Airmen and soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord transitioning
to civilian jobs receive more than $5.5M in funding from US Labor Department

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,586,385 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 900 transitioning military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military base on the West Coast, located in Fort Lewis, Washington.

"The Department of Labor, industry partners, educators and workforce professionals at the local level have made it our common mission to help our veterans transition successfully from military service to civilian life," said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "This federal grant will provide military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the employment services, support and training they need at this crucial time."

Awarded to the Pacific Mountain Workforce Consortium, this grant will be operated by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council. It will provide these transitioning military personnel with case management, supportive services and training in order to help them apply the sought-after skills they acquired through military service in the civilian workforce.

Of the $5,586,385 announced today, $2,888,266 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.

Editor's Note: Acting Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow's radio actuality on National Emergency Grants is available for public use.