Washington, DC - U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James today announced that OPM will sponsor a Veteran Employment Symposium on May 26, 2004 at the Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, D. C.

The Veteran Employment Symposium will feature training sessions on veterans' preference and other special hiring authorities affecting veterans. The symposium is a key component of OPM's Veteran Invitational Program (VIP), which is an educational and recruitment strategy designed to increase the employment of veterans in the Federal civil service.

"It is essential the front line of the Federal hiring process understand the importance of veterans' preference. We must make sure those responsible for implementing it have the tools and knowledge necessary to make the right decisions," said James. "Veterans' preference is a right that was secured by the sacrifices and selfless contributions of those who served in our Armed Forces and we will honor that sacred trust."

The symposium will also highlight current programs in Government for veterans' employment and describe ways veteran employment initiatives should link to workforce planning strategies. The symposium is targeted at human capital leaders, HR specialists, program managers and other selecting officials in the Federal government.

OPM has aggressively reached out to veterans through the VIP, which was launched in August 2003, and has distributed informational brochures and posters designed to raise the level of awareness among separating soldiers from the U. S. Armed Services to all major Veteran Service Organizations and military separation offices throughout the country.

Additional information about the symposium can be obtained from OPM Veteran Liaison Tracy Underwood at (202) 606-2409.  Federal HR personnel who would like to register for the symposium may contact Ursula Jackson at (703) 934-3704.