Photo Caption: (From left to right) Veterans Reuben Butler, Devon Murraine and U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Christine Cunningham take a hands-on approach to their job search at the Hero 2 Hired Mobile Job Store today at the DC Armory, part of the Department of Defense’s “Hero 2 Hired” employment program designed for members of the National Guard and Reserve.
WASHINGTON (May 17, 2012) – A one-of-a-kind vehicle brought career tools directly to National Guard and Reserve members today at the D.C. Armory. The innovative Hero 2 Hired (H2H) “Mobile Job Store” allows Guardsmen and Reservists– who often face higher unemployment rates than civilians and unique occupational challenges– to search for available jobs through an online job portal specifically designed to connect them with military-friendly civilian employers that have made a stated commitment to hire veterans. The mobile facility also provides service members assistance with resume building and translating their military skills to civilian job qualifications.
Over 125 veterans and service members visited the H2H Mobile Job Store parked at the D.C. Armory. The Armory was just one stop on the H2H Mobile Job Store’s tour across America. “Members of the Guard and Reserve are scattered throughout the nation in communities large and small,” explained Sgt. Maj. Wayne Bowser, Sr., Senior Enlisted Advisor for Family and Employer Programs and Policy in the Pentagon’s Office of Reserve Affairs. “The H2H Mobile Job Store allows us to roll-up in their hometowns with the resources and information they need to connect to military-friendly employers.”
The H2H Mobile Job Store is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs’ “Hero 2 Hired” program, a comprehensive, multi-faceted program which utilizes an electronic job and career web platform, mobile applications and Facebook integration, and virtual and physical career fairs to address the unique employment challenges facing members of the Guard and Reserve.
About Hero 2 Hired (H2H):
Launched in December 2011, Hero 2 Hired (H2H) is a comprehensive employment program designed to address the unique needs of Reserve Component members. The mission of H2H is to simplify the job search while reducing the number of unemployed Reserve Component Service members. H2H.jobs also allows military-friendly companies to access the talented men and women in the military, post job openings, search for candidates and invite them to apply, and participate in hiring events – all free of charge. H2H is managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and works in partnership with the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). More information for H2H can be found on their website at H2H.jobs.
About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR):
Established as a DoD agency 40 years ago, ESGR develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. Learn more at ESGR.mil.