Hire a Hero: Job Fair for Veterans

Among the many who are seeking full-time employment these days are Military Veterans, and offered them a chance at finding work through a job fair Thursday, organized specifically and only for veterans, with organizers dubbing it the "Hire A Hero" job fair.

More than 45 employers from a variety of industries participated with the intention of filling hundreds of open positions with veterans returning home from war or simply those looking for a new career.

"It's our first year doing this job fair and veterans seem to have come far and wide to attend, many from the five boroughs, Westchester and surrounding areas," stated Taryn Duffy, Director of Public Affairs at Empire Casino at Yonkers Raceway.

Some of the employers seeking applicants included Prudential Financial, MTA NYC Transit and even White Plains Hospital, who were looking for veterans to fill many positions throughout the facility.

"Many departments from medical technicians to business, finance and food services are looking to hire qualified applicants," stated Cindy Gunung, Director of Human Resources at White Plains Hospital.

"In regards to these veterans here today, they served their country well and we feel they could serve the hospital and community just as well," she continued.

Mike DeGreccio of Fishkill is one of those veterans, having completed a tour in Afghanistan in 2011 and since then, he's been looking for full time work with little or no luck.

"Hoping to find something here but everywhere you go, there are always tons of people in front of you and behind you looking for work," said DeGreccio who also stated that, "job fairs like these, that are specifically for veterans, is a good thing."

Family Services of Westchester was also on hand, hiring for of all things, a Veterans Program and Outreach Specialist, a full time position where a potential applicant would be assisting the outreach program and furthering the already established Westchester Veterans Service Providers Network.

The network, established in February of this year, provides direct care and support to Vets in areas such as Counseling, Children's Services, Employment and many other practical needs of veterans coming back home.

With hundreds of veterans in attendance, the event hopes to serve as a vital resource to local military personnel who are seeking employment and organizers were pleased with both the turn out and participation from the prospective employers.

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