The Missouri Job Center and American Legion Post 639 are teaming up to host a hiring and resource fair for veterans. The event is from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 at the American Legion on 2660 South Scenic Avenue in Springfield.
Twenty-six employers from a variety of industries will be at the fair seeking vets and their skills.
Sabrina Bonnette helps military veterans find jobs at the Missouri Job Center. After serving 23 years in the Navy and retiring as a U.S. Navy Chief, she knows some of the challenges veterans can face when transitioning back into civilian life.
She said one of the biggest hurdles is many veterans not having a college degree, despite knowing many of the skills needed for jobs.
“They’ve done everything there is to do in the civilian world, they just don’t have the paper to support it. And this is one of the biggest challenges I find,” Bonnette said.
This is why one of her top recommendations is veterans using the G.I Bill to obtain a college degree once they leave the military. Thursday’s resource fair will have more information on how to do that.
“This is a time for veterans to help veterans. Nobody is going to be testing you or anything like that, but it is a great resource and you’ll be among fellow veterans,” Bonnette said.
Some of the largest employers in Springfield like Bass Pro, CoxHealth and Mercy will be at the event, Bonnette said.
The event will have information for veterans and their families in the areas of housing, education, careers and aging.
It’s open to all veterans, transitioning service members, reservists, National Guard, military families and the general public.
Anyone looking for a job is asked to bring along a resume.
According to organizers, below is a list of employers planning to be at Thursday's hiring fair:
Nestle Purina Petcare, Ascension Protective Services LLC, Bass Pro, Burrell Behavioral Health, Buckhorn, Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training, Communications Solutions LLC, Corporate Technologies Advantage, Ascension Protective Services LLC, CoxHealth, DHL Supply Chain, Dogwood Ranch, Wonders of Wildlife, Greene County, Integrity Home Care, Jack Henry & Associates, Mercy, Missouri Air National Guard, Missouri Air National Guard, Oxford Health Care, Poor Boy Tree Service, Red Monkey, Simos, Trail Liner Corp, TTEC, T-Mobile, Vital Farms, Wellness Concepts Clinic LLC, Wyndham Destinations, Ozarks Technical CC Veterans Upward Bound Program, and T-Mobile Veteran Outreach. Support organizations include: The Missouri Veteran Commission, American Association of Retired Persons- Senior Community Service Employment Program, and Ozarks Technical Community College Veterans Upward Bound Outreach Team.