Military Order of the Purple Heart Sponsors Veterans' Job Fair in Martinsburg, WV

May 1, 2009 - The Military Order of the Purple Heart is pleased to announce its partnership with the Martinsburg, WV VA Medical Center and WorkForce West Virginia, to conduct a Job Fair & Business Opportunity Summit on June 25, 2009. 

From 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on June 25, 2009, the Martinsburg VA Medical Center will open its doors to veterans seeking assistance in finding employment and in identifying new business opportunities.  Surrounding area businesses and government agencies in the greater Martinsburg area will come together to find qualified individuals for their employment needs. 

The all day Job Fair will bring together resources from the State Human Resource (WorkForce) entities, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration and local businesses for the purpose of aiding veterans in finding employment and in identifying business opportunities.  

The event will offer workshops and seminars to teach veterans how to relate their skills to employers’ requirements.  Also being offered will be methods for obtaining contracts, securing finances, and developing business startups.

All businesses seeking qualified prospective employees in the outlying area of VAMC Martinsburg are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Participating companies are required to register and should call one of the contacts listed below. 

Veterans seeking employment or information regarding Federal benefits are not required to register, but are encouraged to call or send an email in order to receive a welcome packet.  All veterans should visit the MOPH website http://www.vetsjobs.net/ to see what employment opportunities may already exist.

Staff will be available to provide advice on the full range of veteran benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Veterans will also have the opportunity to enroll or determine eligibility for medical care through the VA System. 

Job Fair Contacts: (Email responses preferred)

Otis Batten, LVER, 304-267-0030, obatten@workforcewv.org

Monty Hogbin, DVOP, 304-538-7741, mhogbin@workforcewv.org

Robin Wilson, DCHV, 304-263-0811 X 3852, roberta.wilson@va.gov

Cy Kammeier, MOPH, 571-218-5235, cykamm@verizon.net

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's Military History. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  MOPH volunteers provide assistance to Hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

For information contact either:

Veteran Employment Coordinator, Don Nichols, 918-931-8632, nicholsdon@sbcglobal.net

or

National Director of Public Relations, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

Web: http://www.purpleheart.org/