>> [ANCHOR]: They serve our country-- and
often return home in search of a meaningful
job.
For many in our area though there is hope
through what is called "farm to fork".
It is a culinary job training program funded
by a grant through RIT and as 13 WHAM's Kelsie
Smith found out it can be a life changing
opportunity.
>> [DON VOORHEES]: This is my opportunity
to do what I've always loved to do.
>> [REPORTER]: Don Voorhees retired as a chief
in the navy after 24 years of service.
>> [VOORHEES]: I have always been in the medical
field and I always wanted to cook and it was
very hard to find a job.
>> [REPORTER]: Nearly 10 percent of veterans
are unemployed.
Higher than the overall unemployment rate.
The demand for employees in the culinary field
lead RIT to apply for the grant that funded
the program for three weeks 10 students, nine
veterans and one veteran's spouse learned
the industry.
>> [VOORHEES]: This gives me the opportunity
to do something I want to and go on a path.
>> [REPORTER]: Army veteran Mike Gibson was
also in need of a new path.
After the army, Gibson worked as a mover for
15 years.
He was hurt on the job last October.
>> [GIBSON]: After my injury my doctor told
me I need to stop being a mover it was going
to cause permanent long term injury and I
was wondering what I was going to do.
>> [REPORTER]: Finding a steady job also proved
difficult for veteran Lew Spencer.
Spencer was going back to school when he found
out about the "farm to fork" program.
>> [SPENCER]: Seeing how I had the unemployment
in front of me.
I think I needed to think about some other
career paths.
>>[REPORTER]: And what do you think about
this one?
>> [SPENCER]: Oh this is awesome.
>> [REPORTER]: And a way for spencer and his
fellow classmates to start a different type
of service.
Hoping to find their new niche in the workforce.
At the New York Wine and Culinary Center,
Kelsie Smith 13 WHAM news.
>> [ANCHOR]: For graduation veterans cooked,
served and met with potential employers this
afternoon.
Organizers hope to be able to continue this
program. 
