Charlotte Hosts Inspiring Panel on Economic Contributions of Veterans

Charlotte Hosts Inspiring Panel on the Economic Impact of Veterans

Charlotte recently played host to a lively and insightful panel discussion aimed at shedding light on the economic contributions of military veterans. Organized by the Charlotte Economics Club, the event was a collaborative effort with local veterans’ organizations focused on helping those who have served smoothly transition into civilian life. The gathering took place on November 6, featuring esteemed veterans who shared their stories and experiences, emphasizing the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the workforce and business world.

Recognizing Veteran Contributions

The panel included notable veterans such as retired 1st Sgt. Matt Eversmann, known for his significant role in the “Black Hawk Down” mission, James McGahey, a retired Army infantry officer turned vice president of training at West Shore Home, and Frank Van Buren, a former Army Black Hawk pilot and founder of Van Buren Advisory. The discussion was artfully moderated by Michael Blanco, a member of the Charlotte Economics Club board.

As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that the military offers formidable training that can transfer seamlessly into the business world. The triumvirate of veterans spoke passionately about how their time in uniform not only honed their leadership qualities but also equipped them with a unique set of skills that are highly sought after in corporate environments.

Personal Journeys from Military to Civilian Life

Eversmann shared his candid thoughts on the transition into civilian life, stating, “You’ve got to figure stuff out.” He emphasized that adapting to the challenges of civilian existence requires a significant amount of self-reliance and initiative. His straightforwardness resonated with many in the audience, highlighting that there is no pre-set formula for success during this transition, and veterans need to actively seek the right paths.

McGahey’s journey mirrored this sentiment. Despite his 26 years in the Army, he admitted that stepping into the civilian job market felt daunting at first. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive veteran community, stating, “Trust that the veteran community was going to take care of me.” He advised fellow veterans to remain patient and planned, which drew parallels with executing a military mission, adding humor to the serious nature of the discussion.

Veterans: Entrepreneurs with a Mission-Driven Mindset

Van Buren opened up about the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent among veterans. Citing data from the Small Business Administration that veterans are about 45% more likely to start their own businesses, he attributed this trend to veterans’ innate risk-taking abilities and steadfast commitment to missions. “That audacity, that ability to be decisive, I think, is inherent in a lot of veterans,” he noted, pointing out that these characteristics translate into effective entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the panelists discussed a growing concern: veteran underemployment. While the overall unemployment rate among veterans is lower than the national average, there’s a dark cloud looming — veterans are 25% more likely to be underemployed compared to their civilian counterparts. The trio stressed the need for better translation of military skills to civilian job qualifications, suggesting that both veterans and employers would benefit significantly from this adjustment.

Bridging the Gap: Employers and Veterans

The panel concluded with a unified message about the importance of recognizing and utilizing the skills acquired by veterans during their service. As McGahey succinctly put it, “Give us the guidelines; give us the parameters. We’ll do it for you!” This call to action highlighted the potential waiting to be tapped into within the veteran community, writing a hopeful narrative for veterans looking to integrate into civilian roles.

Charlotte’s enthusiastic engagement with this topic is just the beginning of what could be a transformative dialogue. It serves to remind us that the experiences gained by these brave men and women can and should reshape our economic landscape.