Minnesota National Guard Partners with Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office to Support Veterans
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
November 20, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to sign an agreement this Friday to mark their collaboration supporting the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program.
“The PaYS program is a path of support for our service members’ futures beyond the uniform,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone, and by working with our civilian partners, such as the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, we can ensure that our Soldiers have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of private industry, academia and state and local public institutes. The U.S. Army PaYS Program guarantees Soldiers five job interviews and possible employment after their service in the Army. The PaYS Program provides America’s youth with the unique opportunity to simultaneously serve their country and prepare for their future.
The program prepares Soldiers for careers after military service by connecting them with employers who understand the skills, discipline, and work ethic that military service members bring to a business. PaYS is a long-term U.S. Army effort to assist Soldiers in forging professional relationships with businesses and encouraging business owners to look to the Army as a plentiful and reliable recruiting source. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 1290 employers have partnered with the program.
“There is no greater calling than serving shoulder to shoulder with our esteemed brothers and sisters in the armed forces,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt. “This collaboration will empower service members in their journey beyond military life. These brave men and women bring invaluable skills and by actively recruiting veterans, we not only honor their sacrifices, but our Office guarantees their well-being through programs like counseling services, peer support groups and wellness programs.”
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently seeking to recruit veterans, and this partnership serves as an additional resource in their recruitment efforts. HCSO already has a range of programs in place specifically designed to support veterans. It includes the SMART program, which helps veteran employees with their before, during, and after deployment needs. HCSO will also be offering an on-the job and apprenticeship training program, allowing veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job. By focusing on the unique needs of military members, HCSO ensures veterans receive the support they need to thrive in their careers.
– About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
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