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SALT LAKE CITY - Thursday marks the end of a nine-year war in Iraq after President Barack Obama called for the troops to come home. And some Iraq War veterans are moving forward with the next chapter of their life.
Unemployment among young veterans returning from war continues to be about twice that of the civilian population, which makes it a difficult job market.
However, the Zions Banks military internship program gives some unemployed veterans the jump start they need, and for 11 veterans, the internship has provided confidence to an otherwise poor outlook.
"It was really hard because everybody else was looking for the same job I was -- a hundred people looking for the same job," said Iraq War veteran Neil Uemura, who participated in the internship program.
All participating military veterans needed jobs that would lead to careers.
"To find a job for the qualifications we have, it's hard to find," said veteran Dezaray Allred.
Brady Harris served with the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion, but after getting home, his employer reduced his hours.
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"They've cut down on everybody's hours, so I was only working one or two days a week," Harris described. "I had to work more, I have a family to support."
The first class of interns at Zions Bank, stepped up to help battle unemployment and to take advantage of their skills and discipline. The interns honed their leadership skills and discovered new confidence that goes beyond the resume.
All of the participating veterans in the internship program secured good jobs to help their future careers. A few of the interns even got a job with the bank.
"I felt we were making a difference," said veteran Travis Mar. "I had a chance to sit down with local people and meet local military leaders who were taking over Iraq, so I felt we did some good."
Zions Bank hopes other businesses in the community will see their model and want to create their own opportunities for the country's veterans. Another class of interns will start in January, but the bank is urging interested applicants to apply for another class that begins in April.
Email: jboal@ksl.com
