Combat Veterans
Change federal hiring procedures to
1. Require that combat veterans be integrated into the hiring process, including that a combat veteran be included on all interview panels.
2. Require the VA to hire qualified combat veterans over all other applicants. When a qualified combat veteran has not applied, then a qualified non-combat veteran would be hired before candidates who are not veterans. (Note: the key word is “qualified”, so a person who is not qualified to perform the job would not be hired, regardless of veteran status.)
1. Require that combat veterans be integrated into the hiring process, including that a combat veteran be included on all interview panels.
2. Require the VA to hire qualified combat veterans over all other applicants. When a qualified combat veteran has not applied, then a qualified non-combat veteran would be hired before candidates who are not veterans. (Note: the key word is “qualified”, so a person who is not qualified to perform the job would not be hired, regardless of veteran status.)
Why is this important?
In the words of my daughter, a veteran who served 2 tours as a nurse at the beginning of Iraqi Freedom: "Much has been uncovered about the problems veterans have been facing in receiving services and obtaining employment. Based on my personal experience, and discussions with fellow veterans, I believe these issues are related to the fact that many current VA employees are not veterans, let alone combat veterans. They cannot understand our needs, our language, or our demeanor. This can be changed if more combat veterans are employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs."
NOTE: When actual legislation is written, we agree with comments we've received that 10 point preference eligible disabled veterans should be considered together with combat veterans.
UPDATE: After extensive research, we've found that direct healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and physician assistants, are hired under Title 38, which does not mandate veteran preference. We believe this group needs to be covered by veteran preference requirements. VETERANS CARING FOR VETERANS!
NOTE: When actual legislation is written, we agree with comments we've received that 10 point preference eligible disabled veterans should be considered together with combat veterans.
UPDATE: After extensive research, we've found that direct healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and physician assistants, are hired under Title 38, which does not mandate veteran preference. We believe this group needs to be covered by veteran preference requirements. VETERANS CARING FOR VETERANS!