Uber, a transportation company, launched in the Manhattan area April 25, and in an effort to search for new drivers, recruiters hosted an employer day through the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program April 21.

Uber works through a mobile application where someone can request to be picked up at their location and the nearest driver who is currently working is called to pick the rider up. Previously, two cities in Kansas were available for this service -- Wichita and Kansas City. Recently, the app was launched in Leavenworth, Topeka, Lawrence, and Manhattan.

Spc. Johnathan Cleary, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, applied for a driving job right after he met with the recruiters. He said he hoped to be driving the first weekend the company was established in the area.

"If I can control when I start work and when I'm off work, it's convenient in every aspect," Cleary said.

Cleary heard about the employer day through email. He said the flexibility of the hours was the most appealing thing about the company. Cleary plans to move out of the area when he separates from the military in May, but until then he wants to start driving in the Manhattan area.

Uber allows the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and run a standalone business within the company. Cleary said that was also appealing for him because he has always wanted to own his own business.

Staff Sgt. Prince Rawls, 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division said Uber provides a safe environment for Soldiers and veterans to make money. He said Uber reminded him of a cab service he saw in Germany while he was stationed there.

"It's like a company I saw in Germany where it's like a mini-cab," Rawls said. "You call them, they come pick you up. You know what the fare is up front. They get you there safely."

Rawls said the launch in Manhattan encouraged him to try the job at Uber before he officially leaves the military.

"I thinking of trying it this weekend just to get a feel for it," Rawls said.

For more information about employer days or the Soldier for Life program, contact Sharone Washington at 785-239-9621.