The Work for
Warriors program has placed over 2,400 guardsmen in jobs, reducing
unemployment in the Guard by 25 percent. The success of the program has
driven its expansion into all services. California’s success now serves as a
model for other states.
Cook said, “The Work for Warriors program in
California has been hugely successful and cost effective. I hope
this legislation will replicate the success we’ve had in California. Federal
job placement programs often cost ten times more than what we’re attempting
here. I’m optimistic that this nationwide pilot program can be just as
effective at helping to put our service members back to work.
I want to thank Rep. Aguilar for joining with
me in recognizing the critical need for this program and helping to ensure
its inclusion in this year’s NDAA. I also want to thank Rep. Takano (D-CA)
and Rep. Mulvaney (R-SC) for their leadership in introducing the original
legislation with me earlier this year.”
Rep. Cook co-founded the Work for Warriors Caucus in the 113th Congress and
serves on the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Vice-Chair of the
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs
Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as
a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded
the Bronze Star and two Purple Heart