Ventura County companies looking to hire veterans

More than 30 agencies that are hiring veterans and military personnel will be showcased at the sixth annual military and veterans expo and job fair at the Camarillo Community Center on Saturday.

These agencies will join numerous other vendors that offer a range of services for veterans, including mental health, financial and legal support, service animals and more.

“I like to think of the expo as a force multiplier,” said Kim Evans, founder and executive director of the Ventura County Military Collaborative, sponsor of the job fair.

Open to all branches of the military and veterans, the expo brings together the best agencies currently supporting those who have served, she said.

“What makes the expo so special is that this event is staffed by volunteers and veterans who are there to make sure that no veteran is left behind,” Evans said. “The expo is truly for all, from the youngest family member to World War II veterans.”

Agencies at the job fair portion of the expo will include the California Highway Patrol, Ventura County government, Oxnard Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Other agencies on site will include Life After Brain Injury, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Pets for Vets Ventura County, Skyline Home Loans and The Soldiers Project.

“The expo is for all active duty, National Guard, reserves, veterans, their loved ones and the community that supports them,” Evans said. “The expo brings together the best agencies currently supporting those who have served.”

There are so many aspects to federal and state Veterans Affairs benefits that people can be overwhelmed and should really speak with the experts, said event emcee Mike McManus, a retired U.S. Air Force senior master sergeant.

“The expo provides that opportunity,” said McManus, of Ventura, veteran services officer for Ventura County and chairman of the board for the Ventura County Military Collaborative.

McManus will have a table at the event staffed by four claims officers who can address people’s questions about federal and state benefits, as well as refer to local programs and services that assist veterans, military personnel, and their families.

“It is never too soon nor too late to learn about and be connected with the benefits military veterans have earned through their service,” McManus said.

These benefits can help provide veterans with health care, income, job training, substance abuse counseling, property tax exemption, veteran designation on their California driver’s license, and much more, he noted.

“Even if a veteran is already connected with one or two benefits, such as disability compensation and VA health care, they should still come to the expo to learn about all the other benefits and services they’re not yet connected with, but have earned,” McManus said.

In addition to VA benefits, “there are countless service providers with programs that help veterans be bettered prepared in areas ranging from long-term care and adult day health care to child support and equine therapy,” McManus said.

The expo grows every year, Evans said, and this year’s event is expected to draw 2,000 people.

“To think that each year we are able to help more people who can, in turn, educate more people is just a wonderful thing,” she said.

Evans added that the expo wouldn’t be possible without “the generosity of Ventura County companies and individuals” that work to make a difference in the lives of military personnel.

“I can’t thank everyone enough,” she said.

The expo literally improves veterans’ and their family’s lives because of the connections made, McManus added.

“On top of all the information, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other veterans and people still on active duty or in the guard or reserves in a fun and friendly atmosphere with free entertainment and food,” he said.

If you go

What: Military and veterans expo and job fair

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26

Where: Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St.

Admission: Free

Information: http://www.vcmilc.org

Contact: info@vcmilc.org; 983-4850