Virginia Legion post hosts job fair
(Photo by Johnathon Clinkscales)

Virginia Legion post hosts job fair

American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, Va., hosted a job fair Feb. 16 that brought servicemembers, veterans, military spouses and civilians face-to-face with more than a dozen local employers looking to hire.

“I think these job fairs are very useful and I think it’s very important when an organization like The American Legion sponsors a job fair for military individuals,” said Bobby Cooper, a retired Navy veteran. “I get a lot out of them.”

Having served as an operations analyst, program analyst and maintenance director, Cooper said he is now hoping to find work in project management. He is not only optimistic in his abilities, but also believes he would be an asset to any employer who’s willing to hire him.

“I’m very well-versed and well-rounded,” said Cooper, who plans to join the Legion in the future. “I can pretty much do it all.”

The job fair was reserved, from 10 a.m. to noon, for active military personnel, veterans and candidates who had active security clearance. All other job seekers including civilians had an opportunity to speak with employers and present their resumes from noon to 2 p.m.

Deborah Brigham, who served in the Air Force, said job fairs such as those sponsored by the Legion provide a lot of comfort and opportunity. It’s a good feeling to know there are employers who understand that service on the battlefield is just as important off the battlefield, she said.

“Offering the veterans an opportunity to work for a company is exceptional,” said Carleen Colby, a partner at New York Life Insurance Company based in Bethesda, Md. “What we find is that veterans make excellent employees and leaders in companies. I think these events are very good for them.”

Colby said it’s important to help and support veterans because most of them feel neglected or have been left out in some way, especially when it comes to adjusting back to civilian life.

The job fair is just one way for veterans to feel good about what they’ve done not only for others, but themselves as well, she said.

“Being around military in my family and friends, I understand some of those concerns where they feel left out and have been left out in a lot of sense,” Colby said. “They’ve given up a lot for this country. I think it’s important that they know there are people out here that still care.”

Employers at the job fair included Addx Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton, Connors Pest Control, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), DeVry University, New York Life Insurance Company and several others.

Although most employers were recruiting for blue-collar jobs like office work, information technology was a popular field, according to Robert Eidsvoog, general manager at Post 176.

“It’s extremely important to host these types of events because it’s just not enough work out there,” said Eidsvoog, who is also the 17th district commander for The American Legion Department of Virginia. “When we have a job fair, at least we have some sort of idea as to what companies want to do. … It gives the community hope that there are jobs available.”