LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
East Texas employers honored the service of
local veterans by participating in a job fair specifically to help them find
jobs.
"Veterans, they don't ask for
anything special they just want the opportunity to show what they can do,"
said Jon Bunn, Director of Contract and Programs, Work Force Solutions.
At the "Hiring Red, White and You"
event veterans had the opportunity to network with 35 local employers.
The veterans looking for work aren't
the only ones benefiting from the event, officials say veterans come with a
large skill set that give them an edge in the work place.
"First and foremost they're going to
be professional, they're going to be punctual, they're going to understand hard
work and go above and beyond the call of duty and that's what our service men
do on a day in and day out basis," said Roderick Williams, Director of
Environmental Services, Woodland Heights Medical Center.
Officials say a good work ethic is not
all employers will receive from veterans, they will also benefit financially.
"The state of Texas has financial
incentives for employers that hire veterans but the federal government also has
new programs giving tax credits," said Bunn.
Woodland Heights Director of Environmental
Services Roderick Williams is U.S. Marine Core veteran and knows first-hand the
struggles of finding a job.
He says job fairs give veterans one on
one time with employers to get a better idea of how their job in the military
corresponds with potential jobs in the real world.
"Its important for employers to
come out and explain what we do and how those job skills can acclimate back in
the real world," said Williams.
Officials say employers have much to
gain because veterans know how to get the job done.
"The quality of job ethic that
these veterans have its not a hard sell for our employers," said Bunn
Veterans who missed the job fair can contact
the Texas Veteran Commission.
A workforce
representative can help with their job search and receiving other benefits.
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