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Harker Heights, Fort Hood sign PAYS memorandum to guarantee soldiers job interviews
Summary
City and Fort Hood officials signed a memorandum formalizing Harker Heightsparticipation in the US Army Partnership for Your Success (PAYS), a program that officials said connects soldiers with more than 1,000 partner employers and guarantees five job interviews; six recruits took an enlistment oath during the ceremony.
Harker Heights and Fort Hood on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to make the city a partner in the US Army Partnership for Your Success (PAYS) program, officials said.
Mayor Michael Blonquist and Colonel Mark R. Mlelen, garrison commander at Fort Hood, signed the agreement and took part in a ceremony that included the posting of colors, the national anthem and an oath of enlistment for six new soldiers.
The PAYS program, described during the ceremony as a public-private partnership connecting the Army with employers, academia and public agencies, "guarantees you five job interviews" for participating soldiers, Colonel Mark R. Mlelen said during his remarks. He added that the program links soldiers with "more than a thousand respected partners across corporate America, federal, state and local agencies."
Mayor Blonquist framed the agreement as part of the city's long-standing support for veterans. "Today marks a truly momentous occasion as we officially become a partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success," Blonquist said, citing awards the city has received for veteran hiring efforts as evidence of local commitment.
Officials presented a certificate and plaque on behalf of the PAYS program and then administered the oath of enlistment to six recruits. Organizers invited attendees to a brief reception after the formal program.
The memorandum of agreement was signed on stage by Colonel Mlelen and Mayor Blonquist to formalize Harker Heightsparticipation in the PAYS partnership; the transcript indicates the ceremony concluded shortly after the signing and oath. The agreement, as discussed at the event, centers on facilitating employer interviews and strengthening transitions from military service to civilian employment.
The ceremony did not record any council votes or legislative actions; it was a formal signing and community event led by Fort Hood and city officials. Officials said the program will rely on the city's employers and regional partners to provide interview opportunities to participating soldiers.
