Expo Helps Disabled Veterans Get Civilian Careers
February 20th 2009, Northern VA

Soldiers returning from war have to adjust to civilian life, including finding a job, so a an area community college hosted a job expo to help ease the transition.

Northern Virginia Community College teamed up with Hire Heroes USA to help soldiers from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Academy with mock interviews and other skills to help them find a new career.

"We're really focusing on the soft skills, try to focus on what corporate America is looking for." 

Twenty businesses showed up with career information on hand and local veterans were taking notes. "I'm looking for something more stable so I can stay here in the states. I'm tired of traveling, very tired," said veteran William Brooks.

The second annual Wounded Warrior Corporate Immersion Program helped direct veterans to interest or specialty areas. Organizers held mock interviews and navigated their websites with interested soldiers.

Michelle Saunders, director of Hire Heroes USA who was one of the veteran outreach services at the expo, was wounded in Iraq and spent 22 months rehabilitating at Walter Reed. "There was so much information thrown at me. I was trying to rehabilitate. All I wanted to do was get on with my life."

It was an experience that inspired Saunders to help soldiers find the right kind of information.

Hire Heroes employees come to the veterans who are looking for help. It's personalized service that veteran Michael Brooks says he needs when the job hunt gets tough. "We have to keep our emotions in check and remember that the lifestyle that they're living is exactly what we fought for."

While the event was specifically designed for disabled veterans, organizers hope to expand next year's training event to include all veterans. Another event will be held at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in the spring.

Link: http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0209/596598.html