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
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.
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
Abiola Ashorobi, Co-Chair, Office of Laboratory Counsel, atashorobi@lbl.gov
Kevin Nguy, Co-Chair, Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division, kdnguy@lbl.gov
Chair Emeritus: Jason Bush, Information Technology - mjasonbush@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
Jason Bush, Information Technology - mjasonbush@lbl.gov
Abiola Ashorobi, Office of Laboratory Counsel - atashorobi@lbl.gov
Kevin Nguy, Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division, kdnguy@lbl.gov