U.S. vets find jobs with government help

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- With jobless rates for U.S. veterans above the national average, vets say they are finding help thanks to a government-sponsored employment service.

About 12 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are unemployed, compared with 8.5 percent of Americans nationwide, Voice of America reported.

The America Works employment service, supported by local, state and federal governments with branches around the country, helps veterans re-enter the civilian workforce.

Michael Sorrentino, a veteran of 12 years who later lost a civilian construction job, says he found help at America Works, VOA said.

"They don't charge you. They don't question you. You give them a resume. If you don't have a suit, they give it to you. They send you to pick one up. You don't have shoes, they send you to pick it up," Sorrentino said. "They tell you what to say on an interview. They give you lessons."

One job fair attracted hundreds of unemployed U.S. military veterans, many of whom were either homeless or on the brink of being so, VOA said.

"I don't share I am in a shelter, but if they ask me, I tell them. I will share with them," veteran Frank Greene said. "Very tough; very competitive, too. But I am sure I will find something. I am a fighter, a survivor."