Pocono News Section

Vets Call-In Center Praised for Job Potential

Vets Call-In Center Praised for Job Potential - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 04:13AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday May 12 2010
A dream to help discharged military veterans find jobs at home has finally become a reality in Northumberland County.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening at the former Moffett carpet building in Sunbury Wednesday morning.

Local veterans young and old were the first to enter the new facility.

Clinton Mettler, of Watsontown, said, "I think they've done a wonderful job turning the building around and bringing something good into the community of Sunbury."

The renovation includes a complete remodeling and installation of high-tech wiring and energy-efficient components.

The hiring process has already gotten underway here.

Officials expect to have about 11 employees on staff and working before summer's end.

There's also extra space on the second floor to expand to about 20 call-in stations.

The center will compile a website with job listings geared toward military vets.

Mettler, a combat-wounded veteran of three tours of Iraq, understands the difficulties many soldiers face upon their return.

Mettler explained, "They've come to know one way of life- whether it's transportation, infantry, medic- they begin to know that part. So many veterans who come out don't feel that they're marketable."

Changing that perception will be one of the center's main priorities.

Local veterans, like Jason VanKirk, will also be given preference for the available openings.

VanKirk noted, "They (veterans) are going to have a better understanding of what the veteran did in the military and what those job skills are going to give them in the civilian world, where they're going to be best-served in the civilian world."

The vets we spoke with say military traits like loyalty and leadership are unmatched anywhere else.

VanKirk added, "You know, I've been out in the civilian world here and I see the equivalency of the civilian leadership. And it doesn't hold a candle to what we get in the military, truthfully, you know?"

The Sunbury call-in center will provide help to veterans across the country.

It becomes one of 21 similar sites nationwide.