MARINA, Calif.- For 37-year-old Raymond Lavorico, life nowadays is far different from the battlegrounds of Iraq, where he fought both as a Marine and worked as an Army Reservist.
"This is actually harder than that," said Lavorico, referring to the challenges he faces now as a father and husband looking for work during a time when the U.S. unemployment rate is at the highest since the Great Depression.
Lavorico said these are the toughest times he's facing now as he looks for a full time job and tries to keep his wife and three boys off the streets.
"I work very hard, constantly hitting the pavement, going and calling and seeing people who might have a job, I go to job fairs, show my resume."
Lavorico said he applied for everything and anything. During the last two interviews he's had, Lavorico said he's been turned away because of his time in the service.
"In another interview I had, they told me I didn't have enough civilian experience in my job," said Lavorico with his voice catching.
Lavorico currently lives in housing provided by the Veterans Transition Center on the former Fort Ord military base.
"At first I was hesitant because this is the first time I had to ask for help and I can't ask my family for help, not that they won't help me, but they're in tough times as well."
A Godsend, as this non-profit and private organization exists solely to help veterans like Raymond get back on their feet.
"They had the idea of veterans helping veterans and the idea of helping veterans that were homeless," said Veterans Transition Center Executive Director Ronald Holland.
Holland said they offer families and single men and women veterans aid, housing, and help. Lavorico said it's hard to think about where he would be if he hadn't found the VTC.
"More than likely I would be homeless, selling everything we have and asking parents to take my wife and kids in," said Lavorico.
Lavorico makes a little money off his part time job at Sears and he gets a monthly stipend from the Army Reserve, but it still isn't enough to survive on his own especially during these unstable economic times. For now, he's grateful for the help he does have and he's waiting for better days.
