OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Barracks is an organization committed to helping veterans by providing basic computer training, temporary housing, nutrition classes, games and more.
Veterans like Ray Blanton have learned all the computer and job skills they need to now provide more resources to other veterans.
"If it weren't for these guys here at 'The Barracks' who have already been through the system and could navigate me through it, I would still be struggling," Blanton said.
He says when vets return home, resumes and applications have changed and many don't know if they qualify for basic jobs, creating a problem for veterans who don't know what employers are looking for.
"I grew up in an environment where technology was just emerging," Blanton said. "We had high-tech stuff, high-tech tools, but with evolution of technology, everything has changed so much in the last 20 years."
The founder and director of the organization, Victor Lezama, has had help from the community.
"Our goal is to be ready to provide all the resources a veteran would need to find a job," Lezama said.
He says he hopes to have everything a veteran would need in one place, including a fresh haircut the day before their interview.
"If they can't afford a suit or a dress, we dress them for their interview," Lezama explains. "On top of that, providing any kind of resume classes as well."
They haven’t opened the facility yet, but they are still helping veterans if need be.
The plan is to have a grand opening in about five weeks.
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