Hiring Our Heroes helps Kaiserslautern Military Community navigate civilian careers

Official Statements

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community attended a Hiring Our Heroes event which brought them together with civilian employers to connect job seekers with employment resources and career opportunities here, Oct. 29. Hosted by the Military and Family Readiness Center, the event featured informational presentations and a job fair designed to help members of the KMC navigate the civilian workforce, explore career options and build professional connections to empower them in their transition from the military.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “Hiring Our Heroes is a nonprofit organization that is designed to help service members, military spouses, caregivers and veterans with the transition process from military to civilian professional life,” said Lauren Earl, MFRC supervisory community readiness consultant. “They offer all kinds of opportunities virtually and in-person when it comes to hiring fairs.” Military members and families living overseas often face unique employment challenges, making opportunities for career development and networking essential.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “Events like this are important because the whole idea behind this is to level the playing field for our transitioning service members and families,” Earl said. “Being in Germany, our service members don’t have access to a lot of the resources that you would have stateside.” In addition to retiring or separating service members, the event addressed the unique employment challenges military spouses face with a panel dedicated to their issues.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “We have our military Spouse Amplify panel to serve as a networking and professional development opportunity,” Earl said. “It allows them to be with others who are in a similar situation and learn about training and internship programs that Hiring Our Heroes has to offer as well.” For those navigating the civilian employment process, access to professional guidance can make an unfamiliar job market easier to understand, said Chief Master Sgt. Katherine Hardy, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa strategic deterrence and nuclear integration senior enlisted leader.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “When you’ve been in the military for any amount of time you forget about certain things,” said Hardy. “There’s much we don’t understand about the civilian world and it’s good for experts in the field to give us pointers on how to transition from military to civilian job opportunities.” The presentations and employment resources gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what to expect when pursuing civilian career opportunities.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “There’s so many unknowns in the civilian sector,” Hardy said. “It’s just a lot to think about and this event helps answer all those questions.” Navigating the civilian job market can bring uncertainty, but having access to the right resources and connections can help military members and their families find a path forward.”

• 86th Airlift Wing, November 13: “Whether a person is in their transition process or employment search process I want them to get what they need,” Earl said. “Whether it’s an opportunity or a simple connection, I hope this event will get them one step closer to their needs and their goals.” To learn more about events and professional development, contact the MFRC at 480-5100.”