Vets face bleak job outlook

TAMPA - Finding a new job is tough for anyone these days, but the unemployment rate for recent veterans is even higher than the general population.

So, a job fair at the Tampa Convention Center was designed and held Wednesday for those who served their country and now find themselves out of work.

It's a roller coaster ride for many: surviving combat, joyfully returning home and then finding yourself unemployed in the midst of a recession.

That's just what happened to Vincent Dlugi. He served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman in Afghanistan and Iraq.

After rehabbing a severe back injury he suffered in combat, Dlugi is now searching for a job.

"I'm going on my fourth month of unemployment. I did car sales in the meantime once they moved my job and just with the economy turning around, car sales wasn't working out for my family," he said.

Many veterans that are in the same position were seen at the job fair, handing out résumés wherever they could. Every company or government agency represented at the fair recognizes what former members of the military bring to the table.

"We have companies like T-Mobile that are here looking for sales people because veterans do make great sales people. They have the drive, the determination," said Robert Walker, who helped organize the event.

Recruiters and employers say many of the skills acquired in the armed forces translate well to the civilian world.

"Some of the real transition points have been technology and operations positions, strategic planning, supply chain and just basic management positions," said Bank of America Recruiter Josh Renick.

Any of which might be appealing to someone like Dlugi.

"It's amazing. I drove all the way from Wesley Chapel just to come here. There are employers that are going to back us here. So, it was definitely worth the drive. It's very professional. I'm happy to be here," said Dlugi.

He'll be even happier if one of the contacts he's made results in a job offer sooner rather than later.