On Thursday, a bipartisan group of state legislators from Connecticut’s Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs gathered outside the Capitol to highlight the importance of the annual “Save A Suit” drive, a vital initiative that helps veterans and transitioning service members secure professional attire for job interviews and career opportunities.
The Save A Suit nonprofit organization, in partnership with the Max Cares Foundation and the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, provides veterans with free professional clothing, including business suits, shirts, ties, and other attire, designed to help them make a positive first impression as they transition to civilian careers.
Empowering Veterans Through Professional Attire
Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton), co-chair of the Committee, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the important role professional attire plays in securing employment for veterans. “A suit can make a great first impression at a job interview, and it can open up opportunities for these veterans for financial security,” said Honig. “This is not just about clothing. This is about respect and showing our support for veterans.”
The annual drive aims to remove one of the barriers veterans face when entering the civilian workforce—employability—by providing them with the appropriate attire for interviews and professional settings. Veterans transitioning from military service often encounter financial difficulties and struggle to adapt to civilian work environments, where proper attire is often crucial.
A Growing Impact: $15,000 Raised and 15,000 Suits Collected
Since its inception, the Save A Suit drive has grown steadily, raising $15,000 and collecting 15,000 articles of professional clothing. Robert Silverburg, managing partner at Morris London, has been an advocate for the drive since its early years. Reflecting on the drive’s success, Silverburg shared how the initiative began: “It occurred to me that I work in a building full of a thousand people who wear suits every day. There’s got to be some that are available to be donated.”
He continued, “We reached out to the Max Cares Foundation and the Save A Suit people… and here we are, seven years later, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.”
The event saw dozens of donated suits displayed on tables and garment racks, with volunteers helping veterans pick up the items until the event ended at 4 p.m.
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Veterans
Rep. Jamie Foster (D-Ellington) praised the efforts of the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, citing the legislative achievements that support veterans’ employment and business opportunities. “This committee is really interested in making sure that we can address all the barriers to veterans’ employability,” Foster said. “And if you’re dressing for success as part of those barriers, we’re happy to be a part of that solution.”
Foster further explained the challenges faced by younger and middle-aged veterans as they transition into civilian jobs. Many have struggled to translate their military skills into civilian careers and often find it difficult to dress appropriately for interviews after years of wearing uniforms.
“Part of it is dressing for the job that they have. They’ve come off from a job where their uniform is determined for them,” said Foster. “But some of it is also just translating military service to civilian service. And we just hear from veterans – a lot – that that’s a challenging process.”
The Role of Community Support in Veteran Success
Rep. Hubert Delaney (D-Stamford) shared his personal experience, recalling how community support programs helped him when he returned from active duty. “It’s not so much about overwhelmingly important pieces of legislation for veterans, but ‘seemingly small moments that can have such a big impact on people’s lives,'” Delaney said. “That’s really what today is about – having people’s back, not just on the big bills, but on the things that affect them every day, about getting a job, and about knowing that we’re here for them.”
The event marked another important milestone in Connecticut’s ongoing efforts to support veterans and ease their transition from military to civilian life. With initiatives like Save A Suit, legislators continue to ensure that veterans have access to the tools and resources they need for career success.
What Veterans Can Do
Veterans who are transitioning from military service and are in need of professional attire can reach out to Save A Suit for assistance. The program is a powerful resource designed to help veterans make a positive impression during their job search. Additionally, veterans who are facing barriers to employment or transitioning to civilian careers should connect with local veteran service organizations that can provide career guidance, job training, and support.
Veterans Guide is here to help veterans navigate these challenges and access the support they need to succeed. Whether you need help understanding your VA benefits, securing career services, or finding resources like Save A Suit, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.
