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Many veterans are out of work
Updated: 11/11/2005 7:45:07 PM
By: Associated Press and Adam Shub, News 14 Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Veterans have an unemployment rate -- 15 percent -- that is three times higher than the national rate, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I honestly can't say why,� U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick said. “I think a lot of them when they come back, some of them don't have the skills that they need."

The problem is magnified among younger veterans aged 20-24. In the last year, that age bracket has seen its unemployment numbers increase by about a third (from 33,000 in 2004 to 43,000 in 2005).


A group of World War II veterans march during a parade Friday.
"They probably should help those people more,� said Jeff Deamer, a Gastonia resident who attended a Veterans Day parade on Friday. “They went across seas to protect us."

Deamer would like to see lawmakers provide more job opportunities for veterans.

“If they can make them qualified and fit them in, sure,� he said.

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., introduced two bills Friday that would help veterans -- one that would help prevent them from becoming homeless and another that would help them find benefits for which they're eligible.


People in Gastonia wave to veterans during a parade Friday.
The Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act would provide $25 million every year to help prevent homelessness among veterans. The legislation would increase access to housing assistance programs, physical and mental health services, health insurance and vocational and financial counseling.

Burr also introduced the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act, which would provide $25 million in grants for the VA to work with state and local governments. The money would be used to reach out to veterans and their families, providing better access to benefits that they are eligible for.

"We owe it to those who have served in uniform to ensure their service is honored and they are not forgotten when they return home," said Burr, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. "Too many of our veterans find themselves in extreme poverty or even homeless. These bills will help our veterans receive access to benefits they have earned and reduce homelessness among those who have served."

According to the VA, North Carolina is home to about 780,000 veterans. More than 43,000 of them live below the poverty line.