Spouse employment focus of career fair

By Ms. Demetria Mosley (Fort Jackson)March 20, 2017

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About 60 employees came out to Fort Jackson's Military Spouse Career Fair March 14. 'This fair is fantastic,' said Shelia Johnson, wife of Fort Jackson's commander Maj. Gen. John 'Pete' Johnson. 'As a working spouse, one of my main concerns with movi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

One hour doesn't seem too long, but when your husband's stationed in another city it could feel like a million hours away.

As Verlo Brinson walked into Fort Jackson's NCO Club dressed to impress and holding a black folder filled with resumes, she had one thing on her mind; relocation.

"I retired last month," said Brinson. "I'm ready to relocate, start working again, and be closer to my husband."

Fort Jackson held a Military Spouse Career Fair March 14 at the NCO Club. About 60 employers were in attendance.

Barbara Martin, the manager of ACS Employment Readiness Program, said this fair helps with making the transitioning process easy for military spouses.

"When their family has to PCS, military spouses have a lot to deal with from taking care of their children's schools and setting up the household," said Martin. "This fair is a one stop (shop) and gets them connected faster to employers."

Sheila Johnson, wife of Fort Jackson's commander Maj. Gen. John 'Pete' Johnson said the fair is a fantastic idea.

"This absolutely helps with the transition of moving from post to post," said Sheila. "As a working spouse, one of my main concerns with moving to another post is finding a job. I used to always think, 'Oh no, I have to start over.'"

Her husband said any employee would be lucky to have a military spouse.

"Our key concern is making the transition process for military spouses easier," he said. "This fair gives them the opportunity to tap into the employment pool."