IAVA offers to buy veterans interview suits - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

IAVA offers to buy veterans interview suits

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans still appear to be suffering in a stagnant job market — a problem that a major veterans group is trying to address with the promise of money for new business suits to wear on job interviews.

The Labor Department reported Friday that while the overall unemployment rate for the U.S. remained at 9.6 percent in September and the employment situation improved for all veterans, the jobless rate worsened for those who have left the military since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Labor Department report says the number of jobs in the U.S. declined by 95,000, mostly as a result of the loss of federal and local government work. The number of private-sector jobs increased by a modest 64,000.

For all veterans, the unemployment rate was 8 percent in September, down from 8.7 percent in August, according to the Labor Department report. However, for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan era, the September unemployment rate was 10.2 percent, up from 9.4 percent in August.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America announced Friday, just as the new unemployment numbers were being released, that they are launching a “Welcome Home Joe” campaign that will provide up to $1 million in gift certificates for its members to buy business suits and other professional attire.

Up to 5,000 IAVA members can receive a certificate for up to $200 to be used to purchase apparel at JC Penney, either online or at a local store. IAVA members can request the help at The Rucksack, an IAVA website that also dispenses free or discounted tickets to sporting events and other activities.

Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA’s founder and executive director, said in a statement that free suits for job interviews “could be a big boost at a critical time.”

“As reinforced by the unemployment numbers released today, thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are coming home to one of the toughest economies in decades and many are struggling to find work,” he said.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are not members of IAVA may join and then apply for the certificate. Membership is free.