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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 11, 2013

Hiring Heroes career fair offers variety of employment options

By L.A. Shively JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs

The Sam Houston Community Center was abuzz with activity Sept.18 as hundreds of jobseekers networked with several dozen potential employers representing businesses in and around San Antonio and across the nation.

Sponsored by the Warrior Transition Battalion, Joint Base San Antonio and the Defense Department's Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service, these career fairs provide transition assistance for wounded or ill service members, their spouses and members planning on leaving the military who are looking for civilian employment.

"These career fairs provide excellent opportunities to assess the job market, collect data on local and national businesses and speak face-to-face with federal, state and private sector representatives about civilian career opportunities," said Carin Otero, DCPAS recruitment assistance division chief. Otero's division plans and organizes the Hiring Heroes career fairs.

Offered twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall, the event also dispels media reports focusing on the downsizing phases of the military and companies not hiring because of current economic conditions, said Maj. James Anderson, a policy officer with the 5th Recruiting Brigade, U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

"Events like this highlight opportunities that are out there," Anderson said. "I liked the fact there was such a wide variety of employers, especially ones geared toward the type of employment I am looking for - intelligence and security. It was very profitable."

Anderson, with the WTB for the last six months, explained that employers at the career fair were very open to candidates who have sustained injuries down range. The major is recovering from injuries he received during service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Employers are not afraid to look beyond injuries to the qualities and talent wounded warriors possess that they seek," Anderson said. "It seemed like the event was tailored to a wide range of applicants and employers - a variety for all ages, ethnicities and educational backgrounds. There was something for everyone."

The diversity of positions employers were seeking to fill ranged from technical and professional at federal and state agencies to banking, retail and even dance in the private sector.

"We've had quite good luck with military," said Brandie Smith, a recruiter with Forward March, Inc. a local, veteran-owned management consulting firm. Smith was at the career fair representing two companies, Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios and Farmers Insurance.

"The top two dance instructors in the last five years have been from the military and another five have been in the top 15," Smith said, adding it is not surprising that creative talent can be found among service members.

"I targeted the combat arms guys for dance because studio management is looking for candidates who could be groomed for running a business," Smith said. "Combat arms guys are typically athletic, teachable and score high on their military entrance exams."

"Any time we hire veteran, they do quite well," said Maria Velazquez, a Lowe's Companies human resources specialist. Velazquez hired veteran Brian Daye, who she met during a Hiring Heroes Career Fair, as an intern.

In five months, Daye was promoted to a managerial position.

Jobseekers who were unable to attend the Hiring Heroes Career Fair can go online at http://www.goDefense.com and http://www.DODVets.com.

Career advisors with DOD Recruitment Assistance Division can be reached at (888) 363-4872 or via email at hiringheroes@cpms.osd.mil.

The next Hiring Heroes Career Fairs are slated for March 5 and Sept. 18, 2014 at the Sam Houston Community Center.