Brian Thomas, the bank’s president and CEO
Frank Vitale, Vet-Turned-Banker
Profile: Connections Count “We are a virtual-based resource that connects military veterans and their families with employment, education and healthcare services,” says Vitale. “Additionally, we bring a great deal of attention to the needs of veterans as we advocate for them and their needs.” According to Vitale, the impetus for the website came from the military’s top brass. “Admiral Mike Mullen – the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – visited Morgantown during his 2010 ‘Town Hall’ tour,” he says. “The admiral challenged the community to develop a grassroots effort to support returning veterans and their families, particularly in the areas of education, employment and healthcare.” “Following the historical visit, my three partners -- Delbert Royce, a managing executive at Blaine Turner Advertising, Mark Carter, a vice president at hydraulic equipment manufacturer Swanson Industries, and Ken Busz, president of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce -- visited the Pentagon at the invitation of the Joint Staff and began to develop the plan for what would become VetConnection.” In addition to dozens of education and healthcare connections, the website provides 180 links to employment resources, ranging from direct job offers to resumé-writing tips. Among the employment offers, the oil and gas industry is particularly well-represented. “Oil and gas needs aggressive, hardworking and, particularly, young people. It’s a great match for returning veterans,” says Vitale One reason is that younger veterans are highly motivated to seek employment opportunities after separation from the military. “The quicker they get into the workforce, the more successful they tend to be,” says Vitale. “With jobs, they’re much more likely to assimilate into civilian life and steer clear of alcohol and drug abuse. Jobs mean community. A job provides purpose and keeps vets from becoming too isolated and introspective.”
22 | Veterans Opportunity
Says Vet-Turned-Banker Frank Vitale
“Only 42% of eligible veterans use VA benefits,” claims Vitale. “When veterans separate, they want to be done with the military even though there are benefits to utilize.” Many veterans prefer the local community for jobs and support. “They want to really disconnect from the government,” says Vitale. That makes civilian organizations like Veterans Opportunity Network and VetConnection.org so important. “Vets are more open to seeking our services,” explains Vitale. Response to the VetConnection website, in fact, has been quite positive, according to the bank executive. “Veterans and their families are very appreciative and value the support.” Still, the site’s greatest success might be its ability to ignite the community’s passion and purpose to help veterans integrate into civilian life. Summing up, Vitale says: “We’ve brought a sense of awareness, an urgency to ‘do something big’ and give back to those that have themselves given so much. Our Morgantown community, West Virginia University and our partners have all answered the call to make life better for military veterans and their families.”
Frank Vitale Seven years ago, two century-old West Virginia financial institutions joined forces to become Clear Mountain Bank. The benefit of combined force strength is something Frank Vitale, Clear Mountain’s senior vice president, knows from his 17-year military career. Vitale, together with other Morgantown area business luminaries, recently established VetConnection.org, a website serving West Virginia veterans.
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