On August 5, 2023, over 500 individuals, comprising business and military leaders, convened at the Liberty Station Conference Center for the fifth annual San Diego Military Summit.
The summit’s emphasis this year was on aiding transitioning service members who encounter distinct challenges when entering civilian life.
Despite being organized by the North San Diego Business Chamber, CEO Chris Thorne highlighted that this conference transcended the boundaries of a conventional job fair.
It aims to serve as a vital connection point, facilitating the integration of transitioning service members into the San Diego community.
Over 20,000 service members leave their posts each year at Navy area bases, and Thorne pointed out that without established ties to the community and job opportunities, remaining in San Diego is a considerable challenge.
“San Diego is a tough place to stay if you don’t already have the connection to the community, the job set up, the things that make sure that you can survive in a community like this,” he stated.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also graced the event, sharing his personal connection to the military—his grandparents all served.
The mayor expressed a commitment to retaining veterans in the city, emphasizing the transition from duty to country to duty to community.
To support this mission, Gloria underlined ongoing efforts to develop housing and enhance affordability, stating, “We are building a community that honors your service and supports your future.”
In addition, the mayor pointed out that many defense contractors were recruiting at the summit, noting that the defense industry injects approximately $63 billion into the regional economy.
While the primary focus of the event was on service members and veterans, sessions were tailored to inform employers, nonprofits, and families on how best to support those transitioning out of service.
A significant aspect of the summit was the promotion of finding purpose post-service, which is essential for improving mental health outcomes among veterans.
“We are all here to support you and your effort and your successes in finding your purpose and making a difference in this world. Because we need you more than ever. San Diego needs you more than ever,” said JD Dickson, director of military affairs at Wave Neuroscience, who participated in discussions on managing stress during transitions.
As employers actively seek to hire veterans, Rear Admiral Rich Jarrett, Commander of Navy Region Southwest, highlighted the advantages service members bring to the workforce.
He noted their global perspective, adeptness in navigating bureaucratic processes, and numerous technical skills that are highly transferable to roles in city hall or the private sector.
Several companies known for robust veteran hiring programs sponsored the summit, including Lowe’s, Cushman & Wakefield, and the National Electrical Contractors Association San Diego Chapter.
Additionally, San Diego-based National University supported the summit’s mission, promoting flexible continuing education options for adults balancing work and family responsibilities.
This year’s summit took place against the backdrop of the highest veteran unemployment rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rate at 3.7% in June.
Contributing factors include a national hiring freeze and widespread workforce reductions in federal employment, leading to concerns regarding veteran spouses, whose unemployment rates remain undocumented and are believed to be even higher.
Jackson Haney traveled from Washington, D.C. to participate in a listening session at the summit, acknowledging that veterans now heavily rely on the private sector in light of federal employment cutbacks.
Haney serves as a legislative assistant on the US Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs under ranking member Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
He shared the committee’s recent successes, including the passage of an exemption allowing military spouses to work remotely for the federal government amid back-to-office mandates.
However, pressing issues such as the convoluted transition process and significant workforce reductions at the Veterans Health Administration still persist.
During the listening session, audience members raised critical concerns, echoing the sentiment that military spouses often lack resources and support from the moment their partner transitions from military service to civilian life.
One individual advocated for the enactment of the Major Richard Start Act, aimed at enhancing disability benefits for medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service.
Another veteran, Chelsea Gray, shared her struggles in accessing benefits to treat Military Sexual Trauma (MST), highlighting that other women veterans face similar challenges.
The San Diego Military Summit thus served as a crucial platform for facilitating discussions, providing resources, and fostering connections between transitioning service members, local businesses, and community leaders.
image source from：timesofsandiego
