Hundreds attend military career fair in Cleveland

By Ken Robinson, Newsradio WTAM 1100

Vets say this is a very tough job market – RecruitMilitary.com held a free career fair for veterans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. On hand were businesses and educational institutions. About 300 vets from all over northeast Ohio attended in search of employment and job opportunities.

Organizer John Lundburg says his company is owned by vets who understand how difficult it is for former members of military to rejoin private industry. Lundburg explains, many vets have lost touch with the labor market, or have forgotten how to search for jobs, and they are attempting to bridge the gap.

Among those attending was Air Force veteran Tim Clark of North Ridgeville, who says he has been unemployed since March, and now is wife is being laid off.

Even with 20 years of experience as a machinist, Clark explains that employers just aren’t hiring now. He’s lost track of how many applications he’s filled out.

Air Force vet William Battle of Cleveland has 20 years experience as an electrical technician feels his background has not opened any doors.

Air force veteran Tim Clark of North Olmsted agrees that hiring managers have become very choosy. Army veteran Lonnie Deck of Akron says he will take any work that comes along to feed his family and keep his house.

Most of those attending believe career fairs of this nature are good for networking, and making contacts as the economy improves.

Vet who missed the career fair at Cleveland Browns Stadium Thursday can still sign up, and post their resumes at RecruitMilitary.com.