Colleagues,
One in every four of our DHS colleagues is a military veteran.
Over 54,000 of us wore the nation’s colors in the military and are now still proudly serving here at DHS.
One of them is Alma Lopez. Alma is an Army veteran now serving as a Federal Protective Service Inspector. She was inspired to join the military after watching the World Trade Center Towers burn and collapse from the window of her junior high school class on September 11, 2001. Her military service honored those: who did not survive the attacks; who helped look for survivors; and who are still suffering from 9/11 related health issues. Today, she honors us all by still proudly serving here at DHS.
Like Alma, I am an Army veteran. After 24 years as an Armor officer and three combat tours in Iraq, I was honored to be asked by Secretary Mayorkas to once again answer the call of public service. I am so proud to do so alongside all of our colleagues who safeguard America by putting service before self, by standing the watch in difficult conditions, and by doing so with honor and integrity.
Secretary Mayorkas and I are committed to delivering the resources and support veterans need as they still proudly serve. For example, I am hosting a webinar on the PACT Act today, detailing new support and services available to Post-9/11 combat veterans. We will also be having events for veterans to include community service opportunities throughout November.
This November - National Veteran and Military Families month - DHS will also recognize our colleagues who are still proudly serving their country. I encourage all of you to join this effort. Find time to have a conversation with a colleague who served in the military, read a story about a veteran serving alongside you on DHS Connect, or join a veteran and participate in a community service activity.
DHS is a great place for veterans to work. If you know a veteran who wants to proudly serve again, please send them to FedsHireVets.gov. Here at DHS this month, we are also hosting job search webinars and a career fair for veterans. Veterans can also visit the new Veterans Resource Employee Association for the most up to date resources DHS offers veterans.
For those DHS veterans still proudly serving, thank you. It is an honor be on Team America with you again.
Sincerely,
John K. Tien
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.