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Job Fair for Vets Has High Turnout

A job fair for veterans was held at the Heinz History Center on Friday. About 300 veterans attended the event and about 65 employers were there.

The employers were varied — they were seeking teachers, taxi drivers, specialized technical workers and other types of employees.

David Chavern is the CEO at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He said the "Hiring Our Heroes" job fair was one of hundreds being held across the country in 2012. He said last year when the fairs were held, over a thousand veterans were placed with employment. He hopes they place more vets this year, "simply because the need is so much higher."

He said they work with veterans in finding ways to transfer their military skills to civilian skills.

James Funk, a 56 year-old army veteran and electrical engineer was at the fair seeking employment.

He said it's hard for veterans to find work but it's especially challenging for older veterans.

"At my age it's actually tough to start over, it's tough to find a job and not just because of the economy," he said.

Norman Threatt, a 54-year-old Army veteran, was also at the job fair.

"We served our country … we did our part and since we've been back, we hope our country can do something for us," he said.