Local construction firm and service organizations offer veteran hiring pathways and support at advisory meeting

Local employers and service organizations used the Veterans Advisory Board meeting to present hiring opportunities, outreach programs and family-support services aimed at veterans.

John Hess, speaking for Kurtz Construction Company, described the firm’s historic-restoration work, a 20-employee core staff and subcontractor crews, and said Kurtz seeks to expand and create formal hiring pathways for veterans. "What we're here to do today is just to make some connections and hopefully replicate that same success here at Kurtz Construction," Hess said. He offered business cards and said the company can provide competitive wages, benefits and training.

Rick Collins, a volunteer advocate with AARP, introduced AARP’s veterans-and-military-family initiatives—services ranging from caregiver support to job-center referrals and fraud prevention—and said AARP could present directly to the commission and provide handouts. Collins also flagged AARP’s presence at Vet Fest and asked if the commission might engage with AARP at that event.

Arlesia Lait of Dignity Memorial described grief-counseling programs, seminars on funeral planning and corporate partnerships to assist families and to locate or repatriate unclaimed veteran remains; she offered to coordinate resource information for the commission.

Commissioners asked Kurtz whether a formal veteran-hiring pathway exists; Hess said the company is beginning that work and sought guidance on partnership. AARP and Dignity Memorial offered materials and follow-up contacts; no formal agreements were recorded at the meeting.