The 2016 DAV National Commander’s Award for the Outstanding Local Veterans Employment Representative goes to Robert Hetzel, of Temple, Texas. Hetzel is a 23-year Army veteran and is assigned to the Central Texas region, which encompasses Austin and surrounding areas. Hetzel contacted more than 192 employers to advocate for veteran job-seekers and averages 29 employment referrals each month. Last year alone, Hetzel helped nearly 100 veterans, almost half of whom are disabled, secure meaningful employment. “Robert has a very tangible passion for his work,” said McIntosh. “He has built Local Veterans Employment invaluable partnerships and networks in his region that allow him to connect with Representative employers seeking the unique talents of veterans.” Hetzel also developed six workshops, including a Public Employers Information Robert Hetzel Session for veterans given by multiple cities, counties and federal government entities regarding their employment opportunities. This provided veterans in attendance with direct access to extensive tips, information, job opportunities and guidance on the application process for each employer present. “Robert makes a real difference for disabled veterans looking for work,” said Jeff Hall, DAV National Director of Employment. “He is a staunch advocate for the capabilities veterans bring to the workforce, largely because he’s a veteran himself. We’re very proud of his noble work and honored to recognize what he does.” “ When these individuals’ alarm clocks sound and they rise for the day, they are answering the call to service and support to our nation’s veterans, and nobody did it better this year. I am truly in awe of what these motivated, hardworking professionals were able to accomplish.” —Moses A. McIntosh Jr., DAV National Commander Robert Singer, of Fredericksburg, Va., was awarded the 2016 DAV National Commander’s Award for Outstanding Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist. Singer is a disabled veteran outreach specialist with the Virginia Employment Commission. He is responsible for developing numerous unique programs designed to assist veterans in finding fulfilling employment, including a resume training aid, and is actively involved in eradicating veteran homelessness in his area. “Robert’s hardworking reputation makes him a sought-after commodity in his Disabled Veterans Outreach community, especially at military transition centers and with employers seeking Program Specialist veteran talent,” said McIntosh. The Virginia Employment Commission stated that in 2015 alone, Singer Robert Singer provided 268 veterans with nearly 3,000 documented services. “Robert has tackled issues unique to veterans head-on,” said DAV Employment Director Hall. “He serves in some capacity on just about every local or civic-related group in his community and uses this network to widen his net in the referrals and services he can provide veterans and their families.” Singer spent 30 years serving in the Marine Corps before retiring as a sergeant major. His career included two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ 17