The Hiring Heroes’ career fair’s primary goal is to assist service members and their spouses, in finding a job that best suites their military trade or training. Resume writing classes and interview training techniques were also provided at no cost to attendees while at the fair.

“Our goal is to ensure that those service men and women who have so valiantly served this country have a plan when they get out,” said Carin M. Otero, director,DoD Civilian Personnel Management Service. “They have done so much for our nation, its only right that we return the favor.”

Throughout the ballroom of the South Mesa Club, more than 70 companies set up booths, which provided potential career opportunities for many job fields including law enforcement, medical care, construction and technology.

“Finding a career path that is right for me is something I thought I might trouble doing,” said Sarah Ulrich, spouse of a Marine currently deployed. “Even though my husband is thousands and thousands of miles away I know he can sleep better tonight knowing that someone is helping take care of his family."

During the event, many Marines and sailors walked hand-in-hand with their spouses because Hiring Heroes’ additional goal is to provide spouses with career opportunities as well.

“We don’t only help those who wear the uniform, we also help those who stand beside it and take over responsibilities during deployments,” said Otero. “Military spouses make just as much of a sacrifice as their loved ones and it’s our duty to show how appreciative we are for it.”

The day before the fair, Hiring Heroes’ hosted a free seminar for military spouses at the South Mesa Club. The seminar covered such topics as education benefits, career opportunities, and job seeking tips and interviewing guidelines.

The next Hiring Heroes career fair is scheduled to be held at the South Mesa Club, July 2012.

For more information about Hiring Heroes log onto www.hireheroesusa.org/.