CHICAGO – The Army Reserve and the National Guard signed partnership agreements today with dozens of Chicago and Illinois State employers to work collaboratively to enhance job opportunities for America's Soldiers and Veterans. The alliances, launched as part of the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI), will help strengthen the community, support Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and their Families, and maintain a strong economy.
"I'm pleased to begin lasting partnerships with the State of Illinois and so many of the Chicago area's leading employers. I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce," said Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief, Army Reserve. "This is a natural partnership because today's partners have always been great friends of the military."
Through the EPI, employers and the Armed Forces secure and share the talents of trained professionals. Businesses and organizations benefit from the employment of men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills. Since its inception in April 2008, nearly 500 public and private employers have joined the initiative.
"The men and women of the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve are highly motivated, seasoned professionals and some of the highest caliber potential employees for private industry. This partnership is good for our Soldiers, local communities in Chicago and around the Nation," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, adjutant general, Illinois National Guard.
The Army Reserve and Army National Guard are teaming up with business leaders and public officials across the country to develop staffing solutions to meet industry demands, tackle the issue of workforce preparedness, and reinvigorate the employee base in order to remain competitive in the global economy.
"It is our duty to take care of Veterans, who have answered the call to duty and bravely defended our country," said Gov. Pat Quinn. "I salute Helmets to Hardhats and all the partners here today. We join together in signing this memo of understanding so that we can help provide our Servicemembers and Veterans the jobs they deserve."
Among the partners who joined the EPI are: the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Chicago 2016, Cook County, Teamsters Joint Council 25, The Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council, Chicago Federation of Labor, and SEIU.
"The Teamsters are committed to ensuring Veteran Soldiers forever play a role in strengthening our economy and contributing to the future of our communities," said John T. Coli, president, Teamsters Joint Council 25. "Joint Council 25 is honored to bring the Army Reserve and National Guard together with so many of Illinois' esteemed employers in support of our Soldiers and their Families."
ABOUT THE UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE
The Army Reserve provides trained and ready units to complement the Army, ready to perform their mission during peacetime, overseas contingencies and war. Our Soldiers are highly skilled full-time patriots whom civilian employers share with the Army Reserve. The value the Army Reserve brings to America is embodied in these professional men and women who possess the skills and capabilities that can be used on the battlefield and in the civilian sector. The Army Reserve is a reservoir of trained and experienced professionals in transportation, management, law enforcement, health care, information technology, telecommunications, construction, engineering, and human resources, among other fields. Army Reserve Soldiers have played a vital role in every American military and humanitarian mission of the past 100 years. Today, roughly 206,000 trained Army Reserve Soldiers in units across the country stand ready to serve the Nation when called upon by the President of the United States. Our Soldiers are one of the best returns on investment American citizens make for the security and freedoms they enjoy.
ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL GUARD
Since 1636, the U.S. National Guard has brought glory and honor upon itself and its soldiers through quiet and selfless service. The National Guard is an elite group of warriors who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation. It is the only branch of the military whose existence is actually required by the Constitution. The National Guard has a long a noble history of serving at home and abroad to ensure the safety and freedom of American citizens. We have combated natural disasters, supported regular Army troops, and when called upon, borne arms against America’s enemies. Nearly 400 years ago, the Guard mobilized for the first time to help neighbors in times of need. This is still our main role: helping the community during natural disasters and civil emergencies.
ABOUT TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 25
Founded in 1911, Teamsters Joint Council 25 is the governing body representing 22 Teamster local unions in the greater Chicagoland area. The Joint Council assists its local unions in coordinating Teamster activities, solving problems, and organizing.
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