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Programs Aid Guard Members in Job Hunt

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Dan Heaton
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  Keeping America's defenders fully employed is the focus of several initiatives taking place at and around Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Since most members of the Michigan Air and Army National Guard work one weekend per month in uniform, helping Citizen-Airmen and Citizen-Soldiers to find full-time work is a priority at the national, state and local level. On one level, ensuring the traditional Guardsmen are working helps to ensure their financial readiness to support their military obligations. It also strengthens local companies to be able to tap into the skilled workers who are members of the Guard, said Major Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, the adjutant general of Michigan. Vadnais has made connecting Michigan veterans and serving Guardsmen with jobs one of his command priorities.

On June 26-28, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs will sponsor a Veterans Hiring Fair at Cobo Center in Detroit. A similar event in Grand Rapids in early April drew more than 100 employers. At least that many are expected at the Detroit fair.

The fair will feature:
· Onsite interviews and career opportunities with federal agencies and private employers
· Information sessions on how to build a federal resume and tips for successful job interviews
· Career coaching sessions

All experience levels and career types are welcome at the Detroit fair. For more information, visit www.vaforvets.va.gov/detroit.

At Selfridge, a veteran's employment specialist with the state's Workforce Development Agency is now holding regular office hours. The specialist, Bridgett Keck, can help veterans and current Guard members craft a resume to maximize their military skills in transitioning to a civilian job. The specialist is available on 127th Wing UTA weekends and every Tuesday. Appointments are requested by calling (810) 966-3309 or keckb@michigan.gov.