Company / Responsibility
Vets @ Work
At KKR, we want to put veterans to work. Veterans have many of the most sought-after qualities employers look for, including a strong work ethic, a commitment to teamwork and strong leadership skills. However, many veterans returning from service, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, are unaccustomed to the civilian hiring process, and many human resources professionals are unfamiliar with non-combat military career experience. Therefore, many of these well-qualified men and women are finding themselves at a competitive disadvantage when they look for civilian employment in today’s difficult economy.
Unemployment in the United States is high, yet the rate among veterans is even higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the national unemployment rate dropped slightly in October, from 9.1 percent to 9 percent, unemployment among men and women veterans who served in the post-9/11 era actually increased, from 11.7 percent to 12.1 percent. Moreover, a BLS study released in March 2010 showed that in 2010 the unemployment rate for veterans aged 18-24 remained persistently higher than the national average, at 20.9 percent. Furthermore, BLS estimates that 27 percent of all veterans aged 20-24 are unemployed.
Led by a group of veterans within the Firm, Vets @ Work is KKR’s effort to promote the hiring of veterans across KKR’s portfolio of private equity companies. Several companies in KKR’s portfolio have well-established programs that have received national recognition. For example, Dollar General is deeply committed to supporting veterans, active military, and their families. As of November 2010, Dollar General employs more than 3,500 veterans and more than 100 National Guard and Reserve members. For their efforts, Dollar General won the 2010 “Freedom Award” from the Department of Defense for employers’ support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Other KKR private equity portfolio companies with strong military hiring programs include Accellent, First Data, Eastman Kodak, Legg Mason, Toys 'R Us, and US Foods.
At KKR, we take great pride in partnering with great portfolio companies—and they are the real champions in this effort. We are drawing from the experiences of our portfolio companies with the goal of increasing the number of veterans employed by across the KKR private equity portfolio.
Read the press release "KKR Accouncements Vets @ Work"
Vets @ KKR
Todd Cooper
Branch: US Army, Corps of Engineers
Highest Rank Achieved: Captain
Service: 1991-1996
Military Experience: Todd served as an Engineer officer in a number of leadership roles, including supporting Haitian reconstruction efforts.
KKR: KKR Capstone
Scott Cullerton
Branch: US Navy, Surface Warfare Officer / Special Boat Unit
Highest Rank Achieved: Lieutenant
Service: 1998-2002
Military Experience: Scott was twice deployed to the Persian Gulf where he conducted Maritime Interdiction Operations from the USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in support of the United Nations' Oil-for-Food Program with Iraq and conducted Special Boat Unit operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
KKR: KKR Asset Management (Mezzanine Team)
Chris Hsu
Branch: US Army, Armor officer
Highest Rank Achieved: Captain
Service: 1992-1998
Military Experience: Chris was a M1A1 Abrams tank officer, Army Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault and received the Meritorious Service Medal.
KKR: KKR Capstone
Joe Pagano
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps 1972-1977 / U.S. Army 1979-1983
Highest Rank Achieved: Sergeant E-6
Military Experience: Joe served as a Marine in support of Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind during the final days of the Vietnam War from 1972-1977. He also served in the Army as a miliary advisor in Jordan from 1979-1983.
KKR: Security Professional
Paul E. Raether
Branch: US Navy
Highest Rank Achieved: Lieutenant (junior grade)
Service: 1968-1971
Military Experience: Paul was a Deck Officer on various ships and served in the combat zone in the Vietnam War.
KKR: Private Equity, Head of Portfolio Management Committee, Member of Management Committee and Investment Committee.
Michaelangelo Robles
Branch: Marine Corps.
Highest Rank Achieved: Corporal
Service: 1988-1992
Military Experience: Mike served as a Field Wireman in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing Joint Services Communications Support in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
KKR: Information Technology
Steve Schepps
Branch: US Air Force
Highest Rank Achieved: Captain
Service: 1987-1996
Military Experience: Steve was a C-141 Aircraft Commander, a T-1 Instructor Pilot, and an Airlift Control Squadron Operations Officer. During his time of service he flew missions in support of combat operations during both Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm.
KKR: KKR Capstone
Resources and Useful Links
Accellent
Launched a “Military Friendly” Hiring initiative, including a new training initiative to better identify talent when reviewing a military resume.
Dollar General
Recently announced as a finalist for the US Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring our Heroes” award (winner to be announced November 10). “Hiring our Heroes” is a year-long nationwide effort, sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce to help veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment.
Eastman Kodak
Participated in September 12th Virtual Military Recruitment Fair – “Milicruit” and currently runs an internal group called VETNET, an association of Kodak employees, veterans and members of the community, offering resources for veterans, their families and supporters, that encourages employee support of veterans' issues and involvement in community projects.
First Data
Launched an internal training program to help recruiters better decipher military resumes and continue to attend veteran and military career fairs in the locations with large employee populations, such as Omaha, New York and Denver.
HCA
Launched an internal veteran-focused hiring program to help managers and recruiters understand military experience to match veteran applicants to job opportunities at HCA. Serves on the Veterans Employment Advisory Council (VEAC) for the US Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring our Heroes” program. Participating in numerous job fairs for veterans this year.
Legg Mason
Legg Mason provides special consderation for military candidates and support for actively deployed employees.
Toys 'R Us
Attended multiple recruiting events, including four “Hiring our Heroes” events since June – scheduled to attend five more events through the end of the year.
US Foods
Helped build rewarding careers for veterans by partnering with Recruit Military and establishing relationships with local Veteran Employment and Disabled Veterans Outreach Representatives at local State Workforce Centers. Other partnerships include Catholic Charities Veterans Employment Service, American GI Forum, and Goodwill Industries of Houston Veteran’s Outreach & Employment Services, National Guard Job Connection Education Program (JCEP), and Nellis Air Force Base. US Foods is also proud to serve more than 200 military related customers and base installations across the country.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The US Chamber of Commerce lauched its Hiring our Heroes program to help veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment.
The Value of a Veteran
The Value Of a Veteran is a woman-owned, veteran-owned consulting service that specializes in educating HR and diversity professionals on the best practices for finding, recruiting, and retaining military service members and veterans with disabilities.
Veterans on Wall Street
Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) is an initiative dedicated to honoring former military personnel and employees currently in the National Guard and Reserve by facilitating career and business opportunities in the financial services industry.
