Happy Labor Day!

All of us here at Forward March Inc want to wish you all a happy and safe Labor Day!

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” – US Department of Labor 

What better way to celebrate the labor of this great nation than by adding our nation’s heroes to your company labor mix? Veterans bring a wealth of benefits to any organization. Check out our earlier post to learn more. 


It has been an outstanding week here at Forward March Inc! We are very proud and honored to have the opportunity to do real and meaningful work helping veterans find great careers. When you bring that aspect of our work together with employers that are genuinely excited about learning how to hire veterans and build a vibrant veteran culture within their organizations, then you get the real magic that keeps us all very excited and motivated each and every day.

We have been helping companies hire veterans for over 35 years!

We have been helping companies hire veterans for over 35 years!

Hiring Veterans is not an easy task; if it were, there would not be so many different companies and institutions offering such a wide array of services and systems for how to go about doing it. What separates our company from 99% of the rest of the pack is that we have over 35 years of experience working with companies, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, transitioning military, and veterans. We are a company of veterans committed to helping veterans, and we never get tired of pointing that simple fact out.

employersalute

We here at Forward March Inc want to take the time to salute anyone who is committed to hiring veterans.

It’s an easy thing for companies to tout that they are veteran friendly, or that they have a veteran hiring plan, but it really is quite shocking just how many companies actually use this as a simple marketing ploy but actually do very little to deliver real and meaningful employment to veterans. For those companies who actually stand by their public campaigns of commitment to our nation’s heroes, we salute you! For those companies and organizations who want to be in that group of companies who want to help our nation’s heroes we are here to help you. Our solutions are unique in the industry. Our solutions are scalable, customizable, and flexible. Contact us today to find out more.

We’ve just added a Tools & Resources page to our website which we will be growing and updating continuously. We hope that the information provided on this page is useful to employers, veterans, and transitioning military personnel. If you have links that you think we should add that would provide useful information, feel free to let us know. We love to hear feedback from you, so don’t be a stranger.

Military Hiring 101 Event Re-cap

Forward March Inc Military Hiring 101 Event was a HUGE success!

Forward March Inc Military Hiring 101 Event was a HUGE success!

Forward March Inc held our first Military Hiring 101 event Wednesday, August 27, 2014. This was a highly successful training and networking event giving companies a chance to develop a strategy for hiring veterans and to begin to actually take significant steps to developing a military talent pipeline for their organizations.

The one-day event was hosted at our Forward March Inc. offices here in San Antonio, and attended by companies and their HR representatives from the San Antonio and Austin area. Jason Caswell, retired U.S. Army and the Director of Talent Resources and Training Development for FMI, conducted the training along with FMI’s president Paul Volpe, also retired U.S. Army. Forward March Inc. is in a unique position as we have over 35 years of experience in helping veterans and companies in the veteran and transitioning military hiring process. Companies in attendance were able to walk away with a battle-plan for hiring veterans, as well as a wealth of information, tools, and tips. Companies also had the opportunity to network with Mauricio Jalomo, the Army Career Employment Specialist from the Private Public Partnership Office of the U.S. Army Reserve and learn about how to hire Army Reserve personnel for their companies.

Forward March Inc is a company of veterans committed to our fellow veterans. We are thrilled to be able to work with local companies, business leaders, city and state government representatives, and educational institutions in order to bring successful hiring strategies for hiring veterans as well as for transitioning military personnel. If you did not have the opportunity to attend this event there is good news, the Military Hiring 101 event will be held quarterly at the Forward March Inc. offices. Stay tuned to this news page or our website www.forwardmarchinc.com to find out the dates for the next event. Also check out our Camouflage to Corporate conference being held this November in San Antonio, Texas. Details can be found HERE along with registration. Contact us today and we will make sure that you get on a mailing list for these events.

Why Hire A Veteran?

Hiring veterans has a wealth of benefits for your company or organization.

Hiring veterans has a wealth of benefits for your company or organization.

  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • High level of trust
  • Communication skills and practices
  • Adept at skill transfer across tasks
  • Have and leverage advanced tech training
  • Comfortable in a variety of environments
  • Resilient
  • Professionalism under pressure
  • Self-sacrifice
  • Strong sense of honor and respect
  • Team building skills
  • Cross cultural experiences
  • Experience working in diverse work settings
  • Used to Diversity and inclusion
  • Respect for rules and procedures
  • Strong organizational commitment
  • Health and safety standard conscious
  • Triumph over adversity
  • Respect for and understanding of other cultures

Our nation is currently transitioning the most educated and well-trained group of men and women in history into the civilian job market. These military service members bring a seemingly endless list of qualifications that successful companies today are looking for.

Think about this, the average military veteran having just minimal military service and training already has skills in:

  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Working in a variety of environments and conditions
  • Working in a diverse workplace
  • Working and problem solving under pressure
  • Taking on roles of responsibility and accountability
  • Familiarization and compliance with health and safety guidelines

Those who have served our nation bring a wealth of experience to any organization and benefit companies all over the world with their hard work, integrity, and loyalty.

Hiring veterans brings a wealth of benefits to a company or organization as cited above, however, there are also financial incentives for companies to look at hiring veterans. On November 21st, 2011 President Obama signed the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes (VOW) Act of 2011 into law. Two tax credits exist with this law. The Returning Heroes Tax Credit and the Wounded Warrior Tax Credit. These can provide up to $9,600 in tax credits. The VOW Act also provides additional assistance to unemployed veterans helping them secure employment through The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. You can read more about these benefits to companies HERE.

Companies across the nation claim to support our nations veterans, many claim to even have veteran hiring programs, but upon closer inspection many companies actually hire few veterans and/or place them in much lower level career positions than they could be placed in. This can occur for a variety of reasons. Arguably the reason that is most prevalent is that employers have a difficult time learning the art of finding, attracting, hiring, and retaining the right veteran for the job. While the benefits to hiring veterans are seemingly endless the process of finding and hiring veterans can be a daunting task, especially to those who are unfamiliar with the military.

Forward March Inc can help your company to become successful at hiring transitioning military men and women and veterans alike. Forward March is in a unique position due to the fact that we have over 35 years of working with transitioning military and companies to place the right veteran in the right position at the right time. Our Military Talent Pipeline solutions are perfect for any size business or organization and completely scalable and customizable to your needs. We can train your organization, or we can manage your Military Talent Pipeline, or both.

Forward March Inc also realizes that part of veteran retention and bringing in more high quality veteran employees depends on a vibrant veteran culture within your company. We have worked with companies to help them to develop and foster highly successful veteran cultures within their organizations and we can do the same for yours.

Contact us today!

FMI TENANTS LOGO SMALL

USAA and Disney Veterans Institute Workshop Recap

TWDC_VeteransInst_Logo-USAA-gallery

Forward March Inc, was proud to attend the USAA the Veterans Institute Workshop with Disney to encourage businesses to hire military veterans. The event was held Tuesday the 19th at the USAA headquarters campus and featured a variety of presentations focused on the subject of veteran hiring. The day was filled with opportunities for networking with companies truly committed to finding ways to hire veterans. Many outstanding speakers were present to include USAA CEO retired Army Maj. Gen. Joe Robles Jr., ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and James Schmeling, co-founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.  Bob Woodruff gave an inspiring talk about his experiences with the US military and shared his passion wanting to see our nation’s finest get hired. You can read more about what he is doing with the Bob Woodruff Foundation here. 

bob woodruff

Bob Woodruff giving a powerful talk at the Disney Veterans Institute / USAA Workshop

 

The folks here at Forward March Inc were glad to be able to attend and meet so many company representatives dedicated to hiring veterans. Forward March Inc is a company of veterans committed to helping veterans.

Vet Institute event 1

Surprise guest speaker!

If you know the Forward March team then you know that the guys also enjoyed their time with “The Mouse”.

da FMI guys

Team FMI and Mickey

Team FMI

Jason of Team FMI with Mickey.

Many companies want to hire veterans but just do not know where to begin, or they are stuck somewhere in the process. Forward March Inc can help solve your military hiring issues no matter how large or small. It is not too late to sign up for the Military Hiring 101 event Forward March Inc will be conducting at our offices.

Military Hiring 101 Event

 

Register today online (click here), space is limited and almost full!

 

Forward March Inc Wants You!

 

www.forwardmarchinc.com

Its Wednesday, the day when most folks start thinking about the weekend. Today, we would like to challenge you to think about a new career. Forward March Inc is looking for veterans and transitioning military men and women to embark on outstanding career opportunities with a number of companies.

If you are a veteran, or are a transitioning military service person, who is looking to start a new career come to our website and see the opportunities we have available today. Make sure you fill out our contact form as we get new positions in regularly. You should also bookmark this site and check back often as we have a number of events coming up in the future as well.

Forward March Inc is a company of veterans committed to helping veterans, come check us out and let us get you started in a new career.  As always, feel free to share our information with others.

PWVC Career Fair a Saturday Success!

PWVC LOGO

TX RdHs2

The Professional Womens Veterans Coalition held their first Career Fair this weekend!

On Saturday (August 16th) the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition (PWVC) held a career fair for veterans and their families at the San Antonio Technology Center. Employers were on hand for attendees to meet and interview with including Lowes, Amazon, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Via, and Troy University to name just a few.

PWVC Career Fair

The San Antonio Technology Center hall was filled with employers and attendees.

Attendees had the opportunity to network, attend workshops, get resume tips and even attend a fashion show. Dr. Sydney M. Savion, author of Camouflage to Pinstripes, was present to give attendees advice on transitioning from military to corporate career paths.

Tx Veterans Com

The Texas Veterans Commission booth at the PWVC Career Fair

This event was an outstanding opportunity for veterans to get quality face-time with local employers and a great success for the first such event to be hosted by the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition

hall 1

Attendees were ready at the doors before the event opened, eager to get face-time with the variety of companies represented at the PWVC Career Fair.

Make sure you check back on our site often for the latest events from the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition. You can also follow them on Facebook and on their own website at http://www.pwvc-usa.com.

IMG_2835

The ladies of PWVC put on a fashion show to help attendees with making great selections for interviewing and for daily office attire.

The Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

The Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation was started by Farzad Azad working with local businesses around Lahaina, Maui. The mission of the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation is to thank veterans for their sacrifice and service to our nation by providing them a one week all expenses paid vacation. Farzad (pictured below) is arguably the most patriotic man on Maui and has made it his mission to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.  Farzad is also the owner of Java Jazz and provides all the food and dining for the vacations.

Forward March Inc. and Farzad have formed a partnership to grow the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation program and increase its outreach.

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Frazad Azad, J.P. Lane, and Paul Volpe on the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation 2014

The Java Jazz

The Java Jazz

Earlier this summer the vacation was taken by none other than our own Paul C. Volpe II USA (R) – Founder and President of Forward March Inc. Paul was joined by his friend J.P. Lane who is a US Army wounded warrior from Green Bay, Wisconsin. J.P. is also an amazing and up and coming musician so be sure to keep your eye on him in the future.  You can check him out on the web HERE.

For veterans such as J.P. this vacation gives a chance at rest and relaxation in an amazing location as only Maui can offer. J.P. took the opportunity to play his music while on the island in a variety of settings.

Paul and J.P. stayed at Napili Kai Beach Resort for the week enjoying the local sights and attractions.

Paul Volpe relaxing on Maui

Paul Volpe and Mark Smeltzer at Java Jazz

J.P. rocked the house at Java Jazz

20140604_210731

Who cannot resist live music?

20140605_151433

Paul and J.P. ran into Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku on their vacation, a legend in the world of Slack Key guitar and all around amazing musician.

20140604_185307

One thing that folks who know J.P. understand very quickly is that this young man is unstoppable. Being a double amputee does not stop him from hitting the waves for some quality surf action.

20140606_141201(0)

The vacation would not be complete without an amazing day of relaxation provided by Spa Lelle. This program is an amazing opportunity for veterans to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Maui and get some well deserved time away.

20140606_130534

We hope you enjoyed this post of Paul and J.P.’s trip, check back often for more info on the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation.

Forward March Inc thanks Farzad Azad and all the local businesses for their outstanding support and for providing such a great opportunity for our veterans.

 

Career Opportunities!

Forward March Inc has a growing number of great career opportunities with a variety of companies. We are adding to the number of companies and the number of jobs available on our website so make sure you check back often.

Start your application process on our website today!  FMI guarantees you the peace of mind knowing that your resume will be delivered to and reviewed by our partner companies. Please make sure that if you find positions we list that you are interested in you contact us as soon as possible, we look forward to hearing from you!

This week we have great career opportunities with the following companies:

Fred_Astaire_Dance_Studios_Logo

Are you a motivated, athletic individual looking for a fast paced career? If so we are looking for dynamic career minded individuals who have superior customer service skills.

Nationwide Positions Available – Click here for more info!

Tesoro-Logo

Tesoro has several exciting career opportunities in North Dakota to include drivers, a mechanical engineering supervisor, a project support administrator, and a project engineering manager. Tesoro has a veteran friendly workforce and outstanding benefits. Head over to our website to apply for these positions.  Click here for more info!

ironhorseranchlogo

Iron Horse Ranch has a rapidly growing number of outstanding career opportunities. The following positions are currently available:

starus-86236918

STARUS has a rapidly growing number of exciting medical career opportunities in many parts of the United States. Currently the following positions are available:

FMI guarantees you the peace of mind knowing that your resume will be delivered to and reviewed by our partner companies. Please make sure that if you find positions we list that you are interested in you contact us as soon as possible, we look forward to hearing from you!

Do You Want to Hire the Best-of-the-Best?

FMI TENANTS LOGO SMALL

Do you want a vibrant and more productive workforce?

Do you want higher caliber employees with skills, training, and leadership experience?

Are you looking for “the best of the best”?

Look no further than today’s military veterans.

Did you know that todays transitioning military men and women are of the highest caliber in US history with regards to their training, their leadership development, and their varied skill sets? Its true, and Forward March Inc (FMI) has been helping organizations find, attract, hire, and retain the perfect veterans for their employment needs. Today’s veterans bring a wealth of experience, talent, and energy to your company.

FMI can help train your organization how to find, attract, and retain high quality military talent or we can manage your military talent pipeline for you. We offer complete training that can get your organization staffing military talent very quickly. Our services are completely scalable to your organization’s needs.

If your company already has a veteran population that you would like to increase FMI stands ready to help you meet your hiring needs. We can also help your organization build a closer more vibrant veteran community. We have helped organizations realize real benefits to building vibrant veteran communities within their organizations.

Check out our website to learn more about what we can do for your organization today!

Don’t forget to check out our Camouflage to Corporate Conference, November 17th, in San Antonio. This is an outstanding opportunity for your company to get started with hiring high quality military talent! Space is limited so register today! Click here to learn more…

Also, check out our Military Hiring 101 Event. This event will give you an introduction to how to get started with hiring high quality military talent.

~ Article by Tobin Pilotte, Directer of Marketing and Technology for Forward March Inc. 

Top 5 Tips for Veterans Navigating the Civilian Job Market

Employment

Top 5 Tips for Veterans Navigating the Civilian Job Market