CENTERBURG — Jake Davidson returned home from the battlefield to a struggle of a different sort, a weak economy and tough job market.
“I expected that after serving four years for my country and going to war, I could at least be able to get a decent job,” he said.
Davidson, a 2002 graduate of Centerburg High School, said the Sept. 11 attacks motivated him to join the Marine Corps as an infantryman in 2003. He completed one tour in Afghanistan and another in Iraq and now works two restaurant jobs in Columbus.
“The skills I have don’t really apply to the civilian world, except for leadership, dependability and the ability to work hard,” he said. “I’m still looking. I’m pretty much holding down these jobs to pay the bills, doing what I’ve got to do. It’s not easy. I am glad I have a job because a lot of people don’t.”
Davidson said he is still working on a resume, but it’s hard for him to find the time when he only has one day off a week.
“I know if I tried hard enough and looked around I could eventually find what I am looking for,” he said. “But with the economy the way it is, the progress is slow.”
Davidson said he feels he has done his duty for his country and has no plans to re-enlist but does sometimes miss being in the service. He said he is unmarried and, like everyone, would like to have a family, house and a good job.
“There aren’t really many jobs in this area, not even in Mount Vernon,” he said. “If you really want a decent job you have to go somewhere else; Newark, maybe Mansfield.”
Davidson said sometimes it isn’t even worth driving to Columbus when it costs him $15 in gasoline a day. When the weather permits it, he rides his motorcycle to work instead of his truck to save gas. He remembers gas prices when he enlisted being about half of what they are now.
“I’m sure like most veterans, especially combat veterans, coming back is the hardest thing to do,” he said. “You have to adjust to civilian life and find a job.”
Davidson has worked with John Eder, veterans service coordinator for Knox County and Morrow County. Eder, himself a former Marine, helps find jobs for returning veterans and argues that their training, skills, dedication, ability to work with others as a team, and stamina make them an invaluable resource for local employers.
