Red, White & You Veterans Hiring Event To Take Place November 5
Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 28, 2020
For the ninth year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas
(WSET) and 27 other local workforce development boards, and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, November 5. This year for the first time, all events will be held virtually. Workforce Solutions East Texas will participate with its first-ever virtual hiring event allowing employers and job seekers to meet safely. The event is veteran-focused but open to the public.
East Texas employers and job seekers are encouraged to participate by registering for the event at www.easttexasworkforce.org/HRWY2020
and joining us from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 5. This online hiring event will connect employers and job seekers across our 14-county service area from the comfort of their home, office, smartphone, or tablet. WSET’s new online, cloud-based platform makes it easy and fun to explore the available information and opportunities and participate in 1-on-1 text-based chats with representatives from participating organizations.
“Since Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, veterans have stepped forward to defend America in times of peril. Today, in the midst of a national pandemic, East Texas has an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much. Join us as we honor those who have worn the uniform, to welcome them back into the communities they’ve defended so well. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, allow us to help showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities, demonstrating to employers the force-multipliers you are,”
said Lt. Col. Doug Shryock, USAF (Ret.), WSET Executive Director.
The multi-city event is designed to assist veterans, service members, and their spouses seeking their next career opportunity. Over the past eight years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 98,600 job seekers, including 38,925 veterans and spouses, along with 16,650 employers and over 2,700 same-day hires. The Texas Veterans Commission is preparing veterans for these hiring fairs by assisting them with applications and résumés, interviewing techniques, as well as one-on-one counseling services.
The national unemployment rate in 2019 for all veterans was 3.1 percent1. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate was higher at 3.5 percent2. There are nearly 1.5 million3 total veterans throughout Texas, which is the 2nd highest state population of veterans in the country.
Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to receive up to $9,600 on federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups of veterans.
TWC’s ninth annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center (TMC), and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking the exceptional skills of veterans and their spouses. Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in other Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fairs across the state may be found at www.texasworkforce.org/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.texasworkforce.org/veterans. To participate in the East Texas event, all employers and job seekers must register at www.easttexasworkforce.org/HRWY2020.
Deadline for applications - September 26, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions -Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) invite you to a celebration event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to noon at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604. At WSET, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all abilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a powerful reminder of the immense talent and untapped potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whether you are an employer seeking to hire individuals with disabilities, an organization championing disability rights, or someone seeking to learn more TWS-VRS we invite you to attend our upcoming event. Our event promises insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, stories from participants who are successfully navigating their journey after receiving services through TWS-VRS along with those business partners who have hired them. There will also be resources aimed at helping businesses take significant steps toward creating a workplace that includes all abilities on their team. Let's come together to celebrate our 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We celebrate the value and talent that all Americans - including people with disabilities – bring to our businesses, organizations, and communities. Join us in the momentous occasion as we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history.
When Malachi Whedbee joined the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, he saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to his community. What he didn’t expect was how much of an impact his dedication would make—both on his future and on the people around him. Through SEAL, Malachi began working full-time at the Upshur Rural Library, clocking in at 8:00 a.m. every morning and working until 5:00 p.m. His days were filled with tasks like completing computer library entries, assisting with various projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. But for Malachi, these duties weren’t just boxes to check—they were chances to prove himself. And prove himself he did. Malachi’s exceptional work ethic showed in everything he did. He was always on time, completed assignments with precision, and eagerly stepped up for additional responsibilities. His positive attitude was contagious, creating a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. Mrs. King, the library’s supervisor, quickly recognized that Malachi was more than just a temporary hire—he was an asset. Describing him as “outgoing, dependable, and hardworking,” she praised his professionalism and the joy he brought to the workplace. By the end of the program, Malachi’s efforts had done more than meet expectations—they had opened a door. Mrs. King was so impressed that she offered him an interview for a permanent position at the library. With the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to every day on the job, Malachi accepted the opportunity. Malachi’s journey through SEAL is more than a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of how young adults with disabilities can break barriers and build meaningful careers when given the chance. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and opportunity are the real building blocks of success.
