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44 www.army.mil/publications Reserve, but we also want to get you a civilian skill set at the same time, so what I want is a successfully employed Army Reserve Soldier,” said Stultz. “What I don’t need is an unemployed Reserve Soldier, because what he makes on his weekend drill pay is not going to pay the rent.” When the Army Reserve first looked into the viability of the partner- ship, leadership looked at where the biggest opportunities and needs were in the civilian sector and matched them with the Reserve’s needs. The civilian opportunities that popped right up were law enforcement, medical tech- nology and long-haul trucking. “The American Trucking Associa- tion told us they had an aging work- force that they were going to have to replace and that they already had a lot of shortages in finding qualified drivers, so we thought we could help where we share the same skill sets,” Stultz said. “We already have those skills in our force; we have transportation units, medical units and military police units.” The general pointed out that Conway Freight, a partner in Ann Arbor, Mich., visited a Reserve unit several months ago looking for drivers and hired six Soldiers on the spot to fill some immediate needs. “So, from the standpoint of the Soldiers, they’re very excited and happy and saying it’s because the Army Re- serve just helped them get better jobs,” Stultz said. “And, Conway, they’re very excited because they’re saying, ‘Hey, the Army Reserve just helped us fill some needs,’ so this is a win-win situation for both of us.” Shortly after INOVA Health System signed on, the word was out and other organizations and businesses started calling, waving their hands and wondering if they too could partici- pate, Stultz said. J.B. Hunt and Snyder Trucking have signed on, as have IBM, GE, Sears, ExxonMobil, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and the Washington Metro Police. “When I’ve talked to some of these CEOs and vice presidents they’ll tell you they employ a lot of veterans and they employ a lot of Reserve Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines because of their integrity and work ethic,” Stultz said. “Veterans and Reservists under- stand teamwork and leadership; they understand followership; they show up on time and they take responsibility.” Stultz relayed a story about a con- “We want you to join the Army Reserve, but we also want to get you a civilian skill set at the same time, so what I want is a successfully employed Army Reserve Soldier.” Staff Sgt. Ron Burrous, with the Army Reserve's 688th Engineer Company, replaces a leaf spring on a vehicle at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Oct. 21, 2008. Burrous is working with the Mississippi National Guard's 890th Engineer Battalion. Through the Employer Partnership Initiative, reservists can receive valuable Soldier training and gain a civilian skill. 44 www.army.mil/publications