(WLUK) — Veterans in Brown County are getting a hand finding employment after their time in the Army comes to an end.

During a ceremony Tuesday, County Executive Troy Streckenbach signed an agreement that will allow Brown County to become a member of the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success Program (PaYS).

This nationwide initiative helps soldiers and ROTC cadets arrange job interviews and obtain employment following their Army service. It’s a partnership between the U.S. Army; private industry, academia and businesses; and federal, state and local agencies.

“Brown County is always proud to support our military and veteran community with this agreement that benefits everyone,” says Streckenbach in a news release. “The PaYS program helps connect jobs with Brown County’s 30 different departments with soldiers looking for gainful employment upon return home from active duty, while the civilian workforce adds valuable professional and technical skills, experience, and leadership.”

Soldiers sign what’s called a Statement of Understanding and register for PaYS during the enlistment process, prior to their training ship date. Soldiers then select PaYS partners upon their transition out of the Army. PaYS partners will interview soldiers for selected positions if the soldiers receive an honorable discharge, are otherwise qualified and a job vacancy exists.

“Our recruiters have always been energized by genuine hometown pride and the support of organizations throughout Brown County, and we’re especially grateful to see that momentum extend across northeastern Wisconsin” said Lt. Col. Eliot Proctor, commander of the U.S. Army Milwaukee Recruiting Battalion, in the release.

Many communities may say they ‘support the troops,’ but partnering with the PaYS program turns that sentiment into concrete action. This collaboration underscores Brown County’s unwavering commitment to honoring the exceptional skills and qualities our U.S. Army service members bring to the civilian workforce.

As of 2024, more than 1,000 companies and public sector agencies are participating in PaYS, with over two million jobs in the database.