The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion held a job fair Wednesday at the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau that was geared towards veterans and military spouses.
Over 70 people pre-registered for the Hiring Our Heroes job fair, plus many more walk-ins. The job fair’s goal is to connect the employers and job seekers in the same room. Program associate Shawna Young says employers hire veterans because they have skills that many others lack.
“Veterans have great leadership skills, as well as they are very hard working,” Young said. “They’re loyal and if they say they are going to do something they are going to do it, which employers want those skills. Employers know when they hire veterans and military spouses that they are getting great candidates.”
William Dillon is an army veteran and semi-retired dentist. He felt the fair was a great way to show appreciation for the veterans.
“It’s very enjoyable,” Dillon said. “I thought the seminar was very informative and the people here are very courteous and I got a lot of good leads on possible employment outside of dentistry.”
Hiring our Heroes has helped 108,000 veterans and military spouses find employment since its launch in May 2011. There will be another fair held in St. Louis, MO on August 6, 2013.
