Fort Riley Hosts Career Fair for Deserving U.S. Troops

U.S. troops on the hunt for new jobs visited the “Hiring Heroes Career Fair” at the Fort Riley Military Base in Kansas on April 21, 2009. The event provided an excellent opportunity for injured service members, their spouses and family members to explore government and private sector career opportunities.

Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins described the event as "An opportunity to offer hope to our injured service members who have sacrificed and paid a great price in the service of our country."

Over 86 organizations were on site to speak with the 400 disabled servicemen and women who attended. Trish Halstead, Outreach and Communications Coordinator from the Kansas Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Office, staffed the event on behalf of USDA and FSA.

During the six hour event, Halstead discussed Agriculture employment opportunities across the United States. She also briefed attendees on the USAJOBS Web site, veterans preference, and veterans recruitment appointment authority. Most attendees indicated they were going to be honorably discharged from the Army anywhere within two weeks to six months.

"I was really surprised at how many of the servicemen and women did not know about veterans preference points with federal employment," said Halstead. “And, most of the attendees had over a 30 percent disability ranking." She also explained to the troops that some positions in FSA were classified as “county” and therefore did not offer veterans preference.

"It was a privilege to meet all the service men and women that have sacrificed for our country," said Halstead. "I hope they now have a better understanding of FSA, USDA, and the special authorities under federal hiring for veterans, especially those who are disabled.”

Fort Riley was established in 1853 as a military post to protect the movement of people and trade over the Oregon-California and Santa Fe trails. Fort Riley has always had an important role in the defense of the nation and the training of U.S. soldiers. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments – the famed "Buffalo Soldiers" – have been stationed at Fort Riley several times during their history. Find out more about Fort Riley and the programs offered for wounded warriors at www.riley.army.mil.

The career fair registration table welcomes attendees at Fort Riley, also known as “Home of the Big Red One.”

Attendees visit recruiting booths to find out about private sector and government employment opportunities.