Letter of the Week: Hey, I’m hiring

For Veterans Day: U.S. recruits

I am one of the top employers in Kansas and Missouri. During the last school year, I hired 767 high school graduates and 73 college degree holders.

These 840 young people committed to work for my department for three to six years. They are part of a small percentage of young Americans who qualify to be part of our team.

My employer offers full health care, tax-free allowances for living expenses and work locations around the world. There are 151 jobs available in 25 career fields. We are continuously hiring, despite news coverage that makes people think otherwise.

The vast majority of these 840 young men and women are starting their first full-time jobs — with competitive pay and benefits. If they leave the Army without retiring, they will have tens of thousands of dollars to use for college, the eligibility to buy a home with no down payment and other benefits due to U.S. veterans.

Lt. Col. Dean Somers, of Leavenworth, has been commander of the Kansas City U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion since June 2013. He is a 25-year Army veteran.

This story was originally published November 9, 2014 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Letter of the Week: Hey, I’m hiring."