Obama signs vets employment order

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The White House Monday announced the implementation of an initiative designed to transform the federal government into a model employer of U.S. veterans.

The initiative, outlined in an executive order signed Monday by President Barack Obama, aims to increase employment of vets within the executive branch and helps recently hired vets adjust to a civilian workplace, the White House said.

"Honoring our sacred trust with America's veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home so they never feel as if the American Dream they fought to defend is out of reach for them and their families," Obama said in a statement. "But this initiative is about more than repaying our debt for their courageous service and selfless sacrifice. It's also about continuing to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants."

The executive action creates an interagency Council on Veterans Employment to advise the president and the Office of Personnel Management director on the veterans' employment initiative. The panel will be co-chaired by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director John Berry will be the council's vice chair and chief operating officer.

The order sets up a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies. Among other things, the offices will be responsible for helping veterans find employment opportunities within the participating federal agencies and helping recently employed veterans adjust to civilian live and a different workplace culture.