Provides veterans from all periods of military service with job referral, job training and job placement assistance, with an emphasis on those veterans who are disabled, minority, female, homeless, and/or culturally or economically disadvantaged. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for VETS has designated these specific groups of veterans to receive special assistance. Veterans may access these employment services through a statewide network of VEC Field Operations offices and the Veterans Services Staff (DVOP and LVER) who are assigned to most, but not all, of the VEC Workforce Centers across Virginia. The VEC assists between 13,000 and 15,000 veterans annually in securing unsubsidized employment, depending on the economy and employer demand. Unemployment benefits for those who have worked in Virginia and other states are available and may be applied for at this site. Benefit claims may also be filed on the Virginia Employment Commission web site at www.VaEmploy.com or by calling toll free 1-866-832-2363.