Governor Branstad encouraged Iowans to take part in a new Google venture paying tribute to and thanking members of our armed services. He has uploaded a video wishing the troops a happy holiday and safe return home.
Monday morning, Google representatives Robert Haus, James Wilt and Harry Wingo were at the VFW in Clear Lake. They gave a presentation on Google’s new website, googleforveterans.com. “We provide the tool, individual veterans need to go out and help each other to provide the content,” said Wilt, who is still in active duty, but is on a fellowship with Google.
“These tools were made by some veterans, family of veterans and friends who work at Google. We understand the challenges of serving, coming home and transitioning to civilian life. We’ve been there. Some of us are still figuring it out. Here are some free Google products we’ve gathered together that have made our lives easier. Hopefully, they can do the same for you.”
Wingo, a former Navy Seal, said, “The website, From our Veteran Comunity to Yours, is made to thank the troops, but not only the troops, their families too. It’s tough coming back, roles change. This is an inspiration project. Make it fun for the whole family.”
The site has Google Veterans Channel. This is where veterans can hear about other veterans’ transition experiences, and share tips of their own. The 3D Tour Builder will pinpoint every location the veteran was in the military. It creates a record of their service by mapping the locations they visited. Vet Connect, will help them find other veterans that they might have served with and connect with them on Google+. There is also a Resume Builder step-by-step tool. It will help create a professional-looking resume in a flash. Anyone can use it, family of military or civilians, because it’s free.
House of Representative, Steve King, was scheduled to be in Clear Lake, but couldn’t make it. He did make a video for everyone to see. “Google has made it possible for veterans coming home to make the transition easier. Easier to find jobs and to communicate.”
“Some veterans would just like to reach out to somebody, feel like they can help or get help from others. It’s about veterans connecting, getting a support group, that’s the power of the interne t. Sometimes, just making it through the day,” says Wingo, about how this site can help veterans in many ways.
Robert Haus, from Des Moines and with Google says, “The tech support is very involved. This tool is going to expand for many generations, over many different wars. It was set to be very easy use , but if you run into trouble, there is help available, along with it being free.”
Watch video:
