Even though unemployment rates are slowly decreasing, the number of unemployed veterans is still on the rise.
The California unemployment rate for veterans in 2011 for ages 20-24 was 37.1 percent, which is more than the doubled percentage of unemployed people in the same age group who are not veterans.
“I did not know it was that high,” said Sgt. Cory Kingston, a De Anza student.
“I got a job right after serving in Afghanistan as a duct cleaner.”
It is not easy for an American to find a job, but it is more difficult for a veteran returning from overseas.  
“I am not a veteran, but I do believe every American that has fought for our country should have a guaranteed job when returning,” said Amy Satearn a third year nursing student at De Anza.
“I see it as a big slap in the face. As if they are not good enough. It is not justice and it should be changed.”
Employers often have a hard time understanding veterans’ accomplishments and at times they ask for degrees, but veterans are forced to put military schools, and their application is moved under the pile.
“Depending on where you work or applying to, most places will understand your accomplishments,” said Christina Bolanos, a fifth year medical assisting student at De Anza.
It took Bolanos a month to find a job after serving in the army and then was laid off two years later.
“It’s difficult when you’re in a job interview and they ask you what experience you have and the only experience you have is from years ago,” she said.
“It’s sad because it is only getting worse. A lot of my friends are still unemployed living in their parents house.”
Young veterans many have difficulty adjusting to reality after serving, which is another factor why unemployment is high.
“I suffered from post traumatic stress and when I came back I wanted to go back because the adrenaline was addicting,” said Sgt. Kingston.
“I had a lot of family issues and I didn’t know what was going on. I always stayed inside because it was my way of coping with it”
He was one of few veterans that found a job right after serving in Afghanistan.