Hiring Our Heroes job fair connects veterans, employers

By Andrew McIntyre, Fort Jackson LeaderNovember 19, 2014

Hiring Our Heroes job fair connects veterans, employers
John Wesley III, a manager with BNSF Railway, speaks to veterans and retirees Nov. 18, 2014, at the 'Hiring our Heroes' job fair about potential job opportunities across the United States with the company. More than 200 veterans and retirees attended... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Nov. 20, 2014) -- Eighty employers visited the Solomon Center Tuesday to meet with veterans and military retirees as a part of the nationwide "Hiring our Heroes" campaign.

"This is the fourth year, and I believe we have more employers here today than we've had in any of those four years, so it's exciting time. It really shows that Columbia is the most military friendly community in the U.S.," said Boyd Jones, chairman of the board of the Columbia Chamber.

Ernie Lombardi, Southeast senior regional associate for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, said the idea of the "Hiring our Heroes" job fair is straightforward.

"The whole premise of "Hiring our Heroes" is very simple," Lombardi said. "We have more than 200 veterans and retirees here today and, we want to put these veterans, retirees, military spouses -- whatever they might be -- in front of the employers to have a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation about the opportunities these employers have to offer and give these veterans and spouses the opportunity to talk about what it is they do."

The job fair opened with an address from the Fort Jackson Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker.

"This is a tough time for all services," Becker said. "The military across the board is drawing down, and we're asking some really terrific folks to leave the service. In some cases, some of those people have served a long meaningful service and have chosen to retire and transition. ... We have a lot of folks transitioning, and this is really important opportunity for them to continue their service within our communities by finding meaningful employment."

Darrell Bell, a retired Army National Guard Soldier was among the job seekers at the event.

"I came out because I need employment, so I came to see what was available," Bell said. "The employers are really excited and eager to hire. Many of the employers are accepting resumes on the spot, giving business card and some are sending you to their website to submit your resume."

Carolyn Andrews, Fort Jackson's transition services manager for the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, said in many cases the dialogue for employment will continue after the job fair.

"There is a Hiring our Heroes website. Those who pre-registered for this event will be able to have dialogue with their employers through the ... website after they meet here today," Andrews said. "Any veteran or retiree can register at any point. The good thing is that once (the job seekers) register they are connected with employers, and when opportunities come up they will be notified."

Adanis Vasquez, who served in the Marine Corps, said he was able to follow up with an application that he submitted a few days ago.

"I talked with one of the employers that I submitted a resume to, and I met one of the recruiters here. He gave me his card and told me to give him a call him. I will, who knows what will come from that, but it helped," Vasquez said.

Becker thanked all the employers for their support and the veterans for their service. He wished them the best of luck on their transition.

"I just want to tell you that the Army in all components -- active, Reserve and the National Guard -- we stand behind you as a Soldier for life through this transition, and it obvious by the turnout here of all these employers that this community stands behind you as well," Becker said.

Related Links:

Fort Jackson, S.C.

Soldier for Life

Fort Jackson Leader

Hiring Our Heroes