'Homeless Veterans Stand Down' kicked off with job fair at fairgrounds

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The first of three days dedicated to helping veterans in Jacksonville kicked off Thursday with the “Homeless Veterans Stand Down” job fair.

More than 50 employers, from city departments to private enterprises, gathered at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds with one common goal to hire veterans.

Donovan Williams served five years in the Navy, most recently as a junior medical officer on the Samuel B. Roberts in Mayport.

“We were going through Central and South America, taking narcotics from go-fast boats,” said Williams.

But now that he’s back in the civilian world, fitting back in hasn’t been easy.

“After I got out of the military, I was doing landscaping and washing cars to pay the bills to make ends meet,” said Williams.

Which is why Williams, along with dozens of local veterans, many homeless, appreciated the opportunity to get face-time with potential employers who are specifically looking to recruit service members.

Joanne Connell, of the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society, said she knows the value of veterans.

“I know that if I’m hiring a veteran, I’m going to hire someone who is loyal, who's willing to work really hard, shows up on time,” said Connell.

For Vietnam veteran John Harrell, the transition after war came with special challenges.

“I was suffering from PTSD and I didn't know it, I was doing crazy things, drinking too much,” said Harrell.

Harrell said he’s now willing and able to work, and is thankful that employers see what veterans can bring to the table.

“They need a chance, we need a chance,” said Harrell.

On day two of the “Homeless Veterans Stand Down” event, veterans will get the chance to meet with attorneys to discuss legal issues. The attorneys will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the VA OPC, located at 1536 N. Jefferson Street.

Then, on Saturday, at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s the Homeless Veterans Resource Fair, where vets can take advantage of haircuts, eye and ear exams, VA services and more.

Cox Media Group