LANSING -- Google joined with the Michigan American Legion and Marine League and other top Veteran Service Organizations to launch the Google for Veterans and Families website in Michigan this week.
The new Google initiative - created by veterans at Google - pays tribute to veterans and active duty troops, and brings together various free communication and career tools for Veterans and their families.
"The Google for Veterans program is all about bringing the very best of what we do to the Veteran community," said Harry Wingo, Navy SEAL veteran and senior policy counsel at Google. "This single interface brings together Google products and platforms for service members and their families. It will be valuable to all veterans, whether still in the service, transitioning out, or on a new journey in their civilian lives."
Some examples of what you'll find on the site, www.googleforveterans.com, include:
•VetConnect - This tool helps servicemembers connect, communicate and share their experiences with others who have served using the Google+ platform.
•Google Veterans Channel - A YouTube channel for discussion about military service for veterans, their families and the public. Veterans can share their experiences with each other as well as with civilians to help shed light on the importance and complexity of service. If you have not served, this is a great place to offer your thanks by uploading a tribute video.
•Resume Builder powered by Google Docs - We found that Docs can be a particularly helpful tool to transitioning servicemembers seeking employment. Resume Builder generates an auto-formatted resume that can be easily edited, saved and downloaded to share with potential employers.
•Tour Builder powered by Google Earth (coming soon) - A new way to tell your military story. Today, you can view some sample "tours"- 3D maps of veterans' service histories, complete with photos and videos.
Google Veteran Harry Wingo and Google Active Duty Army Fellow Jim Wilt joined with leaders of the Michigan American Legion and Marine League and other top Veteran Service Organizations for a briefing in Lansing on the new tool earlier this week.
"We are pleased to open up more opportunities and channels of communication for Michigan Vets," said Mark Sutton, public relations director at the American Legion Department of Michigan. "Google's new web portal is another tool in our toolbox to help Michigan's servicemen and women whether they are active duty or transitioning into civilian life with their families."
Michigan citizens are encouraged to upload their tribute videos on Google's Veterans Channel at: www.youtube.com/veterans. Citizens are encouraged to choose Michigan for their video, as states are vying for the most tribute videos.
"The least we can do for our outstanding Michigan servicemen and women is to express our thanks and gratitude for all they sacrifice for us," said Jason Allen, Senior Deputy Director, State of Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. "We are pleased to work with Google to offer this great new tool to our Michigan Vets - and I encourage all citizens to visit the website and upload your tribute video."
UpNorthLive also recognizes our military members with families posting pictures of their loved ones serving our country. You can find a link to our web page by clicking here.
