Washington Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG)

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Welcome to the Washington State Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG)

Welcome to the Veteran’s Employment Resource Group (VERG) website.  We are excited you’ve connected with us!  As Veterans ourselves we understand that no one person has the same experience as they depart military service. The value of experience, leadership, and commitment from our Veterans and their families is enormous and Governor Inslee has recognized this through Governor's Executive Order 19-01; as a result, the VERG was created. 

The VERG exists to help integrate veterans, service members, and spouses in state employment.  As a community, the VERG provides advice and assistance to state agencies on veteran recruitment, retention, and development strategies in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 19-01. In addition, we assist state agencies in support of existing state employees who have served as members and spouses of members of the armed forces through recognition, resource identification, and mentorship. 

Our hope is that you find the VERG as a welcoming community with resources and networking to join state employment. Please reach out to any of our VERG members with questions.   

Purpose

The VERG exists to help integrate the experience, values, and knowledge of both veterans, service members, and spouses in state employment.  The VERG shall provide advice and assistance to state agencies on veteran recruitment, retention, and development strategies in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 19-01. The VERG assists state agencies in support of existing state employees who have served as members and spouses of members of the armed forces through recognition, resource identification, and mentorship.

Goals

• Recruit veterans to state service through outreach and educational activities.
• Retain veterans by providing a support structure, education, and career progression assistance
• Recognize veterans by planning annual activities that honor their military and state service.

Veteran Spotlights

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Name:  Patrick Sutten

Job Title:  Staffing Consultant/Military Liaison (HRC4)

Agency:  Department of Revenue

How long have you been with the State?  Almost 5 years

In what branch of the military did you serve and what was your rank?   Army/Sergeant First Class

Where did you serve? Basic Training - Fort Dix, New Jersey, Advanced Individual Training - Fort Belvoir, Virginia, HHC 557^th USAFAD - Herborn-Seelbach, Germany, HHC 2-60 Infantry – Fort Lewis, Washington, 6^th Military Police Company - Munster-Deiberg, Germany, HHB 3-11 Field Artillery – Fort Lewis, Washington, Albany Recruiting Station - Albany, Oregon, Eureka Recruiting Station – Eureka, California, Eastport Recruiting Station – Portland, Oregon, Vancouver Recruiting Company – Vancouver, Washington. 

How long? 20 Years

Why did you join? I wanted to experience the world while I figured out my future, but most of all, I wanted to serve my country.

What was your most memorable experience while serving? Getting married one day and the next leaving for National Training Center, CA. What a honeymoon!

What was the biggest challenge? I would have to say leaving the Army. I believe it’s harder to transition out than to transition in.

How did serving in the military benefit you personally/professionally? The Army challenges you in every aspect professionally and personally. The situations you’re exposed to impact the way you react with family, friends, and others. My initial intention joining the Army was to gain experience and money for college but, after a twenty year career I consider it one of the best life choices I have made. 

What was the toughest part of transitioning from military service to working as a civilian? Adjusting to the pace outside the Army was the most difficult. If I wanted something to happen, it was done quickly. 

How do you think veterans can best be helped to translate skills or duties learned in the military to a civilian job? The military is the best kept secret in the workforce today. Understanding most prior service men and women possess the traits and skills that normally can’t be taught at any school. Veterans don’t realize that coupled with an education and their training, they’re exactly what public and private employers are seeking. Translating those skills in an appealing way is the key to landing the perfect job.