2009-10-23T18:59:45Z 42 2009-10-15 WBTV-TV CBS 3 Charlotte

By Trent Faris Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen during their tour thier job is to defend this country. When their tours are over jobs aren't easy to come by, even for our heroes. However Thursday a job fair was held just for the veterans. Hundreds of people stood in line at Bojangles Arena Thursday morning have something in common. They all used to have jobs with Uncle Sam. Now they've traded in their rifles for briefcases looking for work. The Recruit Military held a career fair today for companies to talk with veterans only. "They're here specifically because they like veterans," said Robert Walker with Recruit Military. Jesse Bragg just got out of the Army in June. "I haven't missed a day of work in 6 years that's hard for people to say," said Bragg. With that qualification and his Masters Degree Bragg hopes to find a job in distribution and logistics. He has applied with Target four times already. Thursday, he got to speak with a new kind of recruiter face to face. "Well, we'll see what follows up." said Bragg. "I've been told before you're great we can't wait to speak with you and nothing ever comes of it." Donna Reed retired from the Navy two years ago after 20 years of service. When she got out, she found a job but quickly experienced a civilian reality. "I found a really good job and got laid off. That was scary," said Reed. Since moving from Syracuse, New York to Charlotte, her new mission is to find a job as an administrative assistant. She's applied to 40 different positions, and even though she has military experience on her side she feels she has a tough hill to climb. "I think probably my biggest problem is being over qualified," said Reed. Hopefully, after Thursday, things will change for Reed and Bragg. Recruit Military will be back in Charlotte in January.

2009-10-23T19:00:43Z http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11323166