Returning vets swell ranks of entrepreneurs

Returning vets swell ranks of entrepreneurs
Michael Melia
Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Oct 6, 2012

HARTFORD, Conn. — As a truck driver for the U.S. military in wartime Iraq, Ed Young racked up 7,000 miles, facing a constant threat of attack that left him struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Four years later, he is driving long hauls again, but now in the U.S. as one of a growing number of veterans turning entrepreneur. The Navy veteran who had seen his post-war life spiraling out of control says his Connecticut-based car transportation business has helped to put him on the road to recovery.

Young received training to run his enterprise through a program for disabled veterans at the University of Connecticut, one of many efforts emerging nationwide to help returning service members start small businesses.

“The biggest thing I got out of it was, no matter what, don’t give up on your idea,” said Young, 26. “Basically it’s like in the military. Just accomplish the mission. That is your job, to accomplish your mission, no matter what.”

More than 200,000 people are discharged from the U.S. military each year, and advocates say they often possess qualities that make good entrepreneurs: resourcefulness, a taste for risk-taking and a can-do attitude. Nonprofit groups, state governments and U.S. agencies are all providing business training aimed at giving them new purpose and easing their transition to civilian life.
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