As Moody AFB begins to see the effect of the drawdown in manpower taking place military-wide, our community is preparing for the inevitable. Our heroes need a place to go.

Veterans who have elected to take early retirement as well as those who have been selected for early release want to know what options are available to them in Valdosta and the surrounding areas that will anchor them to the community. Their spouses and children are here, working and playing alongside those of us who have always called this area home.

As they await notification of their retention or release, many of these military members are actively preparing for and seeking civilian employment. In order to assist them with their search, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber has partnered with the Georgia Department of Labor, Small Business Development Center, Valdosta State University, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Georgia Military College, Valdosta Veterans First, and various employment agencies to create Operation Moody Transition, a collaborative, dedicated effort to connect veterans with employers who are seeking professional talent.

Tony McKenzie of the Georgia Department of Labor has been involved with the effort since its inception and knows exactly why employers should be interested in hiring veterans. “Along with possessing leadership and teamwork skills, our nation’s veterans are the most highly trained, well-educated and motivated employees that possess a litany of skills and experience for civilian employers,” said McKenzie. “In general, veterans have the ability to focus on their mission or a given task and overcome adversities when dealing with demanding situations. Veterans understand important life concepts such as integrity, sacrifice, and attention to detail. These attributes are complementary to any organization in a competitive business environment.”

For employers who missed the first workshop, Hiring Moody’s Heroes will be repeated on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Georgia Department of Labor to educate employers on the benefits of hiring veterans. Speakers will discuss tax credits, professional skill sets gained during military experience, and rapid certification programs available through local educational institutions.

This event is open to employers seeking to hire a highly-skilled workforce, and there is no cost to attend. For more information, contact Miranda Moore at (229) 247-8100 ext. 231 or [email protected].