Veterans, especially those who have returned in recent years from combat and active duty, make good employees.
They are reliable, punctual, focused, hard-working and disciplined, local employers said Wednesday at a Lunch With the Boss event, hosted by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agent of the U.S. Department of Defense.
"They are able to handle anything you throw at them; they're not going to be intimidated," said Secretary of State Jason Kander.
Programs like the Hero2Hired help connect the service members with potential employers. The ESGR serves as a clearinghouse to link a variety of veteran needs, including job-seeking.
"There are a lot of good organizations out there," said Lee Metcalf, state ESGR chairman. "We're about cooperation; our collective smarts is the key theme."
Since its formation in 1972, the ESGR has tried to help guardsmen and reservists find balance between home, their day job and their military commitment.
One of the crucial roles the ESGR plays is to reconcile issues before they grow into a formal problem, such as an employer not knowing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) or the military or service member being a little too free with the rules, Metcalf said.
In 2013, the ESGR solved 87 percent of the USERRA cases brought to it.
Another role of the ESGR is to recognize employers for their support with awards. And they educate employers through events and travel opportunities, where they can see firsthand what their employees do during drills and training.
Central Bank was recognized with the Flag of Freedom Award by Jon Barry, director of Show-Me Heroes.
Missouri is one of the most military-friendly states in the union, Barry said.
Christine Ellinger, senior vice president of human resources, said Show-Me Heroes is a great program. "We put the job out there and the Guard and Reserve get the first look at it," she said.
Hiring managers look seriously at applicants who have served and many senior managers have a military background, she said.
Guard and Reserve members at 1.3 million nationwide comprise about half of the total U.S. military.
In Missouri, about 23,000 work for about 9,000 employers.
More than 50 attended the luncheon Wednesday and nearly 20 local employers signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.
Among them was Danny Cheng, owner of Dragon Kitchen.
"If something ever comes up, I'd really like to hire them," Cheng said of Guard and Reserve members. "They support us and we support them."
Lincoln University has a "beautiful history," being founded by soldiers and having a strong ROTC program, said Carlos Graham, director of residential life. Many of the university's employees serve or have served in the military, especially within the police department, he said.
Signing the statement reinforces what Lincoln already does, he said.
"We are constantly trying to educate companies to sign," said Steven Brothers, program support specialist. "There's no cost and no obligation. "It's you as a business demonstrating your support for military men and women."