Hiring Heroes Career Fair Links Vets, Families to Employers

By Amaani Lyle

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va., Nov. 6, 2014 – Private-sector recruiters seeking skilled wounded, ill, injured and transitioning service members, their spouses, family members, and primary caregivers offered interviews and showcased their companies during the Hiring Heroes Career Fair here today.

Jessica L. Wright, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, noted that while many younger veterans have not yet necessarily interviewed for jobs, their military skill sets and leadership responsibilities distinguish them as potential civilian employees.

“[Service members] are calm, cool and collected under stress,” Wright said. “They are responsible for individuals’ lives, a mission that takes them far from home, [where] people are depending on them every minute of every day.”

Employers Should Connect Skills to Positions

Employers, she added, should try to understand the rigors and responsibilities veterans have faced and best connect those skills to the right positions as they embark upon their civilian careers.

“You will understand the value and the leadership they can give you,” Wright said. “Frankly, they have preserved this intangible thing that every day we all get to enjoy –- it’s called freedom.”

Though the event focused on creating job opportunities for wounded service members, interviewers and booth recruiters also welcomed transitioning veterans and family members with a range of experience and education.