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FMCSA Awards Nearly $1 Million in Grants to Help Train Veterans in Jobs as Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that it has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to seven technical and community colleges across the country to help train veterans and their families for jobs as commercial bus and truck drivers.  The funding is provided through FMCSA’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMV-OST) grant program.

Veterans: American Heroes, Champions of Transportation and Logistics

Yesterday, I had the honor of addressing hundreds of dedicated U.S. servicemen and women, as well as their family members, loved ones and friends at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall here in Washington, DC.  As a retired career naval officer, it was a special privilege for me to lead this heartfelt Veterans Day tribute to all of the members of the United States Armed Forces—from the hundreds of thousands who perished in past wars and conflicts, to the millions who stood with them, and especially those proudly serving today both at home and abroad.

As we reaffirmed the noble legacy of our veterans in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—I also underscored the critical role and service of the U.S. Merchant Marine in every major overseas war involving our nation.  While our military members have braved the line of fire in many battles, it is crucial that they get to the conflict, and it is crucial that they have the supplies and equipment to win the fight.

And, from World War I to the present day, U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Flag vessels have been the foundation of that immensely valuable national capability.

Wreath-laying ceremony at World War II Memorial

Bridges: America’s Lasting Salute to Veterans

Tomorrow, Americans across the country salute our veterans.  In communities nationwide, our fellow citizens will honor veterans with parades and all manner of patriotic festivities – and deservedly so. As the leader of the Federal Highway Administration, I wanted to point out one of the biggest, and most enduring symbols of America's thanks: our nation's bridges. 

Some of the nation’s largest and most distinctive bridges are dedicated to those who fought to defend our country.

five bridges named in honor of America's Veterans

Veterans taking to CDLs in record number

As we celebrate Independence Day this week, here at DOT we've been thinking a lot about the military veterans who have defended --since Lexington and Concord-- the independence we hold so dear. 

So we're happy to announce that, since 2011, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) program has helped more than 10,000 veterans and active duty personnel obtain a Commercial Driver's License more easily...

Military truck convoy

Joining Forces to Connect Veterans With Opportunity

In one of the most powerful lines of his 2015 State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama said, “If you want somebody who’s going to get the job done –and done right— hire a veteran.”

With veterans accounting for more than a quarter of our workforce here at DOT, we’re already familiar with our returning troops’ strong professional skills and work ethic.  But, that doesn’t mean we’re not taking the President’s message to heart.

Helping our nation’s veterans transition to civilian careers remains a top priority for DOT and for America’s transportation industry.  And this morning, I joined the First and Second Ladies of the United States at the Joining Forces Forum on Veterans Hiring in Transportation to keep the ball rolling on this issue and renew the call to connect veterans with promising careers supporting our nation’s transportation...

Photo of First Lady and Second Lady

Military to Mariner, a well-deserved opportunity for America’s Veterans

Because our servicemen and women ensure our nation’s safety and security, it is important that we recognize their sacrifice, dedication, and professionalism. However, we owe them much more than recognition; we owe them --and they deserve-- opportunity!

Both the Maritime Administration and the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) understand this.  As a veteran myself, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to talk with other veterans in person when I speak at the 4th installment of the AMP’s “Military2Maritime” program tomorrow in New Orleans.

The program’s goal is to connect veterans and transitioning active duty personnel with jobs in America's thriving maritime industry, and so far it’s been a rousing success...

Photo of previous military to maritime event

FMCSA Awards $1 Million to Help Train and Place Veterans in Careers as Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced it has awarded $1 million in grants to nine technical and community colleges across the country to help train returning military veterans for jobs as commercial bus and truck drivers.  The funding is provided through FMCSA’s Commercial Motor Vehicle - Operator Safety Training (CMV-OST) grant program.

DOT supports veterans with Boots-to-Business events

For many, the days after Labor Day mean a return to pre-summer levels of activity. But here in DOT's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), we never slowed down, working hard throughout the summer on several veteran-oriented Boots to Business: Reboot events in conjunction with the Small Business Administration.

We think America's veterans are natural entrepreneurs who can make a real impact on transportation. They are disciplined, goal-oriented self-starters who are accustomed to accountability. They also know the value of being decisive but flexible. With unemployment among our veterans outpacing the national average, training in entrepreneurship just makes sense.

Leveraging the talents of some of our 22.5 million veterans will promote self-employment, strengthen our transportation industry, and help stimulate our economy.

Photo of servicemen and women with American flag

DOT, FMCSA expand licensing program to help America's veterans get jobs

At the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), we have been working hard to support our active duty troops and experienced veterans as they make the often difficult transition from military life to civilian careers.

We do this not only because we owe our troops a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our nation, but also because we truly need their skills and training to fill the transportation-related jobs that help keep our economy moving.

Photo of veteran and his wife

That's why I'm proud to share a recent milestone that Vice President Biden announced this week at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) conference: FMCSA’s Military Skills Test Waiver Program has now been expanded to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This means that veterans who drove heavy duty vehicles in the military can earn a Commercial Driver’s License --and find work that fits their experience-- without having to take the skills portion of their state's licensing exam...

Military To Maritime: connecting veterans to opportunity

When those who served our nation return home, we owe them a fair shake along with our gratitude. Events like yesterday’s Military 2 Maritime information and recruiting session, hosted by the American Maritime Partnership in Jacksonville, Florida, help steer our veterans toward the opportunities available in the maritime industry.

We at the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are proud to be associated with an industry that doesn't just open its doors to America's veterans, but actively helps them navigate the transition to civilian careers. Through licensing and certification information, support for maritime academies, and our work with stakeholders, MARAD is actively engaged in making this transition easier...

Photo of Military 2 Maritime event with speakers

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