Veterans ERG (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 is currently working on a self-identification campaign for veterans at the Lab.

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.

For additional resources, take a look at the VA suicide prevention website.

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

Past News & Events

Veterans Day - November 11, 2020

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.

2020 Accomplishments

  • Attended the Student Veterans of America Conference in January 2020

  • Participated in National Labs ERG leadership summit at LLNL.

  • Designed new "Challenge Coins" to promote self-ID efforts and build VERG branding efforts.

  • Co-hosted second annual Veteran Outreach & Hiring Symposium.

  • Worked with creative services to design a new logo

  • Elected new co-chair: Michael Batie.

  • Partnered with Strategic Communications on Elements article to mark Memorial Day

Co-Chairs

  • Jason Bush, Information Technology - mjasonbush@lbl.gov

  • Abiola Ashorobi, Interim Co-Chair, Senior Export Compliance Analyst, atashorobi@lbl.gov

  • Chair Emeritus: Rich Celestre - rscelestre@lbl.gov

Sub-committees

  • Veteran's Outreach - Alexandra Degg - ADegg@lbl.gov

  • Networking

  • Retention

Executive Sponsor

Minh Huebner, Chief Financial Officer

Minh Huebner has been with the Lab since 2004 and is currently the Lab’s Chief Financial Officer. She recently added another responsibility; that of the sponsor of the Lab’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. Minh did not serve in the military, but she is grateful to those who did since they changed her life. Read the full interview>>

Contact Information

Become an ERG Member