The Tennessee Department of Labor has joined with Dollar General, Star Manufacturing and several other major employers in Tennessee to connect veterans with jobs. The Paychecks for Patriots initiative will include hiring fairs to be held on October 25 in 13 Tennessee Career Centers throughout the state, and will feature local employers interested in putting veterans to work. The Paychecks for Patriots hiring fair in Cookeville will be held from 10am to 2pm at 580 South Jefferson Avenue, Suite A.
Governor Haslam signed a proclamation announcing October 25th as Paychecks for Patriots Day. The declaration signifies the governor’s support for recently returning veterans as well as those from past campaigns.
“We should never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy here at home because of the service of veterans,” Haslam said. “I am really grateful for our service members and all that they do overseas and back here at home, and I’m happy the state could help by partnering with local employers to find jobs for veterans.”
Cookeville’s hiring fair features Cable Wireless Info Tech, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Deaconess Healthcare, Dollar General, Fixtur-World, Flowserve, IWC Cash & Carry, Lowe’s, Moeller, and Star Manufacturing. They will have representatives on-site who will be accepting resumes or referring applicants to online applications. Tennessee Career Centers are equipped with computer workstations to facilitate online applications and job searches through their jobs database at www.jobs4tn.gov.
“Tennessee employers understand the value veterans bring to the work place. Dollar General has hired more than 7,000 veterans in the last two years alone,” said Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer. “Through Paychecks for Patriots, we’re seeking to resolve the challenges of unemployment facing our veterans by equipping Tennessee’s military community with the resources to better understand the job opportunities available.”
Several agencies are contributing to the event including Labor and Workforce Development, Economic and Community Development, Military, Veterans Affairs, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
“Paychecks for Patriots has pulled together some of Tennessee’s most prominent employers with one goal in mind … to help our veterans find or better their employment,” said Major General Haston. “The Tennessee National Guard is proud to be a part of this landmark project.”
Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs will concurrently be held in Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Crossville, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis (Poplar Avenue), Nashville (Metro Center), Talbott and Tullahoma.
Information on Paychecks for Patriots and participating employers and locations can be found at http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/Patriots/Paychecks.shtml.