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Hire America's Heroes connects businesses with Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Representatives from more than 60 companies visited McChord Field June 20, 2014, during the Hire America's Heroes Symposium. The purpose of the event was to educate corporations interested in recruiting, hiring and retaining Air Force Airmen once they become veterans and seek employment.

The day began with employee representatives arriving to McChord Field's Hangar 9 for light refreshments. Once they took their seats, they were officially welcomed by retired Maj. Gen. James Collins, Hire America's Heroes president.

"The Department of Defense is very interested in corporate America being acquainted with their talented service members but they don't have any money to pay for this mission," said Collins. "Therefore, our non-profit organization provides the funding, the mechanics and the execution model to do this so good things can happen."

Collins then gave way to introductions by Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Pete Stavros, Western Air Defense Sector commander, and Col. Jeff Philippart, 62nd Airlift Wing vice commander.

They each informed the attendees about the importance of the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and active duty components. They spoke about what their units do for the Air Force and how their Airmen can adapt to almost any circumstance.

"This is an opportunity for us to showcase our total force, the Air Guard, the Reserve and the active duty Airmen who really make this mission happen," said Philippart. "What I ask you do to when you're visiting these different sections is talk to the Airmen and ask them questions. Put on your employer hat and pull out of them those qualities that you're looking for."

After Philippart finished his welcoming speech, loud buzzers rang throughout the hanger. A few patrons clasped their hands over their ears at the noise as the massive hangar doors slowly opened. After a moment, they realized just outside was a static C-17 Globemaster III and one by one they began pulling out their phones and cameras to take pictures.

The tour started with the visitors having the opportunity to explore the aircraft as they split up into three groups.

One stayed with the jet, one made their way to WADS while the last group traveled to Hangar 2 for a capabilities briefing during a C-17 home station check.

At McChord Field's Engine Fire House #105, they were afforded the opportunity for an air traffic control tower tour and a chance to dine on a Meal, Ready-to-Eat. Most just enjoyed playing a game to see which MRE contained Skittles and other popular snacks.

The event continued on with an employer panel giving the delegates the opportunity to discuss and share the best practices for recruiting, hiring, and on-boarding military employees.

This led up to the "Reverse Career Fair".

During the "Reverse Career Fair," employers were able to learn firsthand all Airmen do every day and what skills they have developed while in the Air Force. Airmen representing multiple Air Force specialty codes were available to give employers a full spectrum view of career fields and how they can translate into the civilian workforce.

Ed Odom, Puget Sound Energy director concluded the event with stating the 2014 Hire America's Heroes Symposium was a success for local businesses eager to learn about Team McChord Airmen as they prepare to separate and search for employment in the civilian sector.