For Veterans Day, U.S. Department of Labor encourages employers to participate in second nationwide month-long job fair ‘blitz’

VETS News Release: [10/28/2008]
Contact Name: Mike Biddle or Otto HeckPhone Number: (202) 693-5051 or x4676
Release Number: 08-1535-NAT

For Veterans Day, U.S. Department of Labor encourages employers to participate in second nationwide month-long job fair ‘blitz’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In observance of Veterans Day, the U.S. Department of Labor’s HireVetsFirst initiative announced plans for a nearly month-long blitz of more than 120 veterans job fairs to be held in 31 states.
"The qualities America's service members are known for — discipline, strong work ethic, leadership and technical skills — are highly valued by employers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "These job fairs are part of our effort to help America's service men and women transition back to civilian life when their tours of duty end and are an excellent opportunity for employers looking for great workers."
"America's military service members are part of the best military this nation has ever seen," said Charles S. Ciccolella, assistant secretary of labor for the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). "The Department of Defense and the military services invest billions of dollars in their training and education each year. When they leave the military, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines can readily translate their skills, education, training and experience into good civilian jobs. Even more important for America's employers are the skills the military inculcates into our service members, such as loyalty, selflessness, leadership, discipline, the ability to follow instructions and perform under pressure and to get the job done. In fact, these are the most important skills that employers tell us they are looking for when they hire someone. Today, employers are hiring our military veterans, not only because it's the right thing to do — even more importantly to them is that they recognize these are the people who will bring success to their companies and businesses."
A list of job fair locations by state and more information about the HireVetsFirst campaign are available at http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/. For more information on all of the veterans' employment programs offered by VETS, visit http://www.dol.gov/vets/.