Washington State’s Workforce Center Named Mark Sanders Award Recipient

WASHINGTON – WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington was presented with the prestigious Mark Sanders Award at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ (NASWA) 11th Annual Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C. This marks the second time WorkSource JBLM has received the Mark Sanders Award (2018).

WorkSource JBLM, nominated by the Washington State Employment Security Department, is the first certified inside-the-gate military base job center in the nation. In 2023, WorkSource JBLM revamped its ambassador program to engage on-base customers through community connections. A network of ambassadors was built with each receiving a packet of information on WorkSource JBLM services, flyers and other items to promote its programs. This program helped WorkSource JBLM connect with over 4,600 service members in 2023.

“I applaud the work being done by WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State as they assist our nation’s heroes in transitioning to civilian employment,” Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO said. “Congratulations to WorkSource JBLM on this well-deserved recognition of being named a Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Veterans winner.”

In 2023, WorkSource JBLM piloted a digital literacy workshop for Veterans with employment barriers. The curriculum empowered technology-challenged Veterans to use online tools, processes and resources to secure employment. At the end of the workshop, each graduate received their own personal tablet. Building off this workshop, a separate workshop was offered for the military spouse population. This program, originally begun as a pilot, has grown to include a wider variety of offerings and now offers national certifications.

"I am proud and honored that our WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord was presented with the esteemed NASWA Mark Sanders Award,” Cami Feek, Washington State Employment Security Department Commissioner said. “This is the second time this incredible team received this award, and it reflects the significant impact WorkSource JBLM has not only to veterans but also their entire families. WorkSource JBLM’s effort to establish a digital literacy program for veterans and military spouses who face employment barriers is one of the many ways they promote excellence in service to veterans and families who have dedicated their service to our nation.”

Awarded annually at the NASWA Veterans Conference, the Mark Sanders Award recognizes a one-stop career center whose efforts to serve Veterans go above and beyond the scope of mandatory service provision and have a special emphasis on veterans with significant barriers to employment.

The prestigious award is named in honor of Mark Sanders who, during his career with the California Employment Development Department and in leadership positions with NASWA, was untiring in his efforts to promote excellence in services to disabled veterans.

For more information, visit the 2024 Veterans Conference website.

To learn more, watch the WorkSource JBLM video.