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With Veterans Day quickly approaching, the nation's focus is squarely on the more than 22 million men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. Not only do they deserve the respect of their fellow countrymen, but organizations such as Goodwill Industries International are calling on legislators and all Americans to do more this year.

The need for veterans advocacy will come into clear focus in the near future, with more than 1 million troops expected to enter civilian life over the next three to five years as the war in Afghanistan winds down. As a result, lowering the unemployment rate and making sure they have a smooth transition is imperative.

"In order to meet the debt we owe our veterans, we must make a large-scale, year-round commitment to both them and their families," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Helping them find employment and secure economic self-sufficiency is a top priority."

Goodwill has been one of the leading organizations helping lend a hand to veterans. In the last four years, it has employed more than 1,600 former servicemembers while also helping more than 55,300 others through financial education programs and health screenings.