Lima, Ohio – Randy Gasser, Ombudsman Director, Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, announced the Veterans Employment and Education Initiative, which will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011.  The event will be held at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, Lima, Ohio.  

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.  Providing a job to America’s citizen warriors is one way we can all help.  I am asking all Ohio employers to consider the talents that a Guard or Reserve member or spouse could bring to their organization,” said Bob Mittelstaedt, Northwest Area Chair of the ESGR.

This Job Fair is only open to Guard, Reserve, Veterans and their spouses. We currently have a substantial number of Federal, State and Local/Private employers confirmed for this event. We are targeting eight counties in Northwest Ohio, which are: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert. Even if a veteran lives outside one of these counties, they are still welcome to attend this Job Fair.  Current statistics from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services shows more than 1320 unemployed veterans between the ages of 18-45 in these counties.

Numerous agencies from both the State of Ohio and Federal Government, along with County Veteran’s Service Office will be present to assist Guard, Reserve & Veterans in areas such as benefits, schools, disability questions, employment assistance, resumes, starting a new business, and much more.

There will be breakout rooms for Resume Writing, Interviewing, “Dress for Success”, Cover and Thank you letters, Networking, Job Boards and the Small Business Administration. Please bring copies of your current resume with you to this event. There is no cost for employers, vendors, Guard, Reserve, Veterans, or their spouse to attend this event.
Veteran’s Representatives from University of Northwestern Ohio, Ohio Northern University, Rhodes State College, The Ohio State University, Apollo Career Center and Vantage Career Centers will be on hand to explain programs and benefits available. 

Our mission for this event is to bring together the resources, tools, and educational opportunities, along with employers, business leaders and civic organizations that can help with supporting Guard, Reserve, Veterans & their spouses in this time of economic uncertainty. The ESGR is focusing on connecting employers with the talented pool of service members and spouses, with the intent of facilitating meaningful employment and educational opportunities.

Employers that want to help support this event can send an email to esgr@bright.net and one of our Volunteer Coordinators will contact you. Even if an employer is not currently hiring due to current economic conditions, we encourage them to attend this event and talk to those looking for employment about the skills sets they will more than likely be looking for in the future.

Verified Proof of Veteran status will be required to attend this event. Any of the following documents will suffice:  DD-214, Active/Reserve ID Card, Retired Military ID Card, Military Dependent ID Card, VA Administration ID Card or National Guard Bureau Form 22 (along with photo ID). If you do not have a copy of your DD-214, you may obtain a copy by going to the National Archives Website listed below.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.  For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 319, Arlington, VA 22209
800-336-4590  www.esgr.mil