Hampton, VA, August 09, 2013 –(PR.com)– With the current unemployment rate among new veterans aged 18-24 averaging a whopping 17.9 percent nationwide, and nearly 30% in some areas, the need for transitional guidance from military to civilian careers is acute. And as the nation winds down its military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, veteran unemployment will only escalate if something isn’t done.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (Coalition), a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror, today awarded a $10,000 grant to fund career transition workshops offered by the Institute for Veterans Education and Training (IVET).

IVET offers week-long programs for veterans and their spouses, at no cost, that establish a game plan for pursuing educational, employment or entrepreneurial goals. During the workshops, subject matter experts in a variety of fields provide practical training and insights on what it takes to be successful in a wide range of careers.

“IVET is a coalition of leading service providers. We are dedicated to helping employers realize that veterans are the leading employment product in the nation and ensuring jobs for those that served their country,” said Brigadier General (Ret) Jeffrey Horne, IVET CEO. “We help veterans and their partners through a holistic process and commit themselves to an eight-step process. They deserve a new career choice that is both exciting and meets shortages in industry and business.”

“Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are some of the most disciplined, well-trained and hard-working men and women in our nation, so you’d think they’d jump to the front of the line when it comes to employment prospects,” said David Walker, President CEO of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. “And yet, we know all too well that it doesn’t always work that way. That’s why we’re investing in the excellent programs offered through IVET, which arms veterans with the skills, tools and training they need to transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.”

The Coalition is also planning to team with IVET to develop and launch a special week-long seminar program this fall exclusively for severely wounded veterans returning from the front lines of the War on Terror.

“We’re grateful for the generous support from a respected organization like the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, which clearly understands the importance of providing veteran-focused career-transition training,” said Brigadier General (Ret) Horne. “We’re proud of the work we’re doing here and the Coalition’s grant will enable us to expand our services specifically to reach wounded veterans in the months ahead.”

Based in Virginia, IVET’s footprint stretches from Florida to Washington DC and from Texas to Washington State. In 2013, IVET plans to conduct more than 50 seminars across the nation.

“IVET is doing tremendous work and we believe with our support and unique perspectives, they can be an even greater resource and advocate for our combat wounded in the future,” said Walker.

About the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable lifeline to thousands of America’s wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004. The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its direct financial assistance to America’s wounded heroes. Its Emergency Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans’ homes and kept their vehicles from being repossessed. The organization regularly provides gift checks to cover meals, medical and utility bills, clothing, car repairs and even baby diapers.

For more information on the Coalition, and to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.saluteheroes.org.

About the Institute for Veterans Education and Training
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 2010, IVET is committed to improving veteran recruiting and retention to create win-wins for industry and for the men and women that have valiantly served our country. IVET believes it can prove that military members, supported by effective transition programs, are the best employment product in the Nation. IVET offers products and services to provide military members over 10 different courses to choose from and consulting to academia, industry, and local/regional government.

For more information, visit www.ivetsolutions.org.