Job fair reaches out to veterans

AUSTIN (KXAN) - State and federal agencies, along with non-profit groups, set up shop at the Capitol on Saturday to match returning war veterans with job openings.

Those job openings offer veterans hope for the future, as unemployment numbers creep towards an economic recovery. On a day that honored veterans, the job fair might have been the most important component for those looking for a full recovery.

"Today we set aside politics and focus on the humanity of our shared community," said a speaker at a rally to honor veterans on the South steps of the Capitol.

That's important to veterans, since the group suffers from a higher-than-average unemployment rates.

Unemployment numbers for veterans dropped in the month of June. In June, the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan dropped to 9.5 percent, compared to an overall unemployment rate of 7.4 percent.

Saturday's event included tips about converting military skills into civilian jobs. Leadership skills, in particular, are attractive to employers. Many of the veterans at Saturday's event also signed up for federal education programs to enroll back in school after they get home.