Veterans find job opportunities, employment assistance and more at convention

About 150 job-seeking veterans, military spouses and transitioning servicemembers attended workshops, a networking luncheon and a hiring fair on Aug. 26 as part of The American Legion’s 105th National Convention in New Orleans.

Presented in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, the events included workshops on creating civilian and federal resumes and more, as well as the opportunity to meet with a variety of employers and assistance programs.

Among those seeking a job was Orlando Trevino, a nuclear electrician in the Navy attending the job fair to see what’s available.

“My goal is to try and get a good job. Not that (my) delivery driver job isn’t good,” he said. “I’m still looking to make more money, eventually start a family with my wife.”

Rene Weaver, a talent acquisition specialist at Sherwin-Williams, said veterans “should have opportunities, great opportunities” for jobs.

In addition to employment opportunities, the hiring fair included information about programs aimed at helping veterans prepare for the civilian work world, including the Department of Veterans Affairs’ nationwide compensated work therapy (CWT) program.

“What we do is we help veterans to find competitive employment,” said LaKiesha Gibbons Macon, a vocational rehabilitation specialist with the VA. “With transitional work, we understand that veterans are unique. They may have barriers to employment, so we have those particular veterans work inside the hospital. And we give them a stipend.”

Those veterans get work in groundskeeping, housekeeping, carpentry and other positions as they address issues they may have in finding employment in the civilian world, such as substance abuse issues.

“Once they get employment, we follow them for 90 days (providing supportive services),” Macon said. “… We’re here for all veterans.”