Last week, Washington State Senior Senator Patty Murray visited the Pacific Grill Events Center in Tacoma to discuss the task of assisting Veterans that are transitioning back home.

1. JOINT SERVICES SUPPORT, J9 DIRECTORATE
Senator Murray is focused on transitioning Veterans
By Gary Lott
Last week, Washington State Senior Senator Patty Murray visited the Pacific Grill Events Center in Tacoma to discuss
the task of assisting Veterans that are transitioning back home.
The purpose of Murray’s visit was to meet with the Military Affairs Forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities
that Washington State faces as thousands of veterans return to the region. According to Murray over 20 percent of the
nation’s younger veterans (under the age of 26) are unemployed. Senator Murray started the discussion by emphasiz-
ing, “We will do whatever it takes to support the men and women in uniform.”
She then went on to ask for support from the community and highlighted five
helpful steps in hiring and working with Veterans.
1. Working with employer’s own Human Resources staff
2. To consider developing a program for transitioning vets
3. Better publicize job openings
4. Build a support team for vets
5. Reach out to local colleges.
The discussion stayed focused on community support, the changing economic impact and the benefits of a working
military community. Sen. Murray has experience when it comes to this discussion. She is the daughter of a WWII vet
and her father was a Purple Heart Recipient.
“The only way to ease the difficult transition is by working together,” Senator Murray stated. “When my father came
home (from WWII), he came home to opportunity…this is a legacy that we must continue.”
Joint Services Support (J9) has a model Employment Transition Program
that assists service members with resume building, practicing interviews,
how to translate military skills, locating job fairs and many other
employment training skills.
“I can’t leave out the amazing job that the J9 has done.” Murray said.
The JSS (J9) was mentioned by Murray for finding jobs for over 900
service members. The JSS (J9) was used as a model of how community organizations and how employers should
make vets a priority.
This article is being presented by the WA National Guard Joint Services Support Director-
ate benefiting Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans and their Families.