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Posts tagged "Veterans"

*Video* EID-Ohio Interview with Congressman Bill Johnson

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 | 0 Comments

Back in December, Congressman Bill Johnson shared with us his vision of Ohio’s development of our energy resources serving as a catalyst for a return to American exceptionalism.

EID-Ohio had the opportunity to again speak with the eastern Ohio representative to discuss the potential these resources bring not only to his district, but the state and nation as a whole.

With the Appalachian region of the state becoming the focal point for energy development, Congressman Johnson has had a front row seat to watch the opportunities the shale play is already bringing to Ohioans- and a great view of what’s coming around the corner.

“I don’t think we can underestimate the potential for long-term prosperity for the people of Appalachia Ohio,” states Mr. Johnson, noting the region “will be on the front of everybody’s minds” as the growth of development accelerates:

“The rest of the world is going to be looking at us.”

With the shale play still in its infancy, Ohio is already witnessing a resurgence in long lost or dormant industries including steel and manufacturing. The loss of manufacturing jobs is not unique to Ohio, and its return here has larger implications in a national economic recovery. This, as they say, is where the cows eat the cabbage, a fact not lost on the Congressman:

“They’re gonna be talking about eastern and southeastern Ohio in Beijing. We’re going to be putting China out of business!”

The rich and vast resources Ohio holds in the Utica and Marcellus shale puts our state right at the center of a responsible U.S. energy plan, the congressman notes – a plan for energy security that has eluded every president and congress for the past several decades.

“As we develop a national energy policy of putting America first, of energy security and independence, its going to put eastern and south eastern Ohio at the hub, at the center of that activity.”

Securing America’s energy and economic future through responsible development of our resources, which also put people back to work, should be among the nation’s highest priorities. Also atop that list is taking care of those who take care of us: our nation’s veterans.

As a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel himself, Congressman Johnson is working with industry to bring energy employment opportunities to returning veterans across the state:

“We have an obligation as a nation to get them back into the work force for the sacrifices they have made to protected America’s freedoms and liberties around the world.”

The congressman continues to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on clearing up red-tape that delays employment opportunities for veterans, including an exemption on required training for truck and tractor drivers – a field many of these men and women have already had training in.

This May, the Congressman is facilitating this effort by hosting a jobs forum for veterans in East Liverpool. Many natural gas companies are already looking to hire these dedicated men and women. Chesapeake Energy, for example, was recently honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program as one of the top 25 American companies with an exceptional record of hiring veterans.

As we continue to watch the positive impact that shale development is bringing to Ohio, we can look towards the opportunity it presents for the years ahead. All of Ohio can certainly share in the Congressman’s excitement for our future, and indeed share in his sentiment that we are witnessing this generation’s Space Race right here in our back yard.

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Serving Those Who Serve Us All

Friday, November 11th, 2011 | 1 Comment

[Editors Note: Contributing writer John Krohn serves as the Communications Director for Energy in Depth - Marcellus,  EID Ohio's sister organization based in the Pennsylvania/New York region. EID-Ohio would like to thank John for sharing his experience and insight on a day all Americans celebrate the lives and contributions of the men and women who have served in our nation's military. From all of us at EID-Ohio, thank you John. Oorah!]

Serving Those Who Serve Us All

As a United States Marine Corps veteran who has served in a foreign war this time of year is always a unique time for me.  It is a time that triggers deep inflection on lessons learned, memories gained and experiences forged in a moment of service to our nation and its people. Our generation is arguably the first since WWII to be challenged in a prolonged and engaged multi-theatre conflict that required a rapid and full scale utilization of our country’s armed forces.  Now as that operation ramps down those who served find themselves returning home.  Upon this return they will reunite with their families and loved ones, reconcile conflicting emotions and transition back to civilian life, all while wondering where their next paycheck will come from if they have separated from military service. Make no mistake, this is a burden that would debilitate many and assistance of any kind strongly helps an individual navigate this complex process of overwhelming emotions.

However, the problem lies in that there are few organizations that truly understand this experience, and in that understanding, provide assistance in whatever ways they can to help these warriors upon their return home.  Today, Chesapeake Energy was recognized for their understanding, and assistance, in helping our veterans return to normal life when they were honored as one of the top 20 employers of veterans in the country along with being recognized as one of the nation’s top recruiters of junior military officer veterans as well.   In an interview Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon said very succinctly why he values these special individuals who are driven to serve.

We are very pleased to be recognized for our efforts to recruit and hire America’s veterans. Maturity, discipline, teamwork and work ethic are essential characteristics that many veterans share with our national work force. We hope that being able to help veterans find new and exciting careers in America’s energy industry provides at least some recognition for their service to our country. Said McClendon

Of course Chesapeake’s commitment to veterans doesn’t end with a paycheck and a good place to work.  Chesapeake also wants to make sure that the larger world understands and appreciates the skills that veterans provide in hopes that sharing this knowledge, and developing a common approach, will mean a job for every returning soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.  That is why they are a partner in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Employment Advisory Council which is part of the larger Hiring Our Heroes program, an initiative focused on enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve career opportunities for veterans.  The council has a few goals, they include:

Of course Chesapeake is not alone, but they are a leader. Other organizations, especially in the Marcellus Shale, are also seeking out veterans for employment in their operations.  One powerful piece highlighting  a veteran working in the natural gas fields of Pennsylvania can be found here, though I warn you prepare to be moved.  This story is not unique, there are hundreds, if not thousands of similar tales throughout the Marcellus and other shale plays throughout the United States.

Upon traveling through Upstate New York recently I saw a sign that read “Drill a Gas Well Bring a Soldier Home”.  While the sentiment is not always that simple given the complexities of the world. It is nice to know that safely and responsibly developing this resource is not only helping to increase energy security  but is also welcoming our veterans with open arms as they return home.

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