Iowa veterans, National Guard members, and their families will have an opportunity to connect directly with employers during a statewide series of career fairs on Thursday, July 23.
IowaWORKS and Home Base Iowa are hosting the second annual National Hire a Veteran Day Career Fair Series at seven Iowa National Guard armories across the state.
The events are designed to connect veterans with employers who recognize the leadership, experience, and skills developed through military service. More than 115 employers are registered to participate across the seven locations, making this year’s series the largest yet.
National Hire a Veteran Day is officially observed on July 25 and was established in 2017 to encourage employers to recruit and hire veterans. Iowa’s career fairs are being held two days earlier this year to better accommodate employers and job seekers.
Home Base Iowa Program Manager Robert J. Haege III said the events provide an important opportunity to highlight the experience veterans can bring to Iowa workplaces while helping those transitioning from military service find their next career.
The July 23 career fairs will be held at the following locations:
- Cedar Rapids: Iowa National Guard Armory, 1500 Wright Brothers Blvd. W., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Council Bluffs: Iowa National Guard Armory, 2415 E. Kanesville Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Des Moines/Johnston: Camp Dodge Freedom Center, 7105 NW 70th Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Fort Dodge: Iowa National Guard Armory, 1659 Nelson Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Mason City: Iowa National Guard Armory, 1160 19th St. SW, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Mt. Pleasant: Iowa National Guard Armory, 1000 S. Walnut St., from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Waterloo: Iowa National Guard Armory, 3106 Airport Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Veterans, Guard members, and their families are encouraged to attend.
Home Base Iowa, which helps connect veterans and their families with career opportunities following military service, is helping organize and promote the events. Its partnership with the Iowa National Guard also helps reach Guard members returning from deployment who may be considering their next career move.
Veterans and their families can also receive employment assistance through their local IowaWORKS center, including help finding job openings, preparing for hiring events, developing workforce skills, and connecting with Iowa employers seeking veteran talent.
Source: IowaWORKS / Home Base Iowa
