Easter Seals Dixon Center Reminds Employers why Veterans are Among our Nation's Top Job Candidates

CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Veterans Day, Easter Seals Dixon Center honors veterans with the release of two new Public Service Announcements, part of an award-winning series that uses light humor to change the conversation about returning veterans by reminding employers of the valuable contributions they make in America's workforce.

America's Veterans: Hire the Best stars Staff Sergeant Travis Mills (Ret.), one of only five surviving quadruple amputees from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and author of the newly released memoir, Tough As They Come. Easter Seals Dixon Center selected SSG Mills to represent the organization because he exemplifies their belief veterans are among our nation's best and brightest—and incredible assets to the corporate sector.

The PSA messages reinforce Easter Seals Dixon Center's ongoing work to help veterans find meaningful employment. Just last week, Easter Seals, The Walt Disney Company and USAA hosted Chicago's first Heroes Work Here conference, bringing more than 300 business leaders and human resources representatives together to exchange best practices for hiring veterans and military spouses. SSG Mills and The Honorable Robert A. McDonald, United States Secretary of Veteran Affairs, headlined the event's elite group of speakers.

"One out of every five of our youngest generation of veterans faces unemployment," said Chairman of Easter Seals Dixon Center Military and Veterans Services U.S. Army (Ret.) Colonel David Sutherland. "There is a strong awareness among employers about the challenges some service members face when they come home after experiencing war-trauma. All too often, by focusing on challenges, employers lose sight of the positive attributes veterans bring to the workforce. By working with exemplary veterans like SSG Mills, we are reinforcing the unique skills American veterans bring to employers like their discipline, creativity and comfort managing high-stress situations."

Easter Seals' commitment to the military community, veterans with and without disabilities, goes back to World War II. In response to the millions of young veterans returning from recent wars, the organization renewed their pledge to support veterans, military families and caregivers as an organization-wide priority by establishing Easter Seals Dixon Center.

"Easter Seals Dixon Center and I share the same mission of helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, and know that employment is a key component of reintegration," said SSG Mills. "I am honored to lend my voice to show employers the value veterans offer to the workforce and give veterans and military spouses the best opportunities to find meaningful employment and civilian careers. Veterans are a tough group of people who have thrived in stressful environments. As I know firsthand, life can throw some unexpected things at you, but as veterans, we're trained to adapt to any situation."

"As we observe Veterans Day and pay tribute to the service of our nation's heroes, we must remember to support them on the home-front," said Col. Sutherland. "Through today's PSA release and events like Heroes Work Here we are changing the conversation about how Americans perceive veterans."

The PSAs were produced through Easter Seals Dixon Center's partnership with Los Angeles-based cause marketing agency CK&D and PCH Films. Together they are dedicated to helping veterans find career-driven employment.

About Easter Seals Dixon Center:  
We believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.  Our mission is to ensure that's possible in every community. We work to break down barriers, drive a new conversation about the potential of our veterans, engage organizations and communities, and connect veterans and military families with what they need for meaningful employment, education and overall wellness.  Our national credibility and community-based reach – through 74 affiliates covering all 50 States – provide an unmatched, accessible resource and support for veterans and military families. Learn more at EasterSealsDixonCenter.org.

About Travis Mills: 
On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd
Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive such extensive injuries.

Every day is a battle, but Travis continues to astound everyone with his progress and with his amazing spirit. SSG Travis Mills is a genuine American hero, and for his incredible sacrifice, we are forever in his debt. In September 2013, Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans. Learn more at travismills.org

About CK&D: 
CK&D is a cause marketing and media group that consults with leading charitable brands and Fortune 500 companies to create socially responsible marketing strategies that elevate your cause or issue to a global stage. CK&D is helping Easter Seals work closely with the entertainment community to create more positive stories about veteran contributions to the communities in which we live. Learn more at http://ckd-la.com.

About PCH Films: 
PCH Films, based in Los Angeles, California, is a multimedia company founded by James Keach, Jane Seymour and Trevor Albert. The company develops, produces, and finances feature film, TV, documentaries, animation and music. The partners extensive credits include Walk The Line, Groundhog Day, National Lampoons Vacation, Dr Quinn Medicine Woman, and many others. The company's goal is to continue to create intelligent and humanistic entertainment across multiple platforms that appeal to a broad audience.

SOURCE Easter Seals Dixon Center

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