Honoring Our Veterans during the 20th Anniversary of September 11th

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the deadliest attack in history on American soil. September 11, 2001 is a day that will forever live in infamy, with 2,977 lives lost and countless lives altered forever.

September 11 was a day that brought changes large and small and it is extremely challenging to find a part of American life that has not been touched by the events of September 11.

One of the many effects of 9/11 was the increase in enlistments in the months and years after the attacks. Studies show that starting in 2002, Army recruits scored higher on qualification tests, were more likely to have a high school diploma, and came from higher-income areas than in previous years. Since 2001, roughly 4.6 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and over half of them have deployed more than once.

The surge in enlistments coupled with the higher education numbers means many post-9/11 veterans have re-entered the workforce with impressive credentials. Thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans that have served active duty after September 10, 2001, are eligible to receive benefits to help pay for college, graduate school, and training programs.

The vast majority of Americans have little understanding of military service or the impact service may have on civilian employment outcomes. Many studies show that connection to the labor force provides the swiftest means for a successful transition back home, yet almost half of post 9/11 veterans indicate finding a job is their biggest challenge.

At Goodwill of Greater Washington (Goodwill), we understand the value that veterans can bring to the workforce. We welcome veterans and believe their life experiences make them extremely suitable for a variety of occupations, including industries the align with many of Goodwill’s Job Training Programs. These industries include Hospitality, Security & Protective Services, Healthcare, and Energy & Construction. Goodwill’s programs can help veterans navigate the complexities of getting back into the workforce. Goodwill’s Job Training Programs provide valuable coaching, support to remove barriers, and the job readiness skills to achieve employment goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Goodwill’s programs, please visit us at www.dcgoodwill.org.

Sources of data:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/us/sept-11-reckoning/troops.html
• https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/08/18/cost-of-benefits-post-9-11-v…