Jacksonville, Florida - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) continues to fulfill its commitment to veterans' employment in the federal government through outreach programs as part of Phase II of the Veteran Invitational Program (VIP). Recently, recruiters and hiring specialists visited the Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida.

Marta Perez, OPM Associate Director, Human Capital Leadership Merit Systems and Accountability (HCLMSA) said, "Veterans offer federal employers dedication and the skills that make America's government work well.  OPM is committed to work with and encourage federal agencies to provide information on employment opportunities for all qualified veterans."

The VIP II visit included seminars explaining veterans' preference and special hiring authorities. There were also workshops on resume writing and interviewing, and a hands-on presentation of the usajobs.gov website - the primary source for finding federal job opportunities. Several in attendance had recently returned home from serving in Iraq.

Terri Johnson-Salter, Transition Manager, Naval Station Mayport said, "This initiative provides guidance to our Navy personnel and their families. The workshops give good information to educate and facilitate a smooth transition into federal civilian service. OPM should be commended for their efforts to assist sailors and families."

During the VIP II visits, veterans are also able to meet one-on-one with OPM staff about the opportunities and benefits within the government, and the practical steps of obtaining a federal job.

OPM aggressively reached out to veterans through Phase I of the VIP which was launched in August 2003, where the agency developed informational brochures and posters to raise the level of awareness among separating military personnel from the U. S. Armed Services.  At the Mayport event, over 200 brochures, 500 wallet size information cards, 10 wall posters and 250 Veterans' Preference DVD were distributed.

The recent VIP II visit is a part of a comprehensive tour of military installations throughout the United States.  OPM's extensive program has also included visits to: Bolling Air Force Base and Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, Washington DC; Fort Sam, Houston, Texas; and Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.