Mercury Marine and U.S. Army partner in recruiting program

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Mercury Marine and the U.S. Army recruiting command signed an agreement Wednesday to provide priority interview status to qualified soldiers participating in the Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program. The ceremony took place at Mercury Marine’s headquarters in Fond du Lac.

Denise Devereaux, Mercury vice president of human resources, was joined by Major General (retired) Paul Lima, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Wisconsin, and Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Collins, Commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Milwaukee, to sign the ceremonial memorandum of agreement.

“Mercury Marine is proud to partner with the U.S. Army as a member of the PaYS family,” said Mercury President Mark Schwabero. “The program provides direct access to prospective employees who have developed professional work habits and have been held to the highest standards. It also provides participating soldiers with Army training in a particular job skill or set of skills that match our needs.”

After soldiers enlist in the Army, they are provided an opportunity to link with a PaYS partner, such as Mercury Marine, that will reserve future interview opportunities that relate to the soldier’s military occupational specialty. Throughout their active duty status, the soldiers receive hands-on training, experience and field instruction in that specific career field, working toward any required certification. They also gain discipline, work ethics and maturity while learning to work as part of a team, in addition to developing leadership skills and Army values.

“The Partnership for Youth Success program is a unique opportunity for not only the U.S. Army and Mercury Marine but for our transitioning soldiers as well,” said Collins. “Through this program, PaYS partner companies gain employees who have developed professional work habits and have been held to the highest standards of conduct. Our soldiers are given an opportunity for employment with established reputable companies.”

More than 150 veterans are currently employed by Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. Coinciding with the PaYS agreement-signing ceremony, Mercury announced the formation of a Veteran Employees Network, which will allow veterans an increased opportunity to communicate with and support each other while transitioning to a life beyond the military. It will also serve the veteran community through participation in community service events.