About 800 veterans attended a job fair at the Irving Convention Center with 88 employers.
Veterans looking for work got some help on Thursday.
About 800 veterans attended a job fair at the Irving Convention Center with 88 employers.
RecruitMilitary and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered for the event.
Mike Rollins, RecruitMilitary's director of national accounts and a veteran, said he understood that many recently had left the battlefield.
"You'll see a young person in a suit and tie literally here to beg for a job," he said. "Three months ago, he was kicking in doors, not knowing if certain death lies on the other side, so it's a tremendous feeling to be able to give back to them."
Louis Riley has been searching for a job since he left the Navy in September.
"Be prepared for a battle when it comes to the jobs, because it's a lot harder than I thought it would be," he said.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Patrick Frink, who was medically discharged from the Air Force in April 2011, echoed similar sentiments.
"For six months, I took some time to heal from surgery, and then since then I've been looking pretty hard for a job," he said. "It's unfortunately been a lot more difficult than I imagined."
One recruiter, Exeter Finance Corp., did more than just accept resumes at the job fair.
"These individuals have an opportunity to discuss with decision-makers here right now," said Drew Wirstrom, area general manager.
Wirstrom, also a veteran, said he understood the difficulties of finding work. He encouraged his fellow veterans to keep trying.
"A company took a shot on me," he said. "I worked with them for 10 years, got a wealth of knowledge, and it put me on the career path that I am now."
RecruitMilitary holds 67 career fairs in 36 cities across the country. This was the first time this year that it's taken place in North Texas.
