Ramstein hosts Hiring Our Heroes job fair

Story and photo by Senior Airman Jordan Castelan
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Service members and spouses listen to a seminar during the European Theater Job Fairs and Transition Summit event sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Nov. 3 on Ramstein. Since its introduction, more than 24,000 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs through the Hiring Our Heroes job fair program.
Service members and spouses listen to a seminar during the European Theater Job Fairs and Transition Summit event sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Nov. 3 on Ramstein. Since its introduction, more than 24,000 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs through the Hiring Our Heroes job fair program.

Service members, veterans and their spouses attended the first European Theater Job Fairs and Transition Summit overseas Nov. 3 at the Ramstein Officers’ Club.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched the Hiring Our Heroes program in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities.

“There is a tremendous amount of companies actively searching for veterans and the unique talents they possess,” said Eric Eversole, Hiring Our Heroes executive director and vice president. “It is absolutely critical for those who are serving to understand there is a demand for their capabilities outside the military.”

The Hiring Our Heroes job fair had federal and state agencies, influential military leaders, innovators in the business and employer community, and local community leaders in attendance.

It also featured seminars, roundtables, panel events, recruiter training and facilitated discussions focused on improving competitive employment for service members and veterans.

“Events like these allow those of us who are serving a chance to prepare for our future,” said Senior Airman Carlyle Douglas, 86th Material Maintenance Squadron aircraft armament technician. “It clues you into what employers are looking for and helps better package yourself.”

Since its introduction, more than 24,000 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs through Hiring Our Heroes job fairs.

For more information, visit www.uschamberfoundation.org/hiring-our-heroes.