Alabama is known to be one of the most pro-veteran states in the entire U.S.
Today, the state, the Department of Labor, and specifically, the Opelika Career Center received national recognition for significant efforts with veterans in the prestigious Mark Sanders Award.
“The Opelika Career Center has worked tirelessly to help assist veterans and military spouses transition back to civilian life,” said Scott B. Sanders,President and CEO of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. “I applaud the Opelika Career Center staff on the exemplary service they provide to the men and women protecting our country and congratulate them on earning the 2023 Mark Sanders Award.”
The award is given annually to one person or group in the country that provides exceptional workforce and/or job market assistance to veterans, especially those with major impediments to obtaining and retaining employment. The award was presented at the organization’s 10th annual Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Alabama is home to a large veteran population whose training and experience are tremendous assets to a wide range of businesses,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “I applaud the Opelika Career Center staff for their stellar work in easing the transition of Alabama veterans into fulfilling careers, and I heartily congratulate them for garnering national recognition for their efforts. It is a credit to Alabama’s commitment to serve our honored veterans after their service to America.”
The Alabama Department of Labor has made serving veterans a priority according to the Alabama Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington.
“Veterans are such an integral part of our workforce,” Washington said. “The skills that our veterans bring to any job are valuable, and we are working hard to ensure that while veterans transition from military service to the private sector, they are as prepared as they can be, and that they have easy access to any programs that can ease that transition. I’m proud of the staff at the Opelika Career Center for this program and the partnerships it represents.”
The Opelika Career Center specializes in growing relationships with military bases, support networks, workforce boards, and businesses to foster job opportunities for veterans.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
