The “Vets Moving Forward Resource and Job Fair” is set to take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on May 21 at the Wright State University Student Union Apollo Room. This event, now in its tenth year, is open to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, and military spouses. Organized by Hiring Our Heroes, the fair will feature around 50 employers seeking to recruit veterans, highlighting their adaptability and trustworthiness as key attributes.
Cassie Barlow, the president of the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education and former installation commander at Wright-Patterson, emphasizes the value veterans bring to the workforce. She notes that veterans are not only eager to learn but also possess the ability to adapt quickly to new roles, having often rotated through numerous positions during their military careers. The event in Dayton is a part of ongoing community engagement efforts that began in 2015, under the initiative of then-Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert McDonald.
As federal hiring has slowed due to a hiring freeze, events like this provide crucial opportunities for veterans to connect with potential employers. In addition to job opportunities, attendees will receive information on the VA PACT Act, assistance with disability claims, and help with enrollment at the Dayton VA Medical Center. Veterans can also obtain Montgomery County veteran ID cards.
Free transportation to and from Wright State will be available, courtesy of Montgomery County RTA and Green CATS, for veterans and their families. Attendees are advised to bring their DD 214 documents. While the event is free, registration is encouraged through the Hiring Our Heroes website or by contacting Stacia Wren, the 88 FSS community readiness consultant, at [email protected].
The Bigger Picture
For veterans in the Dayton area, participation in the “Vets Moving Forward Resource and Job Fair” can have a significant impact on employment prospects. As one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the United States, Dayton provides an ideal setting for such events that bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers. The job fair not only offers veterans a chance to explore new career paths but also provides essential resources to assist in their transition to civilian life.
Furthermore, the event underscores the importance of community support in veteran affairs. The collaboration between various organizations and local services to provide free transportation and comprehensive resources demonstrates a commitment to ensuring veterans receive the assistance they deserve. As the federal hiring landscape experiences uncertainty, local initiatives like this play a vital role in supporting the veteran community, contributing to their financial stability and overall well-being.