Governor Jim Pillen, Major General Craig Strong, and DAS Director Jason Jackson held a ceremony during which the Governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and the State of Nebraska to hire more veterans in State government. Through the MOU, the State will join the Partnership for Your Success program, also known as PaYS, which is designed to connect soldiers with post-service career opportunities.
“This new state partnership builds on services and programs provided through our state to our military men and women,” said Gov. Pillen. “It provides an opportunity to those who give of their freedom, to protect ours. The state is eager to enter into this 10-year agreement that will allow us to build a partnership that will serve the state workforce and meet the needs of our veterans.”
The MOU is an extension of agreements established last year between PaYS and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and the Nebraska State Patrol. The program will provide the state with a pool of highly skilled, motivated, and responsible candidates from which to fill state personnel needs.
As part of the agreement the State will post career opportunities in the PaYS database. Positions are those for which the state continuously recruits and has the
highest level of availability. Soldiers transitioning from the active Army, Guard, or Reserve can indicate their interest in open jobs, and DAS State Personnel will monitor the PaYS database to schedule interviews with service members and provide career coaching. Once the interview is complete, State Personnel will provide the service member with a short list of positions for which they may be qualified and assist with the application process.
This partnership aligns with the State’s goal of being a premier employer of veterans. Other veteran friendly initiatives have included a veteran hiring preference, military spouse hiring preference, participation in the Department of Defense Skillbridge program, and the State’s military service recognition program for veteran employees.
“The signing of this MOU will strengthen the long-lasting relationship between the State of Nebraska and the U.S. Army to include the Nebraska Army National Guard,” said Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard. “The PaYS program is beneficial to both organizations, as it provides the potential for full-time employment for the soldier and provides the state with a pool of talented individuals with multiple skills and experiences.”
The dual benefit is not lost on DAS Director Jackson. In addition to his role with the state, he has also been an active member of the Nebraska National Guard.
“The uncertainty of finding a job that will allow you to continue your military service can be difficult. You want to find an employer who is supportive and opportunities that allow for talent development and career advancement,” noted Dir. Jackson. “This will provide that relationship at the state level.”
MG Strong echoed that observation: “Employers are key to the success of our soldiers, especially those in the reserve component. They must be willing and flexible enough to allow for the absence of our soldiers, as they serve both our nation and the state. That is an important commitment.”
Following the signing of the MOU, a separate ceremony was held in which Gov. Pillen administered the Oath of Enlistment to 10 new National Guard recruits. Their ranks, names and hometowns follow:
PVT Thomas Fouquet-Omaha, NE
SPC John Lehn-Omaha, NE
PFC Eduardo Munoz-Perez-Lincoln, NE
PFC Jacob Yoder-Lincoln, NE
PFC Ryan Frazier-Lincoln, NE
PVT Tristan See-Lincoln, NE
OC Lance Nyffeler-Gretna, NE
PFC Daniela Hernandez-Moreno-Omaha, NE
PFC Carson Raven-York, NE
PFC Tynika Irvin-York, NE
