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Veterans July Unemployment Increased Slightly

Sedona AZ (August 2, 2013) – Earlier this morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Veteran unemployment data for the month of July 2013. The unemployment rate for all Veterans was 6.4 percent last month—a very slight increase from 6.3 percent in June and still one percentage point below the national average of 7.4 percent.

For post-9/11 Veterans, the rate bumped up to 7.7 percent in July, compared to 7.2 percent in June.

In the first graph, we see the monthly unemployment rate for all Veterans since January 2010. The long-term trend shows a clear decrease.

veterans 10

Because chunks of data are often better indicators of real movement, another way to view the trend is by looking at the moving (or rolling) average. Like the chart above, the chart immediately below captures 12-month averages for the periods ending each month since February 2010. What it shows is a modest decline in the unemployment rate of Veterans over the long term. The current 12-month average unemployment rate for all Veterans stands at 6.7 percent—unchanged from last month and still the lowest 12-month average unemployment rate since 2009.

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This matters because the moving 12-month average is a far more conservative measure than the month-to-month data. When we see movement in the rolling average, we are confident that there is real movement in the unemployment rate.

For post-9/11 (or Gulf War II-era) Veterans, the monthly unemployment rate increased to 7.7 percent in July. The chart below demonstrates the declining unemployment rate over time. Because the month-to-month figures for this demographic are volatile, the longer term trend is a more reliable measure that continues to show a consistent decline for over three years.

veterans 12

As we can see below, even with a one-month increase (which, again, is not a long enough period to conclude real movement), the 12-month moving average unemployment rate for post-9/11 Veterans has slightly dropped to 9.3 percent.

veterans 13

Overall, the numbers above are encouraging even as we see some short-term fluctuating numbers. But we know there is still more to be done. In this economy, too many Veterans still can’t find meaningful work, and we’re working every day to remedy that.

VA is collaborating with the White House and the Chamber of Commerce on hiring fairs across the country “Hiring Our Heroes” Program. We also urged Veterans to prepare themselves for the job market by taking advantage of programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Veterans Retraining and Assistance Program (VRAP).

Today’s numbers tell us that Veterans are finding work, but there’s still much to be done, and we can’t let up now. VA, in partnership with the White House, and private sector, remains committed to ensuring that the unemployment rate for all Veterans continues its downward path.

This SedonaEye.com article written by Alex Horton, Veterans Administration, Washington, DC.
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2 Comments

  1. The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department is accepting inscription applications for the Sedona Military Service Park. This park is located in the Jack Jamesen Park, which is at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Route 89A and Northview Drive (near Bank of America).

    To date, approximately 140 names are inscribed at the Park. Those veterans and families of veterans wishing to have their names or the names of their loved ones inscribed on the granite walls should contact Parks and Recreation at (928) 282-7098 to receive the Inscription Application. This form can also be found on the City’s at http://www.SedonaAZ.gov/Parks.

    This site clearly explains what documentation will need to be provided with the application when submitted. Physical inscriptions will take place on a quarterly or as needed basis.

    The vision of this park is to honor all brave Sedona men and women who have honorably served their country in times of peace and during war. All five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and Korean War Veterans are honored in the military park.

  2. If you’re looking for a new job or a new career, check out Veterans Administration hiring events through September below.

    August 14, 2013 – Farmingdale, NY
    August 16, 2013 – Helena, MT
    August 16, 2013 – Honolulu, HI
    August 20, 2013 – Cedar Rapids, IA
    August 20, 2013 – Nashville, TN
    August 21, 2013 – Sioux Falls, SD
    August 21, 2013 – Fort Polk, LA Military Spouse Hiring Fair
    August 22, 2013 – Devens, MA
    August 27, 2013 – Houston, TX
    August 27, 2013 – Lafayette, LA
    September 4, 2013 – Beaufort, SC
    September 5, 2013 – Wichita, KS
    September 5, 2013 – Quantico, VA Military Spouse Hiring Fair
    September 9, 2013 – West Point, NY Military Spouse Networking Event
    September 10, 2013 – Charlotte, NC
    September 10, 2013 – Peekskill (Camp Smith), NY
    September 10, 2013 – Tucson, AZ
    September 12, 2013 – Trenton, NJ
    September 12, 2013 – JBLM, WA Military Spouse Hiring Fair
    September 12, 2013 – Boise, ID
    September 12, 2013 – Provo, UT
    September 17, 2013 – Baton Rouge, LA

    September 17, 2013 – Portsmouth, NH
    September 19, 2013 – Lewiston, ME
    September 19, 2013 – Camp Pendleton, CA
    September 19, 2013 – Richmond, VA
    September 20, 2013 – Spokane, WA
    September 25, 2013 – Morgantown, WV
    September 26, 2013 – Sidney, OH
    September 26, 2013 – Cheyenne, WY

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