Veterans' job fair is set for Wednesday

Sunday, November 9, 2008

SIKESTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's HireVetsFirst initiative will sponsor a job fair for U.S. military veterans from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3174, 709 Smith St. in Sikeston.

The free job fair is one of more than 120 nationwide conducted as part of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service's HireVetsFirst initiative.

"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."

For more information about the local job fair, call 573-472-5250.

A list of job fair locations by state and more information about the HireVetsFirst campaign are available at www.hirevetsfirst.gov. For more information on all of the veterans' employment programs offered by VETS, visit www.dol.gov/vets.

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