A new restaurant has opened in the town where I live. Let’s say its mission is to serve barbecue. If you happen to be an active duty member or veteran, a direct member of a military family, or a first responder, wait staff will appreciate your service.
The walls are filled with photographs of people who have contributed to their country and community. On a recent visit, the first responder I know, Brian I noticed that it was a photo of


Laura Burns
career source
Get more information from the Citrus County Chronicle
Given enough time and a 12-foot ladder (because the photo extends to the ceiling), you should be able to spot some familiar faces. For inclusion on their wall of honor, our server encouraged me to submit photos of family members who had been in the military.
I immediately thought of my brother Bill, who served as FTM1 – Fire Control Missiles, First Class aboard the Dynamic Destroyer in the Persian Gulf. Dan, but he looked smart in his white dress!
It got me thinking about the rest of my family who served in the armed forces both in peacetime and in major conflicts: my late father, paternal grandfather, father-in-law (ex-father-in-law and ex-in-law) brothers), 3 uncles, 6 cousins (2 females), 2 nephews, and first cousins were taken once.
They all volunteered and proudly donned the uniforms of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine. They included a Navy SEAL, a Top Gun flight instructor, a combat pilot, a member of the military police, and one who disarmed an IED twice in Afghanistan.
And it’s on my side of the family. In addition to my father-in-law, my husband’s family’s military service on these shores dates back to the Civil War, when a great-great (great?) grandfather joined the Union Army directly from Ireland by ship.
So it’s no surprise that the Pew Research Center estimates that 6 in 10 Americans have a close relative who has served in the military. Of course, this doesn’t apply to colleagues and friends like Brian in the picture I found at the restaurant.
Much like that restaurant, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is honored to serve the people who served us, albeit without brisket.
First of all, we recognize that we need to do more than honor the men and women of the military by setting aside just one Veterans Day on November 11th. CareerSource CLM provides priority services year-round to veterans and eligible spouses. Our staff includes local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and those who work directly with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP). They know how to work with employers eager to hire our heroes.
Additionally, we have veterans working at all levels of the organization and in a variety of positions who understand the knowledge, skills and attributes that veterans bring to the table.
Did I mention that all our candidate and business services are provided free of charge?
Again, we offer complimentary priority services year-round to veterans and their eligible spouses. So, whether you’re specifically working with Veterans Services staff, a career coach or a member of the business development team, work with someone who understands you. you will have to If not, we will match you with someone who does.
In addition, we host special recruitment events that give exclusive or priority access to those in uniform.
One such event, the 10th Annual Payrolls Patriots Job Fair, will be held Thursday, November 10, at Marion County Public Library Headquarters in Ocala. I know it’s in the next county, but why not drive a little for meaningful employment? It’s your own responsibility to check it out.
Patriots salaries are part of a statewide effort to connect Florida veterans with job opportunities. In the final tally, 19 or 24 Florida workforce development districts hold similar job fairs, all in partnership with the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. increase.
The Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair begins at 10:00 a.m. with priority access for veterans, active duty military and military families. Open access for all job seekers begins at 10:30am. The event is free and open to anyone, military or civilian, regardless of whether you live in Citrus, Levi or Marion counties.
If you’d like to update your resume or prepare for a job fair for free, stop by the Citrus County Career Center at 683 S. Adolph Point, Recanto, off the Gulf-to-Lake highway. The center is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Walk-ins welcome or call 352-249-3278 to make an appointment.
To date, nearly 20 businesses in need of immediate jobs are expected to participate, including Lowe’s, E-One, AutoZone, Marion County Public Schools, World Equestrian Center, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and Mission BBQ. is. To see a complete list of participating employers and register to attend, please visit his calendar of events at careersourceclm.com or call 800-434-5627, ext. 800-434-5627 . For details, please call 2225.
Give us a call and we’ll put you in touch with Henry Ayala, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and one of the LVERs. Henry, who has worked hard to recruit businesses for this important event, said his efforts were “a great opportunity for veterans and military families to bring their dedication, exceptional skill sets, and diversity to the Florida workforce. It is driven by the knowledge that
Randy Reynolds couldn’t agree more. Reynolds is the DOJJ’s Chief Probation Officer for Circuit 5, which includes Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. He is also one of the recruiting managers participating in Paychecks for Patriots.
“We are proud to support our veterans and their families,” Reynolds said. “We value their service to our country and support the employment of military personnel and military spouses across our agencies.”
Nora Choquette, Human Resources Coordinator for Marion County Public Schools, noted that military service is so highly regarded that enlistment is one of the “three E’s” that students tackle upon graduation (others are employment or admission).
“Veterans offer learners a unique perspective…We believe Veterans provide experience and knowledge that will help learners as they navigate their educational career paths,” said Choquette. . “Join our team to make a difference and help every student succeed.”
And remember that restaurant I started? As you can imagine, it’s a Mission BBQ. Seriously, I didn’t check out their website before writing this, but you can find what you have here.At Mission BBQ our mission is to “Serve”More …we are first responders to first responders. Every day we celebrate, honor and think of those who have served and served our country. If walls could talk, they would tell stories of service. Join our team…”
Such invitations cannot be objected. Come to Paychecks for Patriots on November 10th to meet people who want to join the team.
Laura Byrnes, Communications Director for APR, CPRC, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, is a certified Public Relations, Certified Public Relations Counselor, and Florida Certified Workforce Professional. Please contact her at 352-291-9559, (800) 434-5627, ext. 1234 or lbyrnes@careersourceclm.com.