$4.7 Million awarded to local veterans transitioning out of the military

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A $4.7 million reward was given to Workforce Solutions Borderplex to help transition local veterans from military life to civilian life.

"Our military service members are incredible. They develop really amazing talents during the duration of their service in the military. But many of them, as they transition out of the military and into civilian life, there is some anxiety there about a new life, a new profession, finding a job that adequately provides for their skill set," said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.

The $4.7 million was given by the Department of Labor to train transitioning military members and their spouses for life after their service.

"You go in the military thinking that you can do 20 years. Right. And then for unfortunate circumstances, you can't really prepare for the future. And then you sit and one day before separating you're like where do I go from here," said retired Army veteran Abimael Sanchez-Cruz.

"It's an important investment in our exiting service members, making sure that we keep them here as they become veterans and civilians, but also helping them fill key roles in the industry where we need them," said Escobar.

The grant will enroll at least 200 participants a year for two years. Transitioning military members into training courses for high-demand occupations in the region such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and IT.

"This program, what it showed me was, is that not only do I have the skills from the Army, but I can add skills to what I currently have," said Sanchez-Cruz.

Fort Bliss serves as the second-largest military installation in the country.