Paychecks for Patriots helps match military, employers

Thursday, October 09, 2014 | 04:07pm

Paychecks for Patriots helps match military, employers

Tennessean Article (click to read full story) - The transition from the military to the civilian workforce is a challenge 12-year Army veteran John Freeland said can be "kind of shocking" for multiple reasons. Freeland was among those who attended Paychecks for Patriots, a statewide job fair for veterans at 10 locations with more than 200 employers and 1,000 jobs available. The largest single site was Nashville's LP Field, which had more than 60 employers.

Most veterans were appreciative, though some apprehensive based on past experience. "It's a good way for a company to get PR, to be honest," said Army veteran Marshall LeMasters, 27. "But I talked to 10 companies and four or five seem genuinely interested in hiring veterans."

Military veterans Matthew Gravely, left, and Andrew Jambora listen to Officer Crystal Lopera of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during the Paychecks for Patriots job fair Thursday at LP Field in Nashville. (Photo: Jae S. Lee / The Tennessean )