Posts Tagged ‘Military’

The Flag Still Waves Proudly

If you really are patriotic-give a survivor a job.  If you really care about what happened on 911, put your money where your mouth is and offer them employment, benefits, and support! What follows is my experience.

It was 8:30 a.m. on September 11.

Scrurrying about my apartment, in a hurry to get to work, it was a typical day, at least that’s what I thought until I turned on the T.V.  And then, I stood still with my countrymen, as I watched in disbelief, and horror, the plane crash into the twin towers.

8:45 a.m. I called my friend and said, “hurry, come over, you’ve got to see this.

He hung up the phone, and rushed to my house.  Together, we held hands and watched as the events unfolded.

9:00 a.m.  I called my boss and said, turn on the TV, quick you’re not gonna believe this.

I’m going to be late, I said.  Tears streaming down my face, I couldn’t swallow I was so choked up.  I watched the second plane crash into the Twin Towers… fast forward…

10 years have passed.  The wounds are still fresh, because moments like this never quite heal.  On a day like today, these wounds are re-opened.  The first responders who survived–still suffer.

Too many of the people who survived have still don’t have jobs, because perhaps they were permanently injured.  Some incurred physical injuries, but those who were unlucky enough to contract post traumatic stress disorder re-experience the nightmares on a regular basis. Every time they turn on the television and see the images of that ill-fated day, they feel the pain.  Do you?

Cut my finger with a knife, and I will bleed.  Within two days, it will be healed.  Cut my mind with horrific images, and I will bleed for a lifetime.  And, everytime I see those images on television, I re-experience the sadness.  I was not there in person.  I didn’t have to be.  But, my heart goes out to every single person who was there.  That is a fact.

My sorrow is dwarfed by the sorrow the families who experienced, and yet this much I know: many of them don’t have insurance today.  Many of them don’t have jobs today. Many of them have become invisible.  Too many of them have been forgotten by time.  Too many of them have been lost in red tape.  Too many of them did not get the money that was earmarked for their survival.

What about the children of 911?  Who’s looking after them?  Their parents are dead.  They were robbed of the love of their Father, or Mother.  And, what about the women, who had infants?  Their husbands are gone.  Who hears their cry, their pain, their sorrow?

How can we turn a blind eye, and a deaf ear?

It’s a decade later, but do you still remember?  Who will remember this 100 years from now?  Will it be seen as an unfortunate day in the history of this country?  Or

will it be seen as the day the world stood still?

It was the day many were robbed of their innocence.  It was, and is a stark reminder that we are not immune from terrorism.

I say unto you: Be not afraid to express your opinion.  Do not let the muted voices of the children be silenced.  Open your eyes.  Open your mind.  Open your heart.

This isn’t a day.  This isn’t just a moment.

If you really want to show your patriotism for this country, in honor of those fallen people.

GIVE THEM JOBS.  911 symbolizes an emergency.  Unemployment is still an emergency for many of these people.  Give them the money that was raised on their behalf.

We raised a lot of money that year.  Where did it go?  Did the victims of 911 get it?  I don’t know for sure.  But, I do know this, every penny, and I do mean EVERY penny should go to those who deserve it most.

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If This Video doesn’t give you chills, and a sense of gratitude-nothing will!

Our differently abled Americans need recruiters, and hiring managers to value their talent. Our veterans and differently abled workforce become invisible, they fall through the cracks sight unseen. Yet, their voices must be heard. They WILL be heard on an upcoming episode of Compassionate HR with Josh LeTourneau, Gerry Crispin, Steve Levy, and Dave Mendoza. Please read Josh’s Post From Fistful Of Talent.

He articulates the importance of coaching veterans how to interview. He articulates how we can support our vets through transition. Josh, Gerry, Dave and Steve are on to something here. Their work is groundbreaking and I invite each of you to get involved (call to action time). Read Gerry Crispin’s inspirational article, he invites us to join a worthy survey effort regarding the disability candidate experience.  Imagine, being in a wheel chair, arriving on time for an interview, only to find you can’t make it up the stairs? Let’s change that.

Our workforce can only be strengthened when we put our differently abled veterans to work.

The Disabled American's are Differently Abled-Not Dis-Abled. They have strong skills and are worthy of a great job!

Many of our veterans have been rendered with disabilities by wars. They are NOT disabled. They are differently abled perhaps, and they deserve our respect. Our veterans, and people of different ability are still strong and capable human beings who can and want to work.

Don’t patronize a disabled American, hire them; they are gifted, and able human beings. A poignant article by the FederalTimes.com reports that The Federal Government is not doing enough to attract retain, and accommodate these incredible workers.

Unfortunately, many erroneous perceptions exist about their plight. For instance when a military veteran, fresh from the field returns homes, the business community doesn’t welcome them with open arms. As Steve Levy said on my show last week, “Hiring managers are afraid they are going to go postal,” whatever that means: it’s hogwash. Levy started a movement, 1000 recruiters of light. Veterans will be paired with a recruiter and will receive one to one coaching on how to get prepared to re-enter the workforce. Gerry Crispin and Dave Mendoza have embarked on a similar mission, and are working tirelessly to mentor, help and find jobs for our military veterans.

Today, and everyday ask yourself, what can I do empower our gifted, all too often invisible veterans and disabled workers in transition?

Please comment, share an experience. If you are a veteran, share your thoughts. Your voice is important to me. You matter in my life. And, if no one has told you “I care about you,” today, let me be the first.

Your twitter pal,

@HRMargo

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