By Ivette M. Achong, West Glen Communications
With May being National Military Appreciation Month and as we approach Memorial Day on May 28, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a special public service campaign called OPERATION: PAVE (Paving Access for Veterans Employment) which was recently distributed by WestGlen on behalf of the national nonprofit organization, Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Nearly 85 percent of America’s 44,000 paralyzed veterans are unemployed. OPERATION: PAVE supports America’s paralyzed veterans in their search for good jobs and meaningful careers while helping employers strengthen their workforce. PAVE counselors work hand-in-hand with the veteran and other team members at Paralyzed Veterans of America’s vocational rehabilitation centers to help veterans find appropriate educational opportunities and job training.
They also work to connect veterans to a network of hiring employers.
WestGlen recently worked to disseminate public service announcements to TV and radio stations across the country in order to help create awareness about this important program. The PSAs titled “New Beginnings for Injured Veterans” tell the story of Captain Eric Lorence, a U.S. Army veteran, who needed help rebuilding his life and returning to work after a paralyzing injury in Afghanistan. The PSAs demonstrate how Paralyzed Veterans of America helped Eric secure a new job, which gave him the chance to start a new life.
Media outlets have been incredibly supportive of the PSA campaign. To date, the PSAs have received thousands of airings with placements on national networks and stations in top media markets. Stations across the country have offered a great deal of positive feedback on OPERATION: PAVE, particularly in light of the continued challenges with the economy and unemployment.
As we prepare to honor those who have served, WestGlen is proud to be part of a wonderful campaign that is helping our veterans find new opportunities. To view the PSA and learn more about OPERATION: PAVE, please visit www.pva.org/operationpave.
Ivette M. Achong is Vice President, PSA Services at West Glen Communications