Iraq veterans Alan Nudo (left) and Marco Concepcion are training as carpenters. Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle / SF Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Veterans-are-good-for-business-4024221.php#ixzz2COBjYjSx

http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Veterans-are-good-for-business-4024221.php#ixzz2BmEehIYj  Quote from this website…

Veterans are good for business

JOBS

Michael Bleckerea

Updated 4:07 p.m., Friday, November 9, 2012

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Veterans-are-good-for-business-4024221.php#ixzz2COC39DTL

“Employers are hesitant to hire veterans for reasons both real and perceived. Yes, many of today’s veterans have done multiple combat tours and carry trauma with them beyond the battlefield. But veterans are by no means the only population dealing with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The truth?
— 26 percent of veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD or other mental health conditions, according to the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
— 26 percent of Americans have a diagnosable mental health condition, including anxiety, mood disorder, impulse control or substance abuse disorder, according to the National Comorbidity Survey.”

Employers who hesitate to hire veterans who served in combat should take note!   I spent many years as a business leader in the information technology sector.  My own success is attributed in a major way for having “hyper vigilance”http://ptsd.about.com/od/glossary/g/hypervigilance.htm and a sense of urgency about getting results.  The laser like focus was a gift, but also a result of the symptoms of PTSD.  I channeled the energy that comes from being “on edge” all the time to motivating employees and building strong relationships with customers.