U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., wants to make sure the Army can transfer military skills to the workforce, and to that end he gathered congressmen, state lawmakers, trade certification groups and private businessmen to discuss how to make it happen. Among the state lawmakers Jolly invited to participate in a congressional delegation trip to Fort Lee, Va., last week were Reps. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, and Larry Ahearn, R-Seminole.
According to a written statement, the purpose of the two-day trip was to discuss bringing changes to the way the U.S. Army is transferring military skills to correlate with the civilian workforce on a local, state, and federal level.
Smith said his own experience as a retired U.S. Army paratrooper, as well as his time serving the chair of the Florida House's Veterans and Military Affairs Subcommittee, are just two reasons veterans' issues are near and dear to his heart.
“There is still work to be done," he said. "As an individual who retired from the military, I have personally seen things that need to change, from health care to employment. It is my hope that by beginning this conversation, we can help those who protect our freedom find greater success in civilian life.”
Other attendees stressed how Florida could benefit from paying closer attention to the state's veterans.
“Florida needs a trained workforce, and veterans need jobs upon separation,” said Ahern. “By giving our service veterans credit for their bonafides after their separation from the service that will transfer seamlessly into the private or public sector solves both problems."
Prioritizing veterans' issues has quickly become a hot button for Floridians -- just last weekend, Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order which would allow the state to expedite the process of getting concealed weapons permits for service men and women. The order would also use state money to put guns in their hands after a Tennessee shooting left several servicemen dead last week.
Florida Surgeon General John Armstrong praised Scott's commitment to veterans and said the state Department of Health would do anything it could to make sure members of the armed services transition easily into life back home.
“Thanks to Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature, Florida has become the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation," he said. "The Department of Health is committed to realizing the opportunities, identified during the congressional delegation visit, for smooth transitions of soldiers, sailor, airmen, and Marines from military to civilian life.”
Jolly said the trip was a good way to help identify ways to help veterans. Veterans' issues have been a priority for the freshman congressman, who sponsored legislation this year to boost stipends for military veterans pursuing college degrees after they serve.
“I’m confident that as a direct result of this visit to Fort Lee, we’ll find ways that the U.S. Congress, the Florida Legislature, the Army, and the private sector can help further soldier credentialing and provide a smoother job transition for our service members from military to civilian life," said Jolly. "Thank you to all from Florida who participated in this very informative and productive trip and to the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) for hosting our delegation.”
