185th ARW, Home Base Iowa team up for Military Job Fair

by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
185th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2014 - SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Thirty-four area businesses and staffing agencies came to the Military Job Fair at the Air National Guard base here July 18 with a mission of their own; to hire as many military veterans as they can.

Home Base Iowa, working in coordination with the 185th Air Refueling Wing family programs office and Iowa Works of Greater Siouxland, organized the event where area employers had a chance to meet military veterans who are looking for employment.

The event was open to anyone who has served in the military and their spouse said Lori Risdal, 185th Family Programs manager. Risdal added that it was a good opportunity to match workers with potential employers.

"This kind of event is important because is it allows us to look at the whole person," said Risdal. "If the Airman or Soldier has employment or financial problems then the mission is affected. We know and many of our employers know that veterans are good workers."

Many of those in attendance are also drill status guardsmen, meaning they are current members of the guard or reserve who perform training one weekend a month and two weeks each year. Several were younger Airmen who have completed their initial training and are now in transition looking for full time civilian jobs.

By all observations the event seemed to be a success with employers and potential employees alike. The job fair is just one of the services provided through the Home Base Iowa initiative.

Home Base Iowa has a comprehensive web site with information for employers and veterans who are looking for work in Iowa. http://www.homebaseiowa.org/