New Dubuque Organization Aims to Connect Veterans and Employers

Dubuque is set to witness the launch of a promising initiative – the Tri-State Veterans Network. In a recent interview, Jordan Larkin, a member of the organization, shed light on the network's mission and its inaugural event scheduled for Thursday, January 25th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Dimensional Brewing. Check out our full interview below.

The Tri-State Veterans Network aims to create a platform for veterans, both employed and unemployed, along with their family members, to connect, share experiences, and explore employment opportunities in the local area. This particular meeting will be informal in nature, providing a relaxed environment with food and drinks, including sponsorship from John Deere Dubuque Works MERG.

The organization's primary focus is to facilitate employment conversations, acting as a bridge between veterans seeking opportunities and employers looking to tap into the unique skill set of veterans. Future meetings hope to bring together professionals from various sectors and create an avenue for networking and collaboration.

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To get involved, interested individuals can connect with the Tri-State Veterans Network on LinkedIn and Facebook, where they have been active for the past few weeks. The organization encourages anyone, veteran or not, to attend the meetings, fostering a supportive community that is dedicated to helping veterans find meaningful employment and take the next steps after combat or active duty.

Looking ahead, the Tri-State Veterans Network aims to follow in the footsteps of successful veteran networking groups like the Quad Cities, with a vision to grow steadily over the next five to ten years. The key individuals spearheading this initiative are Jonathan Edgars from John Deere and Rick Ernst from the University of Dubuque, both committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Tri-state community veterans.

As Dubuque boasts a vibrant veteran community, the Tri-State Veterans Network is open to collaboration with other veteran-based organizations and welcomes participation from entities like the VFC and organizations like Iowa Works. The goal is to create a united front, supporting veterans in their pursuit of employment and offering valuable resources for a successful transition to civilian life.

The Tri-State Veterans Network represents an additional beacon of support for veterans in the Dubuque area, fostering connections and creating opportunities for employment and friendships. With its first meeting just around the corner, the organization looks forward to building a strong community committed to the well-being and success of our local Tri-State veterans.