Veterans EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP (VERG)
The purpose of the VERG is to enhance the work environment at Berkeley Lab for veteran employees and job seekers. Our goal is to promote an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, identify and address emerging issues or challenges such as veteran recruitment and retention, increase the visibility and value of veterans’ skills in the workplace among management and staff, provide guidance for institutional processes and programs, enhance policies of non-discrimination, and recognize achievements impacting our community. The group is open to all employees, including veterans and civilians. VERG has recently updated our self-identification campaign for veterans at the Lab to align with UC Path. We encourage you to self identify.
Berkeley Lab Veterans
Self-ID
Self-ID
Resources
Covid Vaccines
The Northern California and the Palo Alto VA systems have opened eligibility for Covid 19 vaccinations to all enrolled veterans and their registered caregivers. Veterans who have not yet enrolled in the VA healthcare system can find the information to get enrolled on these links:
Mental Health Support
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with a qualified Veterans Crisis Line responder for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
Call 800-273-8255, then select 1.
Text 838255.
If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889.
For additional resources, take a look at the VA suicide prevention website.
Other Resources
AARP - 43% discount for Veterans
Activities
Enhance external outreach and recruitment efforts for veterans
Attend HR/VERG Recruitment Summit
Create publicly available Veteran-centered webpage
Arrange general interest military speaker for Veteran’s Day
Promote Veteran’s Self Identification via Employee Self Service
Veteran Recruiting & Hiring Programs
Berkeley Lab's Talent Outreach Program Manager works with several veteran focused fellowship, internship and hiring programs. Learn more on the Recruiting Website.
2022 Accomplishments
Coordinated with All Access ERG to have a guest speaker present on mental health and PTSD.
Attended Veterans in State Workforce Conference, broadening perspective and learning about valuable resources available to Veterans.
Held social events: Warriors Basketball California Classic & San Jose Sharks Veterans Night.
Voted and onboarded Kevin Nguy as co-chair.
Started a campaign to get to know each other better with “Sea Stories.”
Improved communications with assistance of Suzanne Budd. Three VERG Elements Articles were posted.
Created a new role of Communications Officer with Valerie Jackson-Manuel.
Created a standard welcome letter for new VERG members.
Co-Chairs
Stephany Tone, Co-Chair, Physical Sciences, stone@lbl.gov
Kevin Nguy, Co-Chair, Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division, kdnguy@lbl.gov
Valerie Jackson-Manuel, Communications Officer
Alexandra Degg, Veteran's Outreach, Sr. HR Division Partner, JBEI
Chair Emeritus: Jason Bush, Information Technology - mjasonbush@lbl.gov
Sub-committees
Veteran's Outreach - Alexandra Degg - ADegg@lbl.gov
Networking
Retention
Executive Sponsor
David Von Damm, Division Director Security and Emergency Services, dvondamm@lbl.gov
Contact Information
Stephany Tone, Co-Chair, Physical Sciences, stone@lbl.gov
Kevin Nguy, Co-Chair, Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division, kdnguy@lbl.gov