Hundreds of returning veterans from the Bronx and around the metro area came armed for this nervous encounter – with resumes. Some donned business suits while others dressed to impress in their military uniforms for what many hailed as a successful job fair Thursday, August 23 at the at Empire City Casino.
“Military people need society’s help,” said Timothy Parker of the Bronx, who served in the Air Force and has been unemployed for two years.
But he said he isn’t giving up.
“Programs like this didn’t exist years ago, veterans had to fight for jobs,” said Parker, who noted that he had been to several job fairs before, but none as well done. “Now help is coming.”
The day was also hailed a success by the forty-five employers who were looking to add veterans to their employee ranks
The Empire City Casino organized the event as part of a “Hire a Hero” effort to encourage regional employers to hire military service men and women. The Yonkers casino underwrote the costs so that it was free for employers and veterans to participate.
“We owe these young men and women a debt we’ll never be able to repay,” said Timothy Rooney, owner and operator of Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. “This is our way of saying thank you and our way of giving other employers a way to show their gratitude as well.”
Job seekers were impressed as well.
The event was certainly a success for Vincent Ceresa, 30, of the Bronx.
Ceresa is a current member of the National Guard and this was his first job fair.
He said that everyone at Empire City sent off a ‘good vibe’ and obviously wanted to help veterans. He was happy with the job opportunities available and had scheduled three interviews with employers.
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
