Vets turn out for job fair in South Philadelphia

By Lisa Thomas-Laury

Hundreds of veterans turned out for a huge job fair at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on Thursday.

The turnout for the Recruit Military Opportunity Expo just underscores the problem for veterans who are looking for employment.

“It’s been very difficult finding employment. The economic climate is a lot worse than I thought it was,” said Lamont Barlowe who, like many others, is ready to broaden the scope of what he’s looking for.

Yvonne Jackson had a job after leaving the Army two years ago, but was laid off last November.

“I am looking for anything in the medical field: the management field, administration,” she said.

At the job fair, representatives from PGW said they are looking for people just like Yvonne.

“We have a strong culture of service and responsibility and safety, so the folks I’ve been speaking with today come from that mindset naturally,” said Gary Gioioso of PGW. “They face some of the most stressful situations we can even begin to imagine.”

It was a career and educational opportunity event – Delaware Valley College representative Tom Kennedy is interviewed about why veterans make great students and he says this event is the perfect place to find adjunct professors.

There were also many opportunities for military spouses. Military spouse Keri Lowell says she found much useful information and “everyone is super-helpful.”

RecruitMilitary representative, Robert Walker says that over 300 veterans came through the door before 1pm.

35 companies were represented and organizers estimated more than 400 job seekers attended.

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