Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on this country, there has been a dramatic increase in patriotism in this country. Where was all this patriotism last year? During this past year, I was training to serve my country as a member of the Washington National Guard. I joined the National Guard to improve myself. Little did I know that this country would be engaged in a war.
I returned from my military training on Sept. 14. Since that time I have been looking for work. I have applied for over 30 positions in the last two months. I have either received rejection letters or have not been contacted at all. The biggest reason for this, I believe, is that I am a member of the Washington Army National Guard. My situation is not unique. In my unit alone at least 10 others are in the same situation. Others in my unit who are currently employed are being encouraged to quit the Guard. Is this the way Americans show their patriotism? It is one thing to fly a flag or put a bumper sticker on their cars, it is another to hire a Guard member.
Guard members give up one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer to support and defend the United States. This is done for very little pay and with no benefits. Guard members are the most dependable and trustworthy individuals in the community.
Everyone is reporting on the plight of the Boeing workers. But guess what? They can file for unemployment insurance. Boeing also has a job transition service for their employees. I don’t get that much help.
My unit has not been activated. It is highly unlikely that we would be activated. Employers should not be afraid to hire Guard members. We are here to work for you and defend your way of life.
Lynnwood
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