Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed November 4-15, 2019, as Paychecks for Patriots weeks in Florida. Paychecks for Patriots is a partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the CareerSource Florida network, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) and participating Florida employers to hold job fairs for veterans and their families. 2019 marks the seventh year the state of Florida has hosted Paychecks for Patriots.

“As a veteran myself, I am proud that our state is committed to helping veterans and their families gain meaningful employment and make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the country,” said Governor DeSantis. “I encourage veterans looking for work to attend one of more than a dozen career fair events across the state in the month of November.”

Hiring events, hosted by CareerSource Florida centers, provide veterans with the opportunity to meet employers in person as well as learn about and apply for immediate job openings. To support veteran employment, DEO employs nearly 150 Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists who are veterans themselves. These specialists assist veterans with resume building and help them translate the skills they have mastered through their military services into everyday job opportunities.

“Governor DeSantis and his administration are committed to making Florida the most veteran-friendly state for veterans and their families,” said DEO Executive Director Ken Lawson. “Being a Marine, I understand the values and assets veterans can bring to Florida’s businesses. Our agency has placed nearly 5,000 veterans in jobs since January 1, providing Florida businesses exceptional and valuable employees.”

“The CareerSource Florida network is honored to provide veterans with career assistance to support their transition to the civilian workforce and help military spouses connect with job opportunities in their communities,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “I also am personally grateful to Governor DeSantis and all of Florida’s elected and appointed leaders who have served our country. Their own military service provides an important perspective that strengthens Florida’s efforts to ensure our veterans and their families have the resources to succeed in their careers.”    

“We’re proud to partner in the Paychecks for Patriots campaign for the seventh year,” said FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess. “It’s no secret that our veterans bring to Florida many talents, skills and exceptional training that are the envy of any workforce. Connecting career-minded veterans with employers is just another way the state connects veterans with their earned services, benefits and support.”

DEO and CareerSource Florida partner with 24 local workforce development boards throughout the state that operate more than 100 career centers. The state of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with more than 1.5 million veterans living in Florida. Paycheck for Patriots was created to assist these veterans and military families with making connections and advancing their careers and job training opportunities.

To learn more about Paycheck for Patriots and see the scheduled events, click HERE. To view Governor DeSantis’ proclamation for Paychecks for Patriots Week, please click HERE.

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