Washington, DC - U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today announced OPM will be establishing a satellite veteran outreach office at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The office will provide employment information and services to support service men and women who wish to transition to the Federal civil service.

"By establishing this office at Walter Reed, we launch a permanent and consistent presence of the Veteran Invitational Program at a place where we can really do some good," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "America's civil service has an inherent duty to afford veterans' preference in the hiring process. It is my duty to ensure veterans are educated about their rights and veterans' preference is upheld, as a matter of honor and law."

In May 2004, at the Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, Director James stated "OPM, through the Veteran Invitational Program (VIP), is continuing to reach out and communicate with veterans for the primary purpose of increasing their understanding of the opportunities awaiting them in Federal service." The VIP program was launched in August, 2003.

As part of VIP, OPM developed informational brochures and posters designed to raise the level of awareness among separating soldiers from the U. S. Armed Services. These materials were distributed to all major veteran service organizations and military separation offices throughout the country.

OPM recruitment and outreach officials conduct seminars nationwide, including a session which explains veterans' preference and veteran appointing authorities. Other seminars and workshops cover navigation of the usajobs.gov website, resume writing, interviewing skills and the Federal application process. One of the key take-home products is the OPM-produced DVD "What Veterans Need to Know About Veterans' Preference," a comprehensive 40 minute video seminar of veterans' preference rights and eligibilities.