SEWELL, N.J., June 26, 2014 – Continuing efforts to provide New Jersey veterans with job opportunities and resources for transitioning into civilian life, the Christie Administration partnered today with the American Legion to launch another South Jersey Veterans Opportunity and Resource Fair at Rowan College at Gloucester County.

The event connected veterans and their family members with employment prospects as well as resources to address any need for housing, legal advice, educational issues and medical services. The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development joined with the American Legion and the State Parole Board on two previous South Jersey regional Veterans Opportunity and Resource Fairs held at Stockton College in Pomona and Naval Air Station Aviation Museum in Rio Grande.

“We are committed to providing New Jersey veterans with opportunities to find jobs and obtain the services they need to be successful,” said Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths. “We appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made for our country, which is why we seize every chance we can to connect veterans with employers who are eager to hire servicemen and servicewomen.”

Approximately 75 employers and veteran service organizations attended the event looking for qualified veterans to fill open positions.

The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development joins dozens of career fairs annually that are specifically targeted toward veterans, including events organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” campaign, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the “Be a Hero, Hire a Hero” campaign, the American Legion, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the New Jersey State Parole Board.

Today’s South Jersey regional Veterans Opportunity and Resource Fair also featured the latest qualifying round for Mr. and Ms. Veteran New Jersey, a contest showcasing how veterans have overcome obstacles such as homelessness, unemployment, legal offenses or post-traumatic stress disorders. The final title will be awarded later this year.

For more information about upcoming job fairs for veterans, go to:

• http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/plan/foryou/veterans/veteran_services.shtml
• Email: Jobs4JerseyVets@dol.state.nj.us
• Phone: 609-777-1042
• Visit veteran representatives at the nearest One-Stop Career Center (locations available at: http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/plan/support/njccsites/one_stop_career_centers.shtml/