U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown kicked off the city of Jacksonville’s Veterans Jobs Fair Nov. 9. More than 90 companies and universities participated in the event, which attracted nearly 1,000 job-seeking veterans.
“Our veterans have been through rigorous training that develops a strong sense of discipline and a unique skill set that could benefit any company,” said Brown. “The Veterans Job Fair was an opportunity to build connections for our veterans so they and their families can make a smooth, successful transition to civilian life.”
Mabus welcomed attendees to the event on his third visit to Jacksonville since February of this year.
"These job fairs are important for veterans, but they are also important for Jacksonville and for America,” said Mabus. “It is important to hire veterans because they have a high level of skill, dedication, education and training. But it is also important because they have answered every call and have met every mission that we've asked of them over the last decade when we've been in the longest wars in American history; and now I think it is our turn to do the same for them."
The city of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Department organized the jobs fair, which is one of the key events held during the Week of Valor. Many of the participating companies partner with the city on Jobs For Vets, Brown’s online initiative to connect military-friendly companies with job-seeking veterans.
Jacksonville District’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Human Resources Offices were among the organizations that participated.