Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)

Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)

Two weeks ago, I first told you about a special opportunity for our military spouses in the southern California area and nearby military installations seeking jobs and careers:  the “Hiring Our Heroes” Los Angeles hiring fair.

This hiring fair will be co-hosted by the US and Los Angeles Chambers of Commerce, in cooperation with the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor, on July 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sony Pictures Studios and is available only to military spouses and veterans.  It will also feature a service project to provide support for military children thanks to Service Nation:  Mission Serve, in cooperation with the USO and Blue Star Families.

I also said you would definitely want to sign up for the hiring fair.   I can now tell you why.

Today I am pleased to say that Their Royal Highnesses, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will be participating in both the hiring fair and the service project!

What connection does the Royal Couple have with military families?  Many Americans may not realize that the Prince is a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force, which means that Catherine is also a military spouse!  Their focus is to help raise awareness and support for the Service men, women, and families in both Great Britain and the United States who have proudly served and to assist in re-integration and employment efforts of veterans and military families.  It is both an honor and a thrill to have them join us.

Registration for veterans is now closed, but it’s NOT TOO LATE for military spouses:  military spouses who would like to register may still do so, but only by e-mailing hiringheroes@servicenation.org (please note that the on-line registration site has been closed).  Again, spouses from the active, National Guard, and Reserve ranks from all Services, including the Coast Guard, are eligible to attend this FREE and unique event.  There are only 500 slots available for military spouses, and they are filling up rapidly, so don’t delay – make sure you register immediately!

Once you register, please remember: as with any job fair, prior preparation is absolutely critical and will help lead to a successful outcome.  In short, one rule of thumb is to treat a job fair as you would a job interview:  dress for success, bring your resume (we recommend 30 copies), do prior research on the companies that will attend the fair, and have your “30 second” speech about you memorized to recite to the employers you will meet there.  (Note:  about one week before the hiring fair, all registered spouses will receive an e-mail from the Chamber of Commerce that lists the companies who will be participating).

As a military spouse, you have access to useful resources that can help you get prepared for any job fair, to include resume building.   You can consult your installation family center for more information or contact Military Onesource at 1-800-342-9647 to speak to a spouse career consultant.

I am delighted that the Royal Couple will be joining us in Los Angeles.  Their presence and the prospect of our veterans and military spouses finding meaningful jobs and careers will undoubtedly make this a memorable event.  Please be sure to share this information with other military spouses who may also be looking for employment and encourage them to register.  This opportunity will be too special to miss.  I look forward to meeting as many military spouses as I can at the event.  Until next time, take care.

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