“Hire A Hero” Job Fair To Be Held In Lauderdale

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Thousands of men and women who served overseas return home to find one of their biggest challenges is taking care of their families.

Employment remains a huge concern for veterans, particularly those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

During his six years with the Marine Corp, Sgt. David Aguirre did three tours of duty in Iraq where he was injured.

“Two road side bombs in a period of seven days,” said Aguirre

Aguirre retired from the Marines in 2009 and went back to school. The one thing he hasn’t been able to find is employment.

“It’s critical for me on personal level to find a job, a full time job and keep it,” said Aguirre.

Nationwide the unemployment rate for veterans is 6.6 percent. In Florida, the unemployment rate for veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is 12.5 percent.

“Unfortunately, too many veterans, National Guard reservists are struggling to find work and we must continue efforts to help, said U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

On Monday, U.S. Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Ted Deutch announced that they will host a “Hiring Our Heroes Veterans Job Fair” next month. The job fair will be held at the Ft. Lauderdale Armory, at 400 S.W. 24th Street, on October 6th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A number of businesses including Northwestern Mutual and Ryder Trucks along with the Broward Sheriff’s Office will be at the fair looking to hire.

“Hiring a veteran is one of the best things they can do. One, we’re loyal. Second, we’re always on time, we follow directions and if we need to work late, we work late, We don’t complain and we get the job done,” said Aguirre.

Interested veterans and their families or companies that would like to hire veterans at the job fair can pre-register by Clicking Here.