On Oct. 1, more than 200 veterans gathered across the state of Tennessee for the fourth annual Paychecks for Patriots networking event. According to WBIR.com, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development sponsored the statewide initiative to increase veteran employment. Those in charge stated that former servicemembers make some of the best candidates for employment.
"All veterans have something that the average person may not have," Tony Whatley of the department told WBIR.com. "They understand structure. They understand teamwork."
Wallace Memorial Baptist Church hosted the event in Knoxville, where veterans had the opportunity to apply and interview for positions with a number of different local employers. All of the positions to which the veterans were applying were full-time and came with benefits. Some of the participants told local ABC news affiliate WATE.com that it was difficult to find local civilian employment on their own and that they were grateful for the opportunity with Paychecks for Patriots. Many of the veterans who attended the event were hired immediately.
Some of the employers who participated were FedEx, Aramark, Penske truck leasing and Weigel's. The date for next year's event has not yet been announced.