The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Career Development office, in collaboration with American Legion Auxiliary of Post 488 of New Boston, Texas; Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow and A&M-Texarkana English faculty member, Dr. Corrine Hinton; and the City of Texarkana, Texas, will host a free employment workshop for military veterans and their spouses and caregivers on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Eagle Hall on the A&M-Texarkana campus, 7101 University Ave., Texarkana, Texas.
In July, A&M-Texarkana was awarded a grant by the American Legion Auxiliary national office to support military/veteran community initiatives in honor of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. A&M-Texarkana applied for the grant, intending to use the funds to support the employment needs of area veterans and their families.
“Transitioning career-related skill sets from the military to the civilian world can be a bit tricky for veterans and equally so for the spouse or caregiver who has a spotty work history due to their life situations,” said Tina Boitnott, director of A&M Texarkana’s Career Development office. “It is important to seek out career development or a career center in order to find guidance and assistance in putting together your résumé, highlighting your relevant skills and training for the job you are pursuing. You may also practice your interviewing skills, create a LinkedIn profile, conduct a job search, and learn how to negotiate a salary offer.”
Registration is free and limited to the first 50 participants who register through the event registration page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-veteran-and-spousecaregiver-employment-workshop-tickets-36983377277. The event includes a 90-minute employment workshop, lunch and guest speakers. Veterans or spouses/caregivers with children ages 5-15 can take advantage of the Kid’s Room activity center on site for the duration of the workshop.
“So many of our younger veteran families have children,” explained Dr. Hinton, a Texas Dole Foundation Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Providing resources accessible to military and veteran caregivers who may struggle to find or maintain employment that also figures into their caregiving responsibilities is tremendously important. We hope that offering a workshop for spouses and caregivers, in addition to the veterans themselves, will arm them with the skills they need.”
“The City of Texarkana has a long history of supporting the veterans in our community as well as the many that rely on Texarkana for support,” Mayor Bob Bruggeman said. “As one of just over 100 Hidden Heroes Cities in the United States, the City of Texarkana, Texas, also extends its support to military family members, especially the spouses and caregivers who need us to step up and help provide the resources they need to be successful and productive community members. We want the world to know that Texarkana USA is a military-friendly city. This workshop is an excellent example of one of the many ways we show that.”
To donate, volunteer or for more information, contact Dr. Corrine Hinton at Corrine.Hinton@tamut.edu.
