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Firms Recruit Military Veterans for Civilian Jobs
Career fair in Dearborn attracts about 300, many of whom are sick, wounded, retired or on active duty.
by Iveory Perkins and Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News
Original Story
DEARBORN -- Dennis Makola used to fear
that he would never see his family again, especially
on days where the Army infantry team leader had to
dodge sniper bullets in the dark skies in Kuwait or
hide his squadron from bomb traps.
But now that the 46-year-old is back at his Macomb
Township home he has another fear, one that is more
persistent: Not being able to take care of his
family as a civilian.
"A few times I was afraid that I wouldn't come home
to my family while I was being shot at or doing
checkpoints," Makola said. "I want to make a decent
living like I was in the military. I will do
whatever I have to do to take care of my family."
Makola is on leave with the Army due to a host of
medical problems. He said he hopes to be reassigned
to a base close to home or find work as a civilian
that will pay the bills and support his family.
There are many sick, wounded or retired military men
and women who share the same fear as Makola. About
300 military veterans and those on active duty
turned out at a career fair in Dearborn on Thursday,
aimed at employing the men and women who protect our
country.
Nationwide, the unemployment rate for veterans ages
20-24 is 10.4 percent, down from 15.6 percent in
2005. In Michigan, some 24,000 veterans are out of
work, state figures show.
RecruitMilitary, a military recruiting firm based in
Loveland, Ohio, sponsors career fairs nationwide to
help military veterans find jobs as civilians in
host of careers including sales, franchising,
logistics and finance.
"Veterans don't know where to go or what kinds of
jobs they should apply for," said Robert Walker,
director of career fairs for the firm. "Corporations
can't walk onto army bases and hire 50 people. We
act as a bridge to put the two together."
Army Spc. Jonathon Purslow, 44, of Harper Woods
finished a 12-month tour in Iraq in November. He
worries about the job prospects available to him.
"Finding a job is a constant fear because I have
three children," said Purslow, who has spent five
years in the military. "I have been putting some
feelers out there, but nothing has materialized."
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