FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood's Soldier for Life Assistance Program hosted the 42nd Mega Career Fair Tuesday, where about 190 vendors packed Club Hood. Soldiers, spouses and civilians had the chance to find information on more than 20,000 employment opportunities.
Careers in law enforcement, construction and truck driving were some of the positions highlighted Tuesday, all in an effort to link job seekers with well-paying careers to better their lives.
Leadership opportunities was one thing the Soldier for Life program sells prospective employers on who sign up to attend as a vendor.
"What kind of company doesn't want to hire somebody who doesn't have some kind of leadership potential?" Robert Schumacher, marketing coordinator of the assistance program at Fort Hood, said. "Now they may not put you in a leadership role but if your boss calls out sick one day, do we close that department down because we can't find somebody to run the place?"
Fort Hood's active duty population is 36,000 people and Schumacher said he estimates about 5,200 participated in today's career fair.
Sergeant Todd Callaway, an eight year veteran of the U.S. Army, said he is humbled and excited by an event like this as he transitions back into civilian life.
"Leadership cares, it shows that a lot of civilians care. It shows a lot of what Fort Hood's characteristics are." Sgt. Callaway said. "By the leadership, by the General, everyone. It gives Soldiers the opportunity to come by here and look for their future."
Sgt. Callaway said he is hopeful his dream of becoming a cinematographer in Hollywood will be met following his career in the Army. He believes his background in the military gives him an advantage over his civilian counterparts.
"The Army gives you a lot of discipline," he said. "It instills a lot of characteristics a lot of civilian personnel would not understand. So, it gives you a lot of discipline, a lot of motivation, a lot of self-perseverance, so it'll mean a lot knowing that my future employer knows what kind of work and employee they are getting."
When asked if worry or fear is there as he transitions back into civilian life soon, Callaway said the Army has prepared him for that moment.
"You know, fear hasn't set in yet." he says. "That's one thing you cannot allow. In the heat of the moment, the best thing you can do is just get it done. As a soldier you have to figure out a way to get it done. I don't know, sir, I've always known to just get it done, so that's what I'll do."