Our speaker today was Amy Cook, Administrator for the New Hampshire Division of Community Based Military Programs at the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services
Amy Cook -
Picture from her LinkedIn page
The New NH Veteran-Friendly Business Recognition Program recently launched by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services in partnership with NH Employment Security. Through this new program, they look forward to publicly recognizing New Hampshire businesses and organizations making meaningful efforts to honor, fortify, empower and impact Veteran employees, Veteran customers & consumers, and the NH Veteran community. Click Here for link to program details.
The program is designed to benefit both Veterans and NH employers. Cook provided information about the program, benefits of recognition, how to apply and how businesses can actively contribute to future development of the program.
Cook shared that until recently, NH had no department of veterans’ affairs, though there were programs in lots of different places. In summer of 2018, by Gov. Sununu’s exec order, nearly all state vets programs were placed under one roof: “Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.” The NH Adjutant General is the commissioner of this department which opened officially in Sept. 2019.
Within the department, Amy’s program works to bring military and civilian groups together. It is also responsible for the NH State Veterans Cemetery and the Division of Veterans’ Services.
One entity is not part of it – the NH Veterans’ Home provides long-term care.
In Sept-Oct, 2019 “all the stars aligned for this program.” The military leadership team came together with members from NH Department of Employment Security (NHDES) and civilians. The group discussed how better to engage citizens with NH Guard and veterans. Adjutant Gen went to Connecticut for a visit and came back with the idea of starting a veterans-friendly business recognition program.
Cook was speaking at the Diversity Workforce Coalition about developing such a program where she met Jason Grauer, Dead River Company’s regional operations manager and commander in US Navy (Ret), who came to New England recently; Jason asked to be part of the effort.
This small group of really excited people wanted the program to be as inclusive as possible (businesses from 3 to 3000 employees would be eligible), wanted it to be free, to be NH-focused, to benefit both the business and vets, and wanted to be a road map for businesses that wanted to do more with veterans.
They feel they have built a strong foundation. As the first businesses are recognized, they will engage them in building the program over time to really meet the needs of both vets and businesses. The state of Michigan launched a program 3 years ago’ they received 40 business applications the first year, 300 the 2nd, and 3000 in the 3rd year. They recommended that NH “be ready” for an explosion of applications. Michigan created an advisory team from their “gold level” businesses which hosts a human resources seminar on recruiting and hiring vets – a great road map for growing on our foundation.
On June 5, they began to publicize the new program. The application is available as a fillable PDF on line that should take only 10-15 mins. It’s comprised of check boxes.
4 levels of recognition for support of veterans:
Bronze –– complete 4 of the criteria
Silver – complete Bronze and an additional 2 or 3; theme “Fortify – focus on other family members”
Gold – empower
Platinum – impact on the vet community at large, offering benefits to vets to continue military service, offset of insurance costs, etc.
Amy indiceated that the deadline for applications would be August; notices of recognition will happen in November/December. Our inaugural year will feature lots of news releases. They are working on a department website with a section only for this program; goal is to advertise businesses that have received recognition for being veteran friendly. They want to drive vets to their website to look for employment opportunities. They are also running a logo contest for kids in grades 6-12.
Jason Grauer (Dead River) said that the “Boots to Roots” program helped him decide to come here. The program matched his skills with available positions. Jason wants more retired vets to come here; a program of job linkages would help.
Recognition lasts for 2 years. After 2 years, apply again. Recognition is based on the honor system – we cannot check if what you write is really true.
Google the Adjutant General’s department in NH: application, program brochure and a flyer for the logo design contest are all there.
QUESTIONS
John Y: How many people on selection committee and what criteria to select businesses?
Not so much an “award” as a “recognition.” We will recognize what YOU write in. So there’s no real “selection.”
Hank recommends advertising in the various military branches’ “Times” magazines.
John Y: Does a business have to have a military person on their staff?
No. Eligibility is for any business based in NH or having locations in NH, is in good standing with state of NH, and completes the application.
Amy – Army/Air Force National Guard has the ESGR program (“Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve”) where they provide support for and recognize employers who employ Guard members. ESGR is limited to businesses currently employing National Guard members. We will recognize any business, whether vets are working there or not, and not just active duty National Guard members.
Fusion Cell is a for profit across the US, a veteran-owned company. They specialize in trying to find vets to fill hard-to-fill positions. We liked their definition of “veteran-friendly” when they are trying to make placements.
Paul T: How many vets are in NH?
Amy: About 105,000 from 2017 count. We don’t have a great way of getting an exact number. We know the number is declining; more than 51% are over 65 years old. We aren’t “making vets” as fast as we used to. We want more vets to choose NH to put down their roots here.
Paul T – How many of those are living in poverty?
Working with NHDES, the veterans community and military spouses are very UNDERemployed (before COVIDtime).
Amy M. Cook
Professional Bio
Amy Cook is the Administrator for the New Hampshire Division of Community Based Military Programs at the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services where she is responsible for coordinating statewide strategies between government agencies, federal partners and local service providers to benefit NH Veterans and their families. Amy is proud of her family’s military history and contributions—a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, the Massachusetts National Guard, combat in all major conflicts dating back to the Boxer Rebellion and World War I. She has witnessed first-hand the resilience and achievements of military families, but also the struggles and unique obstacles they can face.
As an Administrator at the Department of Military Affairs & Veterans Services, she uses knowledge her family member’s experiences and embraces opportunities to facilitate collaborations between military and civilian groups in order to benefit New Hampshire’s military families. She leads the Division of Community Based Military Programs to seek & coordinate opportunities for innovation and effective braiding of resources in order to enhance the lives of those who have served in New Hampshire.
Amy’s involvement in the NH Veteran community also includes:
Serving as the Governor-appointed Team Lead for the SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families,
Being the Governor-appointed representative to the NH Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission,
Co-Chairing the NH Suicide Prevention Council-Military & Veterans Committee,
Facilitating the NH Military Leadership Team;
Participating as a voting member of the following groups:
Governor’s Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery--Joint Military Task Force, and
Justice Involved Veterans Task Force.
Information about the Logo Contest for kid 1st to 6th grade.
Calling all NH artists and inspired, future graphic designers! Grades 6-12 The Department of Military Affairs & Veterans Services and NH Employment Security are launching a Veteran-Friendly Business Recognition Program in Spring 2020 and are looking for a logo to promote a visual identity. They need your help! We are seeking current New Hampshire students in grades 6 -12 (at time of submission) who can design a creative, innovative and professional logo design. The logo should be recognizable and help promote the program mission.
The Kilton Library Children's book given in honor of Amy Cook is:Wrinkles by JR
A lyrical, poignant ode to wrinkles and the stories they tell, by the world renowned photographer and public artist JR
This first-ever picture book by internationally acclaimed artist-photographer JR allows young readers to consider the lives and stories of the older people around them. Memories, experiences, and emotions are touched on in a welcoming way, creating the perfect conversation-starter between children and their elders. Evocative black-and-white photographs of faces and simple, poignant read-aloud text consider the literal and lyrical meaning of wrinkles, leaving readers of all ages with a well-justified appreciation of aging and natural beauty. Published to coincide with a major exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, opening in October 2019
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Moorings
Paul Tierney welcomed us to the meeting. We recited the 4-Way Test. After our speaker we watched a segment from the RI Virtual Convention. Below is a synopsis of the presentation by John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO for Rotary International.
Video: John Hewko, Gen Secy of RI. How can we come closer together when world events are pushing us further apart, especially in COVIDtimes?
We can take this unique opportunity to change how Rotarian meet and serve. Over 115 years of history, we’ve adapted in the face of war and other hardships. We’ve innovated to stay ahead in a rapidly-changing world. Rotary was MADE for moments like this. No social network has more history and passion for the power of voluntary service than Rotary. Clubs are finding solutions for on-line learning.
We’re adapting in the ways we serve and the ways we connect. Re-invest in training and fundraising events. Change how we accomplish our projects. Learn new ways to connect and serve.
There IS opportunity in times of turmoil. Deploy Rotaract talents for connections. Invite them to be equal partners in shaping our future.
To bring more people together to create lasting change, we must persevere with polio eradication – “We took on the impossible and made it inevitable.”
Transform our neighborhoods from crisis to communities of compassion.
If you want to watch more from the virtual convention, click here
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SHARING HAPPY THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS:
Ernst Oidtmann: Finally finished the 2nd war diary of his father. Linda has offered to type out in English while Ernst translates from the Dutch as he reads. He will keep us informed.
Cindy Jerome is out there driving home and watching the road. She is still looking for a pied-a-terre in greater Lebanon.
JoAnn LeMieux – When we get our dues at the beginning of the month, I include additional monies if I made happy dollars.
Cameron Ford: Happy that folks at DHMC got me back on my feet in a couple of days after a “little heart issue.”
Dave Crandall: Last week on vacation, Dave tracked down the grave in Rome, NY of his great-great grandfather and his brother, both of whom died in the Civil War. Dave’s GGGrandfather was in the NY cavalry; he died 1964 at Reed’s Ferry while his younger brother died in DC from disease.
JoAnn lived in Rome for a while. Ed soon will be on vacation near the Rome area, playing a little golf.
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Club News and Other Announcements
Marilyn Bedell: Golf tourney is ON!!! Bruce Bergeron hopes to have our attention on the 5th Thursday (July 30, 2020) for planning.
Ernst Oidtmann: There is trail work to be done: one trail at Boston Lot needing planks over wet areas; the other is the Tichnor trail off Slayton Hill, one we’ve worked on before. Ernst will set up a date with Bruce Bergeron during the 2nd half of August or early September.
Steve Whitman: Shared his screen of folks dragging a bag of stuff illustrating the trail work. Looked like a crime scene to me . . .
John Yacavone: District 7850 approved an additional $1,000 per our request for 2 food pantries’ re-stocking. We must obtain receipts for the district!
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Food Drives
TIM Guaraldi state he spoke to 2 or 3 local grocery stores re: a drive-by food drive. No horizon for holding anything in their lobbies. They are considering something like a drive-by FOOD drive, but Tim's not holding his breath.
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Upcoming Events - Save the Dates
Bedell Classic
September 17, 2020
Golf committee has secured September 17 Thusday as a new date for the Bedell Tournament. Planning underway. Club will be updated on plans over the next few weeks.
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Listen Dinners 2020
NEXT DINNER June 9, 2020/Cancelled, Volunteers still not permitted to help prepare meals.
Cook team to arrive at Listen at 3:30 PM
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2020 Holiday Party and Yankee Swap
It's never to early to plan...Mark you calendars now, our 2020 Holiday Party and Famous Yankee Swap! It will be on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms. Cost will be the same as 2019...$40/person
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Rotary International News
Young at heart
(From the Rotary International's Web page)
Ri President Holger Knaack has a fresh vision for the Rotary of the future. With a little help from his friends, things should go swimmingly.
The Küchensee, one of Ratzeburg’s four lakes, provides a scenic backdrop for lunch with Holger’s sister, Barbara (left), and Susanne’s sister, Sabine (right).
The Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln in Germany has wrapped up its annual Christmas bazaar in the cloister of the 12th-century Ratzeburg Cathedral. Two days of selling handicrafts, mistletoe, and homemade cakes and cookies have netted the club some 8,000 euros, which this year will go to a German nonprofit that supports children who are critically ill. As the club members break down booths and put away tables and chairs, Knaack grabs the vacuum cleaner and, head down in concentration, tackles the crumbs, dirt, and bits of tinsel that litter the floor.
At this moment, Knaack is president-elect of Rotary International, preparing to take office on 1 July 2020. But at the same time he’s a regular Rotarian, a 27-year member of his club, pitching in like everybody else. “He just wants to be one friend among friends,” says club member Barbara Hardkop.
There’s a German phrase: man holt die Leute ins Boot. It means getting people on board to work together toward a common goal. In the coming year, Rotarians will find that Holger Knaack is not one to stand on the sidelines while others do the work. But equally important for Knaack is the philosophy that working hard doesn’t mean you can’t also have a good time. As he spends this year getting people on board — especially to carry out his highest priority, investing in young people — he will also be doing his best to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.
“It’s a basic principle with Holger,” says his longtime friend Hubertus Eichblatt, a fellow club member. “When we get together, it has to be fun.”Click here to read more.
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