Orlando, Fla. — Many veterans across the United States experience challenges finding employment coming back into civilian life after having served the country.

That’s why in recognition of National Hire a Veteran Day, observed annually on July 25, CareerSource Central Florida hosted a job fair Thursday morning to connect veterans and their spouses with meaningful career opportunities across multiple industries.

Dozens of veterans filled the room at the Holden Heights Community Center looking for their next job opportunity.

“I think this event is awesome. I mean, it gives us the opportunity. I just relocated from Washington state to Florida. And so, I really don’t have, I don’t have the resources that I would have in Washington to look for a job. So, this was this is wonderful that they put on this affair for veterans who are looking to migrate to another city,” veteran Raynell McQuillion said.

The event featured more than 20 companies in industries including financial services, sanitation, public safety, local government and theme parks. With employers ranging from Disney, Orlando Utilities Commission, Spectrum, City of Orlando, Waste Pro, FDOT Training Academy, among others. Job openings ranged from entry to upper level.

“You see here 22 to 23 employees. They have a combination of technology supply chain and distribution and also administrative services. So that’s a nice well combination. So, we’re hoping to really get a nice some nice results from some of the things that conversations that are happening here,” local veteran employment representative with CareerSource Central Florida Ronald Herbas said.

According to CareerSource Central Florida nearly 1.4 million veterans call Florida home, representing the second-largest veteran population in the nation, after Texas.

“You’re meeting talented veterans that have the discipline, the leadership, adaptability. You don’t have to remind a veteran to show up to work at 6:00 in the morning. Very different. We get the job done,” Herbas said.

While many veterans successfully enter the civilian workforce, nearly one-third experience underemployment, working in positions that do not fully utilize the skills.

“It’s hard to find a job or it’s taking long to get a job. From the time they apply, they submit so many applications and resumes and then they’re waiting for a response. It doesn’t come or it’s an automated “thanks, but no thanks.” And so, by having this, they’re able to ask for those jobs in person. We’re doing some onsite interviews so really excited about that,” Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott said.

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the national veteran unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2026, up from 3.3% the previous month and also up from 3.7% the prior year.

“In the military you have a structured everything’s laid out for you, whether you like it or not. You know what’s coming. You know what it takes to get there. And there’s a support system. So when you get out of the service, you don’t have that structure necessarily. So you’re trying to find your way,” veteran Angel Vega said.

After coming back into civil life, Vega said he turned to CareerSource Central Florida, and they helped him find a new job as a cybersecurity engineer.

“You never know who you run into, what networks you make and what happens. And that’s exactly what the process was. I ran into someone I talked to, they kept my name in mind. I gave him my resume. Next, you know, opportunity opens up and here I am with this job that I currently have,” Vega said.

Participants had a chance to learn about different opportunities, share their resumes, and even take professional headshots free of charge.

“Veterans are imbued with self-discipline. They have a can-do work ethic. They’re willing to learn and be trained for a skill if they don’t have it, and they will turn out to be some of the most loyal employees any company ever wants to have and they are promotable,” veteran Michael Hanen said.

CareerSource leaders said events like this reinforce the importance of connecting veterans with employers who recognize their experience and can support their long-term career success, financial security, and personal stability.

For veterans in the community seeking employment and interested in attending one of these events in the future can do so by registering online with CareerSource Central Florida.