Thousands Expected at Guard Reintegration Event

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:52:42 GMT

The Yellow Ribbon Career and Benefits Fair joins community partners with the Oregon National Guard (ONG) in a special reintegration event for returning soldiers and their families on Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CCC.

The Yellow Ribbon Career and Benefits Fair will offer veterans the opportunity to meet with dozens of military-friendly employers from the Portland area looking to fill current positions. In addition, state and local agencies will be on hand with information for veterans and their families. Representatives from CCC will highlight educational opportunities for veterans looking to enhance their job skills.

Sen. Ron Wyden is a major supporter of the state’s reintegration events. He will welcome employers at the Yellow Ribbon Career and Benefits Fair and will address the attendees during the lunch hour. Major General Raymond F. Reese, adjutant general of the ONG; Lt. Col. Jeffrey Schulz, the Yellow Ribbon liaison for the Army Reserve Office of the Secretary of Defense; State Sen. Martha Schrader, and CCC President Dr. Joanne Truesdell will also be in attendance.

This spring, Oregon welcomed home more than 2,600 troops from overseas deployment. Statistics show more than 50 percent of returning service men and women are unemployed. The Oregon National Guard, in cooperation with CCC, WorkSource Oregon, Clackamas County and Hire Oregon Vets, organized the career and benefit fair to aid in the employment and training of the returning veterans.
Employers who are interested in taking part in the fair should contact Mary Nelson 971-673-6414.

The Yellow Ribbon Career and Benefits Fair will take place on the Clackamas Community College campus, 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City. For more information, contact Janet Paulson, 503-594-3162.