SOMERVILLE, N.J.,  – Continuing a commitment to employ veterans in New Jersey, the Christie Administration today partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” program to connect former military personnel and military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities at a job fair in Somerville.

The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) provided staff and resources through its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service at the American Legion Post 12 and in cooperation with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Administration, the state Parole Board, the New Jersey State Library and other local partners.

The event brought 53 employers to discuss their job openings with more than 200 veterans and military spouses who attended the job fair.

“Governor Christie has developed a strong working relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its national ‘Hiring Our Heroes’ campaign. Last fall, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and other administration officials launched the campaign’s largest event to date at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton,” said Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths.

“This Administration has made a priority of employment initiatives for veterans and their families by improving how eager employers can connect with former military personnel,” he added.

The Christie Administration has launched several veterans initiatives, including expanding the highly effective Veteran’s Haven program to serve veterans in the northern part of the state and strengthening the support network for military families after the death of a service member. The Administration also has funded programs such as “Helmets to Hardhats,” through which the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council places veterans into apprenticeship programs.

Last year, the Administration launched the Operation: Hire a Jersey Hero initiative which focused on connecting employers who want to hire veterans with the state and federal agencies that are able to quickly introduce them to former military personnel who need jobs. The Labor Department also has been connecting employers to incentive programs available to train veterans for civilian work.

The Labor Department served more than 16,000 veterans last year at its 34 One-Stop Career Centers throughout the state.

Michael L. Cunniff, the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, (center) and Catherine Starghill, the LWD’s Director of Workforce Field Services (left), attended the Somerville veteran job fair, which was a standing-room only event.