On Friday, the Labor Department released a report showing unemployment falling for the fifth straight month.

However, veterans are continuing to have a tough time finding work.

Over the last year, Virginia Employment Commission officials say more than 2,500 veterans have come in looking for help finding a job in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Page County alone.

However, those veterans are getting help.

Christopher Walker, who once served overseas, runs programs at the VEC offices in Harrisonburg specifically made for veterans.

He says services like the Transition Assistance Program are growing, and veterans can get help putting resumes together, preparing for interviews, and finding job openings.

Walker says those men and women have already done so much, and now it's time to help them.

"We can tell them we appreciate the work they've done, not only by a handshake or a hug, but by telling them there's employers who understand and appreciate their sacrifice," he explained. "They understand and appreciate the education they've learned through the military. We can put them back to work and show the whole world how good and qualified our veterans are."

Walker says there's also a service called the "Gold Card", which helps post-9/11 veterans.

Not enough veterans are taking advantage of it though, and for more information on the program, click the link at the bottom of the page.

Gold Card Program for Veterans

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