By Janecze Wright
Fort Hood Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — The Summer 2025 Mega Career Fair bustled with employers, transitioning service members and community members looking for new career opportunities June 17 at the Lone Star Conference Center.
Organized by the Fort Hood Transition Assistance Program, the event brings local, state, national and international employers to the installation to connect with active-duty members, civilians and veterans continuing their professional careers post military, or seeking new career paths.
Rooms swelled with job seekers meeting with nearly 200 employers. Foot traffic was heavier than usual thanks to the support of the Texas National Guard, who transported Soldiers from Austin, Corpus Christi and San Antonio to the event, increasing the number of attendees expected to attend to nearly 5,000, estimated Jerry Hernandez, marketing manager for the Fort Hood TAP.
When asked about the appeal of employing service members, Hernandez and other employers shared some of the same sentiments.
“Most of the (employers) are veterans themselves, so they know (Soldiers’) work ethics — they follow the rules, they show up for work and (employers) know what they bring to the fight,” Hernandez said. “The character, job ethics … so they know what they’re getting.”
Kelvin Bryant, a police officer with Austin Police Department, explained the diversity of military service transitions well into law enforcement.
“Soldiers — they’ve dealt with many different people from all different backgrounds,” he said. “They’ve dealt with different situations and maintain their coolness under stress. They’ve worked with fellow Soldiers from all over the country, all around the world. That’s what we look for.”
Kyle Crump, CEO of the company Close The Gap and 31-year military veteran, agreed.
“When you come into the military, you’re not coming in for the pay, you’re coming in to serve,” he said. “These Soldiers coming out, they’re the best kept secret because they know what it is to show up on time, do the job and be successful.”
