Fort Campbell Soldier Transition and Local Retention Program Offered Through Grant

Montgomery County Government and Workforce Essentials are pleased to announce they are the recipients of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor to establish a Fort Campbell Soldier Transition and Local Retention Program. This two-year grant, in the amount of $245,800.00, will provide a Fort Campbell Soldier Transition Program Coordinator position, along with all program expenses so the program can be offered at no cost to participants.

The program objectives include:

• Assisting Middle Tennessee companies with the direct placement and recruitment of soldiers transitioning out of Fort Campbell
• Working with existing resource agencies to"bridge the gap" between transitioning soldiers and regional employment opportunities
• Working directly with American Job Center and the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development to identify specific needs of companies in the Middle Tennessee region
• Link soldiers exiting military service with regional employment opportunities that fit their skill set, while at the same time providing economic growth to the Middle Tennessee region

Charlie Koon, Regional Workforce Development Coordinator for Workforce Essentials Inc. states, "I'm extremely excited about our partnership with Montgomery County Government, TCAT (Tennessee College ofApplied Technologies), the American Job Center and the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development to implement the Fort Campbell Soldier Transition and Local Retention Program. Workforce Essentials is committed to responding to the needs of our soldiers as they leave the military, and is eager to build upon the outstanding relationships with Ft. Campbell and the Soldier for Life program to put transitioning soldiers to work in our region."

TCAT Clarksville and Dickson Campus Director Dr. Arrita Summers states, "Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson and Clarksville Campus consider three important factors when developing its curriculum offerings: high skill, high wage, and high demand career opportunities. Through our 14 programs of study, transitioning soldiers have numerous opportunities to relate their military training and expertise to a profession they can use in civilian employment. Simply stated, TCAT has created programs that help bridge transitioning individuals to companies that are seeking employees locally."

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett adds, "We greatly appreciate the State for recognizing the importance of Fort Campbell and the soldiers that transition out of the military every day. These individuals have vital skills and experience that are a huge asset to our region. I'm pleased that we are not only taking steps to make their transition to civilian life a seamless one, but that we are doing our part so that they can continue to prosper in the Middle Tennessee region."

The Fort Campbell Soldier Transition and Local Retention Program will be financed in full by the grant and have no cost to the participating soldiers or companies. For those wishing to participate (including both transitioning soldiers looking for employment and regional companies looking to hire veterans) please contact Charlie Koon at [email protected].