Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — After more than a decade of deployments, the unemployment rate for veterans from all wars remains higher than that of the general population in Utah. But a new government pilot program run by the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is making a positive impact on veterans' lives in Utah communities.
Will Teeple is an Army veteran who served as an intelligence analyst between 2000 and 2002. But when he and other veterans tried to find good civilian jobs, many discovered employers don't always know how to incorporate the veterans' skills into their workforce.
"My job was intelligence analyst," said Teeple. "They look at that and they don't even have the slightest clue for what skill set that is."
After bouncing around the country for several unfulfilling jobs, Teeple landed steady employment through a pilot program that's part of the Homeless & Justice Clinical Recovery Program at VA Salt Lake City Health Care.
He now works at the Veterans Benefits Administration helping veterans apply for disability benefits.
"It's so great compared to what it was even three years ago," said Teeple.
"We all need work," said JJ Allen, community employment coordinator with the VA's Homeless & Justice Clinical Recovery Program. "Work does many things for us beyond the financial status. It helps with their mental status. Helps us with family … helps us put food on the table."
Winston Armani/KSL-TV
Just two years ago, Teeple had a lot less optimism and excitement for his future. He said he was living in the park in the woods just outside the VA campus. Now, he's earning a paycheck inside.
"I'd much rather be a veteran and homeless, than just a regular civilian and homeless because there is so much more to help us get back on our feet and building a life," said Teeple.
Today, the unemployment rate for all workers in Utah is 3.5 percent. Among veterans, it's 4.7 percent, down from 7.2 percent two years ago. But among Utah men filing for unemployment the first half of this year, 44 percent were military veterans over 50.
"They need assistance," said Allen. "They need guidance and help."
Some need to update their resumes and interview skills. Others, like Teeple, want greater challenges with greater rewards. Now, he has his own apartment and a job with a future.
"A gigantic turn of events," said Teeple.
Related Story
