More than 150 Veterans and service members from Central Texas attended the recent Red, White & Blue Employment Spectacular job fair organized by the Waco VA Regional Benefits Office.
As part of a nationwide effort, the staff of Waco VA held the in-person job fair to highlight VA’s Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.
The VR&E program supports and assists Veterans and service members with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development and job-seeking skills coaching.
“There were more than just jobs, there were so many resources,” said Marine Veteran Sherrena Hogan.
“The agency I wanted to speak with was here.”
“Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be intimidating, and I’m leaving today feeling less intimidated and more prepared,” said Hogan. “I was given recommendations about how to improve my resume, interview skills, plus the agency that I wanted to speak with was actually here.”
Some 25 employers from multiple industries including technology, business, medical, financial and federal agencies participated.
“Hiring Veterans just makes sense. In addition to their education and training, Veterans and service members have the advantage of lived experiences in real work situations,” said Office of the Texas Attorney General Veterans’ Liaison Grace Moody. “They are amongst the most disciplined, organized and driven new employees I work with. They just need to get their foot in the door and that’s why events like this are so important.”
Other VR&E services include assisting Veterans and service members to start their own businesses and providing independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
“VR&E is a phenomenal program,” said Michael Crouse, director of the Waco VA Regional Benefits Office. “This job fair gave Veterans and service members the opportunity for professional re-engagement and to use the transferable skills and real-world experiences they acquired during their time in the military.”
In addition to the VR&E program, VA Regional Benefits Offices across the country provide other forms of assistance to Veterans and their dependents. This includes disability compensation, survivor’s benefits, and pension and fiduciary services.
