When veterans leave the military for life after service, many may experience a sense of confusion. They may be unsure what to do with themselves in civilian life, and many may still have the urge to serve their communities. New York governor Andrew Cuomo may have found a solution for these former servicemembers.
According to Fox News Latino, on Sept. 23, the governor announced a plan to launch a program where veterans help immigrants learn English in preparation for their citizenship exams.
"This initiative will provide a valuable opportunity for veterans to help immigrants, while also honing their own skills as they re-integrate into society," Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, told Fox News Latino.
Cuomo plans to team up with New York's Division of Veterans Affairs to recruit about 100 veterans to participate in the teaching program. The governor hopes the program will increase the success of immigrants in the civic portion of their citizenship tests while giving veterans a chance to interact with members of their community.
Veterans will help the immigrants through language drills, conversation practices and mock exams. Cuomo plans to launch the initiative as soon as he has enough veteran volunteers.