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.

Representatives from the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) raised a banner in celebration of Memorial Day along the entrance road to the lab near Blackberry Gate on May 23, 2022.

(left to right) Janie Pinterits, Kevin Nguy, Chris Harwood, Abiola Ashorobi, Stephany Tone, Minh Huebner, Stan Tuhosky

Berkeley Lab Veterans
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.

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.

2021 Accomplishments

  • Initiated a Career Development Committee

  • Sponsored an ERIP workshop for members

  • Updated the VERG website to include community resources for outreach/employee well being and community involvement opportunities

  • Veteran recruiting outreach committee to educate veterans on using the ERIP and social media to advertise openings at the Lab

  • Marked Veterans Day with a fireside chat about the veteran experience.

  • Launched a veterans self-identification video and campaign.

  • Elected new co-chair: Kevin Nguy.

Co-Chairs

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