Labor Department Provides Grant for 900 Transitioning Troops

From a Department of Labor News Release

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2013 – The Labor Department today announced a $5,586,385 national emergency grant to assist about 900 transitioning military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., the largest military base on the West Coast.

“The Department of Labor, industry partners, educators and workforce professionals at the local level have made it our common mission to help our veterans transition successfully from military service to civilian life,” said Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez. “This federal grant will provide military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the employment services, support and training they need at this crucial time.”

Awarded to the Pacific Mountain Workforce Consortium, the grant will be operated by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council. It will provide these transitioning military personnel with case management, supportive services and training to help them apply the sought-after skills they acquired through military service in the civilian workforce.

Of the $5,586,385 announced today, $2,888,266 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance, officials said.

National emergency grants are part of the labor secretary’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines.