Unfair Government Service

[jon lynn]

As most of you know by now I work for the PX system, and I earn a whopping $7.80 an hour, and am allowed only 35 hours a week, in Germany. I keep applying for GS (Government Service) jobs, usually in the WG (Wage Grade) areas.

BUT!!!! I learned that Veterans Preference is NO HELP AT ALL.
Under any circumstance, a DEPENDENT of any active military member has automatic selection over persons with any preference or work experience.

A woman I know (very nice and sweet girl) fresh out of high school, just turned 19, got the job I applied for in Postal Delivery. She barely has a basic Class III license (regular car). I have a Class III & a Class II (with a 'T' endorsement for 7.5 metric tons and higher, and three axils).

I have 10 years active duty, Desert Storm, real world Border duty during the Cold War days. Maintained a SECRET clerance for the whole time, no Article 15's, and a real honest to gosh HONORABLE DISCHARGE, and a 10% service connected disability.

I realize saving money is big these days, but I felt like someone took a wiz on me.

And it was not much better in the US last year.

I am not special, but the hot shots in DC are always going to the extreme, always announcing the "Care for our nation’s vets..." but it is such a crock. I fear I may have to go back to work for the Germans, and God knows I really don't want to do that.

Being close to elections, would it do me one bit of good to write my Congress and Senate reps? Probably not.

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Jon Lynn thanks first of all for all the services you have provided for everyone....
Have been there and done that with the politics..they make it look good on paper and in the media headlines..(things like tax breaks) is a catch somewhere to get it so most people don't qualify but the gov pats itself on the back and make it look good because they offer it....but when things cool down and no one is looking anymore...go right back to the 'is who you know'..now in my case I knew quite a few of the right people 'eek eek eek' but it came down to the "hire of family first"..the general public is satisfied with what they see on paper but never follow up with what they do....say is the way of the lands
It never hurts to contact your Congress and Senate reps...squeak wheel does get the grease...eek eek eek...again in my case, the grease was located in another part of the state and I couldn't move at that time...just bought a house here a month prior.
It will work out in the end so squeak...When I lived in Germany the money exchange was great and my wife and I lived good but I bet it is tough now...GL.

[fabsroman]

I truly believe that it isn't what you know that gets you a job, but who you know.

Sorry to hear about your bad luck Jon, but just keep on trying. Eventually, lady luck with smile on you, but you have to keep trying.

[Valigator]

Hey guy, sorry about what happened...I am not at all familiar with the public sector of doing business.....I was under the impression your time in is what moved you along.....guess another idealism is shot to hell uh? we love ya and we all want the best for ya....as someone said the squeaky wheel gets the grease, make noise...and good luck

[jon lynn]

You guys are by far the best. No one responds the way you do, and you make me feel good, I couldn't imagine going on line with out knowing I can drop the weights from my shoulders.

From my move to the US (to the Great states of Oklahoma and Texas) and back to here, you guys truly touch me, I truly privliged to know you guys are there. Having never met me in person, but always being supporting, I write this with the most sincere thoughts;

"Bless you all" You truly prove that compassion in Americas, and our other friends on this rock we call home, is a place for friends, and strangers are just friends we haven't met yet.

You guys ROCK!:D

[Valigator]

We all love you Jon Lynn your a good man and it comes thru very clear here,,,our hearts will always be with you.....

[wrenchman]

jon i am sorry to hear of your problim is there no one to bring this up to local ?
I have seen the military preference at work here in mi the county hires them first when they are hireing and there time in the service counts for retiremint as well as the county has one of the best of the 401 programs i have seen.
I have tryed to get in the county a couple times and each time the job went to former service member and i have no problim with it.

[Dom]

Hey Jon, hang in there and keep applying. It hinges on the referral list -- if they run thru them all and no takers, you're up.

I know, I know, a pain. Also, did you know that retired military are treated like a 17 yr old off the street? At least you got some years in you can buy back if you can get in the system, plus get over the 3 yr point of 4 hrs a pay pd for AL and jump to at least 6 a ppd.

And last but not least, a lot of it is who you know, so try and keep some connections !! Waidmannsheil, Dom.