Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2010 --- 12:21 p.m.

Release from Wis. Depts. of Workforce Development, Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs:

Workforce Development, Military Affairs, Veterans Affairs and American Legion Team Up to Host 2010 Veterans Job Fairs

Madison Job Fair March 11th first of 18 across state to provide vets employment services

MADISON – The Wisconsin Departments of Workforce Development (DWD), Military Affairs (DMA) and Veterans Affairs (DVA) are teaming up with the American Legion to host a series of Veterans Job Fairs across Wisconsin between March and October 2010.

“The Department of Workforce Development last year connected with one-fourth of Wisconsin’s workforce, including approximately 8,000 veterans who received employment and training services,” DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman said. “We also know that a majority of veterans who receive services from veterans staff at our Wisconsin Job Centers are obtaining job placements. On behalf of Governor Doyle, we are pleased to be working with other state agency partners to reach out even further to veterans and provide them with a wealth of employment-related information and resources.”

"This unique partnership reflects Wisconsin's commitment to our returning veterans and the Wisconsin National Guard is proud to be a part of providing this opportunity," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin and Commander of the Wisconsin National Guard. "Our veterans offer unique and significant capabilities to the private sector. They have served a cause larger than themselves, understand teamwork and have applied leadership skills under difficult conditions. I believe any employer who is looking for superb talent would do well to consider Wisconsin's veterans."

DVA Secretary Kenneth Black added: “One of the most important ways Wisconsin can help veterans, and especially our returning veterans, is to help them find jobs. Employment is a key factor to their success in other aspects of their lives. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to partner with other agencies as part of our mission to serve our veterans, including providing employment and job training services.”

Eighteen Veterans Job Fairs will be held statewide, starting March 11th at Edgewood College in Madison, and ending October 15th at the Army National Guard Armory in Superior. Employment agencies and employers will have opportunities for direct hires. In addition, veterans can receive information about state and federal benefits.

“It is heartening to see that in these challenging economic times, employment opportunities not only exist for veterans, but that a team of experts has come together to provide the opportunities for our most deserving citizens,” said Mike Rohan, AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer at the American Legion Auxiliary in Portage.

Local County Veteran Service Offices, along with the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve Program (ESGR), also are partnering in the job fairs and will be in attendance to provide benefit information to both veterans and employers who attend.

“If you are a veteran looking for a job, or will need assistance in the future with updating your resume, improving your job interview skills, finding employment, or just obtaining benefit information, then come to a job fair,” DWD Office of Veterans Services Director Ken Grant said. “If you are an employer and have a current vacancy, or may be hiring in the future, and you are looking for an individual with skills, someone who knows what team work and dedication is all about, then come to the job fair and ‘Hire a Vet.’”