What's next for veterans?

Now that the 1157th has returned, what's next? Some of the soldiers will return to jobs. Others will head to school. And some will take time for themselves.

Returning from a year overseas is an exciting time for service men and women, but it can also be a time of stress about what lies ahead.

"You're really kind of nervous about how things are gonna go and you kinda haven't used to civilian life, you know?" explained Sergeant Austin Reese.

Gary Meyer is an employment and training supervisor for the Office of Veterans Services, part of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. He told FOX 11 in some parts of the state, unemployment rates are higher than the average for veterans.  Meyer explained that's because many come home without an understanding of available jobs or how to mold their resumes to reflect their strengths.

"So they have to learn how to communicate that. The individual coming out has to know something about the labor market and about how his skills match with what's in the market," said Meyer.

The DWD provides case managers at job centers across the state for returning veterans.  Those managers are also former military members. They give individual guidance on the next steps.

"Match them with employers in our area, determine what their needs are, work through any possible barriers that might be out there and familiarize them with the labor market," explained Meyer.

The case managers also help vets decide if work, school, an apprenticeship or some time off is the best choice.
And Meyer told us the DWD takes another important step.

"We meet with area employers. We tell them all the soft skills our veterans can bring to the workforce...and we also show them there's tax credits they could be eligible for," said Meyer.

Meyer says the best thing a veteran can do is come to a case manager with an idea in mind of what might be next.

The Department of Workforce Development is holding a veterans job fair on January 28 at the Milwaukee War Memorial. Meyer told us about 30 percent of vets who attend these fairs eventually get a job because of it.