[Opinion] "Now It's Time to Shine Properly" ... 'Ri; Spec'

Choi Hwan-seok, Director of the Gyeongnam Veterans Support Center.

The 13th Veterans Week (October 7?11), held to express gratitude and support for veterans who have dedicated themselves to protecting the nation and to instill pride in veterans, has arrived this year.

This year’s slogan, “It’s Your Turn to Shine Properly Now” 「Re; Spec」, conveys the message that veterans who have devoted themselves to the country are at the starting point of a new tomorrow where they shine once again after discharge, and encourages the public to support them.

Veterans who have served long-term and quietly fulfilled their duties with body and mind often find it difficult to reintegrate into society after discharge. In particular, most veterans are discharged due to mandatory retirement by rank regardless of their own wishes, which often leads to financial difficulties, especially if the head of the household is in their late 30s or 40s. Through Veterans Week, we hope to create a social atmosphere that helps these veterans smoothly find employment or start businesses as active members of society, and that companies will provide stable jobs. This also serves to boost the morale of all soldiers currently serving quietly on the front lines for national defense, which is directly linked to national security.

Accordingly, our Veterans Support Center is carrying out various support programs and projects to facilitate veterans’ smooth reintegration into society. After discharge, veterans who join the center receive in-depth counseling with a one-on-one counselor, assistance with career selection, resume writing tips, interview skills, and more. We also provide transition support funds and support for vocational training expenses to aid self-development. In particular, we promote a “one company, one veteran” hiring initiative by selecting companies with suitable job openings for veterans that have not yet hired, and facilitating employment through business agreements. We maintain close cooperative relationships with companies to recommend qualified candidates as needed. Additionally, the Gyeongnam Veterans Support Center will participate in the 「2024 Changwon City Related Agencies Joint Job Fair」 on November 6, providing a promotional booth and individual counseling and interview support for veterans.

During Veterans Week, a public participation event hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will be held from October 8 to 9 at the Samsung COEX Millennium Square, along with various online events.

The Gyeongnam Veterans Support Center is also preparing many events and activities. We will install banners along major roads in Changwon City to promote Veterans Week, hold meetings with companies, conduct workshops to strengthen veterans’ employment capabilities, run SNS promotional quiz events for veterans, and promote Veterans Week within the Gyeongnam Regional Joint Government Building. We ask all citizens to show great interest and support for our veterans.

Choi Hwan-seok, Director of Gyeongnam Veterans Support Center