May 29, 2014, RALEIGH, N.C. (NNS) – Employers from across the country attended the 4th annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference, May 28-29 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The purpose of the free two-day conference is to bring employers and wounded warriors together in one location to match their needs for employment.
The first day was employer-focused, with sessions designed to share best practices and innovative ways to recruit, hire, train, and retain wounded warriors and veterans.
“Businesses must be good people pickers to succeed,” said Vice Adm. David Dunaway, commander, Naval Air Systems Command. “When you get into the pool of veterans 90 percent of the picking is already done for you because the military picks good people and makes them better.”
North Carolina is home to one of the largest wounded warrior and veteran populations in the country, and the Raleigh/Durham area is easily accessible to multiple warrior transition units and veteran-focused organizations.
“Your being here demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile and hire the best people for your businesses, said Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command.
Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Michael Barrett, was the keynote speaker for Wednesday’s event.
He spoke about the unique opportunity this conference provides its attendees.
“This conference provides employers with capable and qualified individuals who can come into their businesses and make immediate impacts,” said Barrett.
Several panel discussions were held giving employers and wounded warriors to share their perspectives.
The second day of the conference features the Hiring Heroes Career Fair with more than 60 federal agencies and private industry employers presenting job opportunities for wounded warriors, veterans and their spouses.
The Wounded Warrior and Veteran Hiring and Support Conference is sponsored by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; and co-hosted by Naval Air Systems Command; Naval Sea Systems Command; and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. DoN’s Office of Civilian Human Resources, Navy Safe Harbor and the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service are supporting the conference.
For more information and a list of all the employers in attendance, visit www.navsea.navy.mil/wwemployment.