ACAP counselors host first 'Monday Mini Job Fair'

By Sgt. Jordan Ryan Johnson (III Corps)August 12, 2013

ACAP counselors host first 'Monday Mini Job Fair'
Sgt. Alan Koukoui, a systems administrator with the 575th Forward Support Company, goes over documents with Chris Herron at the first weekly Army Career and Alumni Program Monday Mini Job Fair at the Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier and Family Readiness Cent... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

"This is new for ACAP. Today is the launch of the ACAP weekly Monday mini-job fair," said Tamara Brethouwer, ACAP counselor, Fort Hood ACAP Center. "The idea is to have 10-15 employers every Monday, excluding federal holidays and a few other days, to come in, recruit and hire Soldiers."

To offer such job fairs, Brethouwer works with businesses and has developed a great working relationship, she said.

"We actually work with a wonderful group of employers right now, representing diverse industries and diverse fields," she said. "Every Monday, we will have new employers featured. My calendar is booked through April already."

With the current economic situation in our country, the weekly job fairs hold an even greater significance, Brethouwer said.

"Right now, every time you turn on the news, it's doom-and-gloom," Brethouwer said. "It's the furloughs, the housing market and the economy. Everything is on a down trend. The job fair is a way to at least provide a glimmer of hope. There are opportunities that are out there, and we want to bring those opportunities to the Soldier."

For Soldiers, the job fairs offer a great opportunity to see the different agencies currently hiring, said Master Sgt. Steve Ligon, operations sergeant major, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

"I'm just starting the ACAP process," Ligon said. "This is my second job fair. I am trying to do some networking, see all the different employers, their processes, and what they are offering."

Ligon, who only has approximately five months left in the Army, said he is thankful for the opportunity the ACAP counselors provide.

"It means the world," Ligon stated. "The employers take the time to come out and recruit. I know Fort Hood is a huge installation; there are a lot of Soldiers that process in and out on a day-to-day basis. To be able to participate in this means everything to me because it brings those employers closer."

Transitioning from the Army lifestyle to the civilian sector is difficult. Being able to help Soldiers with that transition gives Brethouwer a sense of satisfaction.

"As an ACAP counselor, to actually see my Soldiers gain confidence, get jobs, make that connection and make that smooth transition from Soldier to civilian, it feels good," she said. "It really feels good."