Whether you’re a veteran, an employer, or someone who wants to support veterans in your community, this episode is packed with practical advice and up-to-date resources to help ensure our veterans thrive after service.

Welcome to another episode of "Looking Forward Our Way." This time, we’re putting the spotlight on the unique challenges faced by military veterans as they re-enter the civilian workforce. Joining hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson is Ryan Blackburn, Senior Manager for Military and Federal Programs at Jobs Ohio and a veteran himself.

Together, they explain the realities behind veteran employment, from overcoming resume roadblocks and translating military skills, to the vital support services Ohio offers. You’ll learn what’s working, where gaps still exist, and how local employers can play a pivotal role in creating meaningful job opportunities for those who have served.

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Moments

00:00 "Advancing Veteran Workforce in Ohio"

03:36 Supporting Veterans Through Education

08:57 "Veteran Hiring Resources in Ohio"

12:23 Helping Veterans Highlight Individual Contributions

13:16 Translating Military Skills for Jobs

16:48 Veteran Job Transition Challenges

20:02 Guiding Veterans in Corporate Growth

23:17 "Ohio Jobs for Veterans"

26:24 Military Transition Support Conversations

32:40 DoD SkillBridge: Transition Internship Program

35:34 Ohio's Economic and Military Development

39:44 "County Veteran Services: First Stop"

40:55 Shoutout to Murphy, Air Force

Top takeaways for professionals, employers, and anyone passionate about supporting veterans:

• Bridging the Employment Gap: Veterans often struggle to translate their military skills into civilian resumes. Programs like OhioMeansJobs Centers and Jobs Ohio’s "Find Your Ohio" initiative are connecting veterans with job resources and employers—sometimes before they even separate from the service.

• Supporting Underemployed Veterans: While veteran unemployment rates are typically low, underemployment remains a concern. Employers and workforce agencies are collaborating to ensure vets find roles that match their skill sets and leadership experience—not just a quick paycheck.

• Empowering Through Local & National Resources: Ohio offers veteran services offices in every county, and there’s an abundance of government and nonprofit support for veterans and their families. The key? Knowing where to look and leveraging those resources—from federal Small Business Administration support to local mentorship and networking programs.

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Recorded in Studio C at