A&FRC hosts annual job fair

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman JaNae Capuno
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Fighter Wing Airman & Family Readiness Center kicked off its annual job fair, September 18, 2019, at the Gunfighters Club to help take care of Airmen and families.

“By having a job fair, it supports our transitioning members by helping them to start networking and possibly securing employment prior to their final day of service, which can provide peace of mind during an already stressful transition period,” said Valerie Rourke, 366th Fighter Wing A&FRC employment program coordinator. “This also provides transitioning military members and military spouses an opportunity to get face contact with employers and to help them practice how they are going to present themselves to employers.”
A total of 102 people including spouses, active duty personnel, civilians and retirees attended the fair seeking employment opportunities from 57 local and statewide employers.

“Attending a job fair like this is good practice for what it looks like when searching for a job,” Rourke said. “I think it’s also beneficial for members who may not be separating yet, but who are on the fence of separation. If we truly want our military members to have an informed choice as to whether they stay in the military or get out, attending a job fair is a good start.”

Last year, the A&FRC developed this job fair to help connect local Gunfighters with several opportunities, and 75 attendees were able to browse over 23 employers. The success of the event inspired the A&FRC to invite more employers to the table.

“I felt that the job fair went really well,” said Yesenia Arevalo, Gunfighter spouse and job fair attendee. “There were so many options that someone could be interested in depending on what their skills are. These jobs can help someone get out of their comfort zone and learn something new.”

Rourke encourages any base member looking for a job to come to next year’s job fair.

“I recommend that you do your research on the companies attending the job fair and develop questions before-hand. “This will help employers know what you’re willing to bring to the table,” Rourke said.

For any questions about local employment opportunities, call the A&FRC at (208) 828-2458.