To bolster its workforce with the expertise and discipline of military veterans, Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego signed an executive order to enhance the hiring of veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses within the city's various departments. This strategic effort aligns with San Diego's recent designation as a U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge provider, as reported by InsideSanDiego, which facilitates a smoother shift from military to civilian employment for service members.
The executive order was signed at the annual appreciation breakfast for veteran employees, acknowledging their service and the unique skills they bring to the civilian workforce. Mayor Gloria emphasized that this initiative is not just about recognizing veteran services. It's also about harnessing the professional aptitudes of these individuals and aiding them in establishing significant careers post-service. "With this executive order and our new SkillBridge partnership, we're creating clear pathways for those who served our country to continue serving our community,” Mayor Gloria told InsideSanDiego, further elaborating that this signifies a wise investment for San Diego's workforce.
Under Mayor Gloria's tenure, a series of steps have been taken to support veterans: among these, establishing a 16-member veteran Advisory Council, hiring a veteran engagement coordinator in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project – notably a national first, and creating veteran-specific recognition such as exclusive pins and patches for veteran city employees have been developed, all while initiating tracking of veteran hiring to optimize support for this community within the workforce according to InsideSanDiego.
Several public figures have voiced their support, including California Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Lindsey Sin, who applauded the mayor's continuous efforts to create a thriving environment for military families in San Diego, asserting that “veterans are valuable to our communities, our civic spaces, and our places of work.” In addition, U.S Congressman Mike Levin highlighted the importance of aiding service members in their transition to civilian life, appreciating San Diego's role as a SkillBridge provider has established the city as a beacon for such veteran-supportive initiatives, as the congressman elucidated in comments secured by InsideSanDiego.
Mayor Gloria's ordinance and San Diego's commitment to veterans have garnered widespread acknowledgment – David Boone, CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, expressed excitement for the SkillBridge program enhancing job opportunities in the region, while Tony Teravainen, CEO of Support the Enlisted Projects, highlighted SkillBridge's potential to provide financial stability which is critical to the health outcomes for veterans and their families – the initiative is seen as a recipe for enduring success that reinforces the community fabric as much as it strengthens the city's labor force according to statements from InsideSanDiego.
