“We all recognize an obligation to help New Jersey veterans find jobs and meaningful careers after they have served our country so honorably,” said LWD Commissioner Wirths. “We have partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and with the New Jersey Building Trades on numerous occasions to help former service members, and this administration will continue to assist veterans and their families to find employment, obtain training to expand their skills and to overcome any obstacles on their path to success in civilian life.”

A steady stream of veterans and military spouses had an opportunity to speak with approximately 50 employers and service organizations participating in the event hosted by the National Guard Armory in Bordentown. Employers ranged from some of the region’s smaller businesses, such as JB Hunt Transportation and GameStop, to some of the nation’s largest companies, including the United States Postal Service and Verizon Communications.

“Military members have expertly performed their duties under diverse conditions around the world,” said Brig. Gen. Cunniff, the Adjutant General of DMAVA. “Businesses that hire veterans are making the right choice because they will get dedicated workers who are highly trained, team players -- men and women who have already demonstrated personal courage and honor.”

Other sponsors and organizers of the event included the New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment & Training Service (DOL VETS), The American Legion, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, NBC News, the New Jersey State Parole Board and other local partners.

“Since the inception of the New Jersey Helmets to Hardhats Program, we have placed more than 350 military veterans into accredited apprenticeship programs within the Building Trades,” said William T. Mullen, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council. “We are happy to join with Hiring Our Heroes and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve today to focus on getting our servicemen and women into new careers with the trades.”

Last summer, the Christie Administration provided a $190,000 grant to the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council’s “Helmets to Hardhats” program to help military personnel, National Guard, reserve, and transitioning active-duty military members to connect to quality career and training opportunities in the building and construction trades. It was the second consecutive grant the administration awarded to the program through LWD. In 2011, a $195,000 was awarded to the organization.

Since June 2011, the Christie Administration has participated in 34 veteran-focused events including “Stand Downs” for homeless veterans to employment fairs and conferences designed to help employers connect with veteran services. The administration also has joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The American Legion and other sponsors to support “Hiring Our Heroes” events from Toms River, Flemington and Somerville to Trenton, Lawrenceville, and Camden, as well as an effort held in Morris County to help homeless veterans from throughout New Jersey find assistance.

In April 2012, the state Labor Department organized a number of events under Governor Christie’s Operation: Hire a Jersey Hero initiative, including a symposium held at Prudential’s headquarters in Newark that focused on connecting employers with state and federal resources to help them hire veterans. LWD also organized a veteran-specific job fair last May on board the USS New Jersey (Battleship NJ) in Camden, where 350 veterans and military spouses had an opportunity to meet with 50 employers who had a combined 2,800 available positions to fill.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation launched "Hiring Our Heroes" in March 2011 as a sustained grassroots campaign to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment in hundreds of communities across America. To date, the campaign has resulted in more than 430 hiring fairs being hosted in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, with more than 18,400 people placed into jobs.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development partnered with the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council’s “Helmets to Hardhats” program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” campaign for a veteran-focused job fair at the National Guard Armory in Bordentown.  Above New Jersey Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths (right) stands with William T. Mullen, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council.