Veterans in Pike County now have a valuable free resource available through the Troy Career Center that will help them find employment, receive training and gain access to other valuable support services.

That’s the message that Dan Perkins, Disabled Veterans Outreach Coordinator with the Dothan Career Center, brought to the Brundidge Rotary Club Wednesday.

Perkins said the DAV outreach services are now available from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Troy Career Center.

Perkins, an Army veteran, said he is familiar with the issues facing veterans in returning to the civilian workforce and can assist veterans who are searching for work in a number of different ways.

“After 22 years in the Army where I served as a drill sergeant, I went through vocational rehabilitation with Veterans Affairs and got to experience, first-hand, the process of transitioning to civilian life,” Perkins said. “I’m thankful that I now have the opportunity to be of service to other veterans.”

Perkins said one of the first things he does with his clients is an individual assessment to define the client’s marketable skills and to, then, find a line of work to match those skills.

He also helps clients update their resumes and register on the state’s free online jobs database to see if there are any potential openings.

“Some clients may be able to receive assistance through programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or on-the-job training,” Perkins said. “I’ll work with the clients and do all that I can to help them find a job. I can also assist qualifying veterans in getting food stamps and unemployment compensation. I want to help our veterans get back on their feet.”

Perkins encourages veterans who are seeking employment and need assistance in finding a job to meet with him at the Troy Career Center, 1023 South Brundidge Street in Troy on Fridays. Perkins may be contacted at the Career Center by calling 334-566-3920.