Job fair draws thousands to JBLM

  • Published
  • By Veronica Sandate Craker
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Kyle Hutchinson, a sergeant in 1st Battalion, 303rd Cavalry, and his wife, Darcy, weaved their way between more than 300 booths at the Service Members for Life Transition Summit Hiring Fair on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Oct. 23, in the hopes of landing a job.

With numerous private and government agencies represented, the Hutchinsons said there were plenty of opportunities for them. They admit they've visited job fairs in the past, but none like the one hosted at the Service Member for Life Transition Summit.

"They've been smaller," Darcy said. "Not even a quarter of what we've seen today."

The Summit ran from Oct. 21-23 at JBLM. The event featured a senior leaders' seminar and industry workshops. The employment fair capped the three-day event.

It was open to all active, Guard and Reserve service members, as well as veterans and family members, who were seeking employment. There were approximately 250 employers, educators and service organizations participating.

"Everyone's encouraging, and they are all here to be engaging," Darcy said. "Nobody say's 'no I don't have a position for you' they've all thought 'well how can I fit you into our company?' It's been very encouraging."

Darcy said she typically works in an office-setting doing clerical work, but was hoping to find something that utilized her interpersonal skills.

"I am looking more for opportunities that just go well with my personality," she said. "I had been working in a cubicle behind a computer, kind of answering the phone here and there, and it just wasn't my thing. I want to be out there."

When the two came across the Veterans Affairs booth, Darcy said she may have found a position that perfectly fused with those skill-sets.

"They are in need of people to be outreach, especially to homeless vets, and things like that," Darcy said.

The military spouse is no stranger to veterans, as her father served in the Navy.

"I really love being able to ... provide opportunities and give back," she said.

Kyle just finished obtaining his Master of Business Administration degree, from St. Martin's University in Lacey, and was looking to put his diploma to work.

"All my work experience is in aerospace manufacturing, so I figured I'd look for a management position in there or at a state agency," he said.

Sergeant Jeffrey Stander is still nine months from transitioning, but said it is never too early to start looking.

"There's never too much time, so plan, plan, plan," he said.

After serving six years in the military, Stander said he is ready to enter the workforce and and hopes to stay in the area. While he is pursuing a degree in visual communications, Stander said another career field caught his eye at the job fair.

"I never thought of environmental fields before, but I'm kind of seeing them here and it's interesting to me," Stander said. "It was just an avenue that I never really considered."

Making service members, veterans and their family members aware of the opportunities out there is just one goal the job fair is designed to fulfill. It's also a place for them to get information on continuing-education opportunities.

A number of colleges and universities were present, including Pierce College at JBLM.

Andrea Vonderscheer, Pierce College student support manager, said they were there to let service members know about the school and its programs. The college is a two-year program with nine-week terms.

"We also have a very strong online program that students can pursue, so it's real flexible for them," Vonderscheer said.

Stander said if his new career means he had to go back to school, he would be willing.

"I've got some school now, and I am finishing up a degree, so depending on the track I take it may need to be tweaked to something more," he said.

At the end of the day, 212 positions were filled by service members and their families. The Hutchinson's goal of the day was to fill one of those spots and get back into the workforce.

"I got to get back to work," Darcy said. "I really do love being employed."