Working to connect businesses with capable labor
The federally-funded Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program is designed to help veterans achieve meaningful employment through targeted career services to help veterans transition into the civilian labor force. This program is particularly important because of the challenges veterans can face in the labor market and the skills veterans can provide during a time of low unemployment.
Jason Pope, Ph.D., Mississippi Department of Employer Security (MDES) Deputy Executive Director of Workforce Programs and Services, said JVSG has done exceptionally well since retired Air Force Gen. Kevin Lamberth took over as Director of Veteran Workforce Programs in mid-February.
“We looked for and found the right person to help veterans with getting a job or upskilling,” said Pope. “What Kevin has brought to the table up to this point is his knowledge of veterans across the State of Mississippi, the needs of those veterans, and connecting with businesses looking to hire them. Kevin’s background and experience allowed him to hit the ground running. In this role, you really need to have the right person and, with Kevin, we are able to provide a higher level of service for our veterans.”
Pope said they are ahead of where they were this time last year in providing veteran services and expect to see higher figures than this past year.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2019 after 34 years of service, Lamberth did consulting work in Saudi Arabia and remained in the defense industry for several years. When he saw the JVSG job posting, he knew it would be something he would enjoy.
“What drew me to this job is the chance to give back to those who made me successful,” said Lamberth. “When I was offered the job, I was given the agenda to professionalize JVSG. I was given almost complete autonomy to reorganize from the ground up. We began the reorganization right and through it all, they have supported me. We have made great strides and now provide holistic end-to-end services for our veterans.”
Lamberth said, in simple terms, what his team does is almost like online dating sites. They help make sure veterans are prepared for jobs in the civilian communities and then work to match the vets with employers who want to hire them.
JVSG personnel serve as Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) who specialize in advocating for veterans. DVOPs focus is on serving veterans, including those who face obstacles to employment, offering intensive individualized career services. LVERs work with local businesses to promote the hiring of veterans and develop job opportunities. JVSG also provides resume assistance, interview preparation, job referrals and access to training programs.
Veterans bring a wide range of skills and experiences that are highly valuable in the civilian workforce. Their military service often includes leadership training, technical expertise, discipline, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
“Many also hold security clearances and have hands-on experience with advanced technology, logistics, or project management,” said Lamberth. “These are skills that directly translate to the needs of today’s employers across a range of industries.”
There are 13 JVSG field representatives strategically placed in WIN Job Centers across the state. Their locations are determined by a combination of veteran population density and concentration of businesses, ensuring JVSG provides targeted, high-impact support where it’s needed most, including in rural and underserved communities.
“These folks are not always in an office at a WIN Job Center,” he said. “They are out actively working with employers and veterans.”
Lamberth said they are not just connecting veterans to jobs, but putting them on a path to build careers and stability for themselves and their families. The JVSG program prioritizes serving veterans with the greatest need, including transitioning service members, veterans aged 18–24, those who are homeless, justice-involved (currently or formerly incarcerated), and veterans enrolled in the VA system of care or receiving VA benefits. Lamberth said these individuals often face challenges finding employment, and JVSG’s mission is to provide them with the specialized support and resources they need to succeed in the civilian workforce.
The greatest concentration of veterans in the state is on the Coast because of military installations such as Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, the Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabee) Base in Gulfport, the Stennis Space Center and, a bit to the north, Camp Shelby. When service members are transitioning out of those military facilities, there are industries across the Coast that want to hire them.
“We try to keep them local instead of losing them to other states such as Florida and Texas,” said Lamberth. “Instead of leaving, we want them to consider this their home. The Coast is flourishing and it’s a target rich environment for jobs.”
Many employers are enthusiastic about hiring veterans. Employers often recognize the unique value that veterans bring to the workplace—a strong work ethic, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Additionally, hiring veterans can contribute positively to a company’s culture and mission, and many employers are also motivated by patriotism.
“Furthermore, there are incentives for employers who hire veterans, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which makes hiring veterans a win-win for both businesses and the community,” said Lamberth.
Other key programs include:
• Hire Vets Medallion Program (HVMP), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, which recognizes employers who demonstrate a commitment to hiring and retaining veterans. While not a direct financial incentive, this federal award serves as a national endorsement that can enhance an employer’s reputation and credibility in the veteran and broader workforce community. It’s a powerful recruitment and branding tool for organizations committed to veteran employment.
• The Fidelity Bonding Program provides free bonding insurance to employers who hire at-risk job seekers, including justice involved veterans or those with poor credit. These bonds protect employers against employee dishonesty or theft for the first six months of employment, reducing the perceived risk of hiring veterans with complex backgrounds.
• On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs through partnerships with workforce agencies reimburse employers for a portion of a veteran’s wages while they are being trained on the job. These programs allow employers to custom-train new hires while offsetting some of the initial employment costs.
• Employers also benefit from Priority of Service provisions within WIN Job Centers where employers get early access to qualified veteran candidates that meet the needs of the business.
Lamberth said these incentives not only help reduce hiring costs and risks, but they also reinforce a company’s commitment to supporting those who served. By hiring veterans, employers gain not only dedicated and skilled workers but also public recognition and sometimes financial rewards that strengthen their workforce and brand.
“Employers value veterans because they are reliable, mission-focused, and accustomed to working under pressure,” said Lamberth. “Veterans are often quick learners and come with an ingrained sense of responsibility, integrity, and loyalty, qualities that are hard to teach but essential for any workplace. Their ability to lead, follow directions, and contribute to a team environment makes them assets in virtually any professional setting.”