Rear. Adm. Chris "Tree" Sadler, Reserve deputy director, Maritime Operations U.S. Fleet Forces, visited United Parcel Service (UPS) Headquarters in Atlanta, Oct. 29, in support of Atlanta Navy Week.

During his visit, the admiral attended a presentation conducted by Patrick O'Leary, UPS' Veteran Affairs manager, which focused on the different programs UPS offers to assist service members transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce.

One of these programs is the Veteran's Initiative Program, which focuses on serving veterans by placing importance on the program's four focus areas: employment, engagement, recognition and reputation.

"Placing emphasis on these key areas helps to raise awareness on the unique experiences and strengths of America's service members and their families," said O'Leary.

Some other veterans assistance programs offered at UPS are the Heroes Corporate Fellowship Academy (HCFA) and the Veterans Business Resource Group (VBRG). The HCFA is a program that allows service members still on active duty to partner with corporations such as UPS for 13 weeks, during which time they will gain valuable corporate skills as well as certifications. The VBRG is a program that strives to combine resources and efforts of veteran and non-veteran UPS employees, so that they can engage with the larger veteran community through networking and community service.

UPS also assists veterans by donating to different foundations such as the Points of Light Foundation, Paving Access to Veteran Employment (PAVE) and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

"Employees that have served in the military have always contributed to the success of UPS," said O'Leary. "Up until four years ago, we just never had a resource that focused solely on these individuals."

The admiral praised UPS for its efforts to support veterans.

"It makes me feel very happy when I hear about big corporations like UPS offering programs specifically designed with veterans in mind" said Sadler. "Making the decision to hire a veteran is not only a win for the company, but it's also a win for our veterans as they make the transition from a military career to a civilian career."

Navy Weeks focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects, in cities that don't have a large naval presence.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), visit http://www.navy.mil/.