County Council honors second group of “HERO” graduates

December 16, 2013

Summary

Military veteran interns enhance their career skills during six-month internship with King County agencies

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the second graduating class of
“HEROS,” veterans who were part of the County’s Heroes Employment Reintegration Opportunity (HERO) Program.

For veterans returning home after serving our country the transition to civilian life has challenges. One of the most difficult obstacles for many of these heroes has been finding employment opportunities in this period of economic uncertainty. Last year, the Council adopted legislation creating the HERO program, to assist veterans in making the transition to civilian employment.

HERO offers six-month paid King County internships to qualified veterans, along with support services designed for men and women re-entering the civilian workforce from the armed forces. Today’s recognition from the Council was for the five members of the second graduation class, who work for a number of County agencies ranging from King County Parks to the Ombudsman’s Office to the County’s Human Resources Division.

“In drafting this legislation, it was my hope that King County could assist these heroes in making a successful transition back into the civilian workforce,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, the prime sponsor of the ordinance creating the HERO Program. “This HERO Program is now completing its second round of veteran interns and I couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the program. Both the veterans and the County are greatly benefitting from this program.”

The HERO Program is partially funded through the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy and is jointly administered by the King County Human Resources Division and the Department of Community and Human Services Veterans Program.


HERO profiles

King County Veterans Services