TAMPA - They're done serving our country, but now what are veterans to do?

Edwin Santiago just returned from serving as a reservist in Iraq.  Now he's having a tough time looking for life outside the military.  A friend suggested attending a job fair.

"He went to one of these things," says Veteran Edwin Santiago.  "And he said it was very easy, and they were very helpful for everything, and he had so many job opportunities approach him."

The RecruitMilitary Career Fair brings veterans face to face with dozens of hiring companies, which helps many make this tough transition a bit easier.

"You're not thinking too much while you're in the Marine Corp of what you're going to do next in life," says RecruitMilitary Senior Vice President Larry Slagel.  "And once you get out it's tough to find companies sometimes that appreciate what you've done."

Those recruiting say the fairs are a win-win situation for them as well.  Not only are they filling a position, but they often times they say they find that veterans offer exactly what they're seeking.

"What veterans bring to the table are values that we value as well," says Recruiter Bill Braswell.  "Integrity, work ethic -- they work well with a team, and they come with a good leadership skill set," he said.

Recruiters say they've had a lot of success with these fairs in the past.  Many say they remember what it's like trying to get that first job after leaving active duty.

"You're supervised very closely in the military and you're expectations are very closely defined," says Braswell.  "When you get in the civilian world it's not that programmed.  You have to think for yourself," he said.

While many attending the job fair are hoping to hear the words, "you're hired," just making contacts and getting a foot in the door is the start most are seeking.

The RecruitMilitary Career Fair will make 45 stops throughout the country this year.  It will be back in Tampa on November 15.