(ETNA, Ohio) — Military veterans working at an Amazon facility in Licking County described the struggles and successes of transitioning to the civilian workforce during a roundtable this afternoon with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
“We owe it to our veterans to help bridge the gap between soldier and civilian.” Yost said. “Amazon is a prime example of a company that prioritizes the personal and professional success of the men and women who helped protect our freedom.”
The veterans at Amazon’s Etna fulfillment center described the difficulties of returning to civilian life and the rewards of having employee support programs such as the Warriors @ Amazon affinity group.
The program and others like it create professional networks for veterans and military spouses, providing a sense of camaraderie and support to employees with backgrounds in the armed forces. More than 200 veterans participate in Warriors @ Amazon’s 18 chapters statewide.
Ohio is home to more than 700,000 military veterans, the fifth-largest veteran population in the United States.
Like Amazon, the Attorney General’s Office hosts a veterans affinity group, led by a Navy veteran, a military spouse and a Blue Star mother. The group organizes public-service projects and gatherings centered on veterans’ mental health and other topics.
Yost is a steadfast advocate for the men and women who defend our nation’s freedom. As leader of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), his 2023 Presidential Initiative focuses on “Serving Those Who Serve.”
The initiative aims to improve how attorneys general nationwide connect returning soldiers with timely and relevant services for a successful re-entry into civilian life.
In Ohio, for example, Yost championed the development of Veterans Response Programs that bring law enforcement, the courts and community resources together to better help struggling veterans.
In a gesture of support for Yost’s NAAG initiative, Amazon presented a $25,000 check to Stockhands Horses for Healing during today’s visit. The Delaware County nonprofit provides therapeutic riding and helps struggling veterans access community resources.
Information about services and resources available to Ohio’s active-duty personnel, veterans and their families is available on the attorney general’s website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominic Binkley: 614-728-4127
-30-