Job Fairs Boost Career Opportunities for Fort Hood WTU Soldiers

By Ms. Gloria Montgomery (Army Medicine)March 30, 2015

Job Fairs Boost Career Opportunities for Fort Hood WTU Soldiers
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Kavita Harry and Staff Sgt. Frantz Gourge talk to AW2 representatives during the Fort hood WTU job fair, held March 12 at Club Hood. Gourgue, along with Harry, praised the WTU for its numerous programs, especially the career-transition... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Job Fairs Boost Career Opportunities for Fort Hood WTU Soldiers
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Perry Thomas talks to a representative from the Transportation Security Administration during the Fort Hood WTU job fair, held March 12 at Club Hood. More than 40 federal, state and private employers were on hand eager to hire the tran... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Employment prospects were bright for Fort Hood Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers who will soon be transitioning into the civilian workforce, thanks to the WTU job fair, held March 12 at Club Hood.

More than 40 federal, state and private employers were on hand eager to hire the transitioning Soldiers, in addition to providing work from home opportunities for spouses and caregivers.

Human resource specialist and WTU Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Kavita Harry, called the job fair a wonderful insight into her future.

"Honestly, this is a difficult transition," the former 36th Engineer Soldier said, admitting it's going to be hard not wearing her Army uniform when she transitions because she is so 'pro-Army.' "This job fair, though, has given me hope that there is life after the military."

One promising lead Harry discovered was with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) headquarters in Dallas.

"They have an excellent human resource internship program," she said, "so it's great to learn that I can get a job and continue doing what I enjoy."

Representing AAFES was Dino Castro, who said he was impressed by Harry.

"She's very professional." the Fort Hood employee said, adding that veterans are a plus in the workforce.

"They're positive, confident and, most importantly, they are trainable," the retired Soldier said.

Another employer ready to hire the soon-to-be veterans was Wal-Mart.

"Veterans think on their feet, plus they're used to change" said Kay Murphy, human resource manager for Wal-Mart Logistics. "A lot of the values military veterans have are the same qualities that built Wal-Mart such as honor, discipline, values and ethics."

According to Anthony Thomas, WTU's transition coordinator, the job fair also had another purpose: helping the unit's caregivers and spouses.

"Some of the companies were specifically invited to provide 'work from home' opportunities for the spouse or caregiver who can't leave their home because they are caring for a spouse or a loved one," he said, adding that more than 150 Soldiers, spouses, caregivers and veterans attended the event.

Even though Staff Sgt. Frantz Gourge already has been offered a job, he attended the job fair to explore other options.

"I'm in transportation, so there are several companies here that I also wanted to talk to," he said, adding that this job fair was a great opportunity for the Soldiers in Transition, especially those who aren't sure what they want to do when they get out. "This is a great start because they can come here and get a picture of what the workforce is going to be out there."

Gourgue, along with Harry, praised the WTU for its numerous programs, especially the career-transitioning events.

"This is a great program," he said, adding that it demonstrates the Army's commitment to taking care of its wounded, ill and injured Soldiers before they exit the military.

Harry, who said she didn't know what to expect when she arrived at the WTU earlier this year, said she has been pleasantly surprised and grateful at everything made available to WTU Soldiers.

"This is a wonderful investment the military is providing to our wounded Soldiers," she said. "And now, for the first time in my career, I can focus on me."

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