FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- A Career Education Readiness Expo was held for Warriors assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit here Nov. 6 during Warrior Care Month on Fort Leonard Wood.
The Expo offered both Soldiers and local organizations the opportunity to mutually benefit through the exchange of support.
Representatives from college branch offices located in the Fort Leonard Wood area were on hand to help Soldiers secure continuing civilian education by offering their knowledge and experience to get the most out of Soldier education funds.
Bridging the gap from education to employment for veterans at the expo was the Missouri Career Center, which is located in building 470 and online at http://jobs.mo.gov.
"We help veterans overcome barriers to employment," said Joan Dupre, work force development specialist and disabled veteran outreach specialist. Some barriers include getting resumes ready, help with job interviewing skills, and improving computer skills, Dupre said.
The Missouri Career Center also helps Soldiers with on-the-job training and can even cover 50 percent of their training wages in certain circumstances. A low income OJT program helps pay for training or other things Soldiers may need such as help with utility bills, Dupre said.
The U.S. Forestry Service was there to promote continuing education and career advancement through training conducted here in Missouri for internship candidates.
"Any of the jobs that we are doing internships on--Natural resource assistance, someone who might be assisting under a botanist, under an engineer, trails, wildlife--that type of thing," said Jean Mobley, U.S. Forestry Service manpower development specialist.
Soldiers can receive a living allowance, an education award upon successful completion of training, and a certificate that they can use for 120 days that puts them in a separate pool of candidates who compete only against others in non-competitive hiring status, Mobley said.
Successful intern positions can lead to a variety of U.S. Forestry Service jobs throughout Missouri and nationwide, Mobley said.
The Expo was held at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, which is physically located within the WTU campus, adjacent to the General Leonard Wood Army Community hospital.
Across the Department of the Army, weekly subthemes are observed throughout November celebrating the Army's commitment to its wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, their Families, as well as Veterans by supporting and encouraging them to show their strength through Recovery, Reconditioning, Reintegration and by Remaining Strong.
The theme for this year's Warrior Care Month observance is Show of Strength.
Remaining Warrior Care Month events on Fort Leonard Wood include:
• Nov. 20: Guest Speaker, Strength through Recovery, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the WWII Chapel, located across from the Davidson Fitness Center near the Auto Hobby Shop
• Nov. 21: Triathlon (starts at the Davidson Fitness Center at 8 a.m.) until complete
-swim 1/4 mile
-bike 15 miles
-5k run
All events are open to everyone.
If you are a Service member, Family member, a member of the local community, or a member of the media, come support our warriors assigned to the WTU.
(Editor's note: John Brooks is the Marketing and Public Affairs Officer at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital)
Social Sharing