“Hiring Our Heroes” job fair matches veterans to employers

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's hard enough finding a job in today's tough economy , but ask military men and women and some will say, the search for a job after the service is even harder.

“It's been kind of hard, kind of difficult,” Iraq War Veteran Sean Brown said.

Brown was laid off from his job a month ago and is now looking for a new opportunity.

“Welding, fabrication or just something entry-level right now,” Brown said.

Carrie Gura, who is the mother of a military veteran is also searching for a job.

“I've been looking and looking and looking and always out there.  It's very hard,” Gura said.

At the War Memorial Center Monday, January 28th there were some encouraging numbers for hundreds of veterans and their families at the "Hiring Our Heroes" job fair.  More than 60 employers were there - from retail to industrial to automotive and financial industries - all with available jobs.

“Right now, I probably have a minimum of 10 positions I’m looking for fill,” Dave Busch, Director of Human Resources at Ewald Automotive Group said.

Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, the goal is to hire more than 500,000 veterans and military spouses nationwide by the end of 2014.

“You've got an individual who's dedicated to a mission.  He'll do anything to get the work done.  He's worked 24/7, and very often, the jobs that are done in the military are also done in the civilian world,” Gary Meyer, Active Director of the Office of Veterans Services said.

In Wisconsin, the unemployment rate among veterans is higher than the statewide population, at 8.6%, so employers like the Ewald Automotive Group are specifically reaching out to those after the service.

“We're not offering jobs, we're offering careers, and the military person that comes to us, we have a home for you,” Busch said.

Those at the job fair say it’s a sign of hope that this job search could very well be their last.

“I've got a lot of encouragement, a lot of advice,” Gura said.

If you missed the event, there will be at least 13 more veterans job fairs this year.  The next one will be held March 7th at the War Memorial Center.