TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Veteran Helps Others Get Back On Their Feet

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

A veteran himself, Howard Jenkins Jr. works with young veterans through Heartland Workforce.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sue Ann Carpenter

Published: December 17, 2007

SEBRING — When Howard Jenkins retired from the Air Force, he used his veteran benefits to go back to school and improve himself. From his experience, he saw the shortcomings of the military and wanted to help others. After starting as a veterans representative in Winter Haven, he transferred to Sebring in 1992 as a local veteran employment representative for Heartland Workforce.

Jenkins enjoys helping the young, returning troops, showing them how to apply and get their earned benefits under the GI bill.

"He earned it, he should go get it," Jenkins said. "This is my passion."

His mission is to make veterans aware of benefits available so they're not lost. He ensures they don't become disinterested or disheartened.

Jenkins helps the influx of veterans returning from Iraq make the transition to civilian life. Based on their background and what they did in the military, he helps them find employment. Jenkins provides information on benefits, educational opportunities, and even helps with their resumes. Approximately, 15 to 20 people are seen each day. Some are permanent residents while others are snowbirds looking for part-time work.

Hire Vets First is a new campaign endorsed by President Bush. Jenkins promotes veterans by marketing them with employers in the area. Most people lost their jobs once they were deployed.

"I'm proud to be a source of veterans for the workplace. They are all trained, disciplined and have good work ethics," he said.

They possess different skills, whether they're dishwashers, executives, teachers or managers, he added. They might be professionals relocating here with their family and starting over, or a young man or woman just starting out.

The people helped range from age 8 to 80. It might be assistance to a disabled spouse, or a soldier's dependent. A work-study program is offered when needed and students are eligible to go to SFCC. Education is a valuable resource. It can make a person more valuable and enhance their skills. Or for a person not satisfied with their skills, it can re-direct them into a new career.

In 2004, Jenkins received the American Legion Award as Best Veterans' Representative. This year he was the recipient of both the state and national VFW Award for the Best Veterans' Representative of the Year.

Jenkins likes to be involved with the Highlands community: "I speak ASL (American Sign Language) and help those in the area who are deaf." He holds job fairs for veterans and is the organizer of the Veteran's Day parade. In his spare time he enjoys playing around with hot rods, polishing them and showing them or riding his Honda motorcycle.

Jenkins has adult children. Because he is a single dad, he feels he's well trained.

"I know how to cook, clean the toilet, pay bills, and I've got benefits," he said. "At 57, I'm quite the catch."

Veterans Workforce Training is located at the One Stop Career Center in Sebring Plaza, 2730 U.S. 27 N.

Stop by or call Howard Jenkins from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 385-3672, Ext. 231. E-mail him at hjenkins@heartland-workforce.org.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT