Teamsters Joint Council 25 and Helmets to Hardhats Host
Job Fair for Veterans

More than 250 Veterans Come Out to Meet with
60 Chicago-Area Employers

Teamsters Joint Council 25 and Helmets to Hardhats sponsored the first Chicago-area Veterans' Job Fair on August 28, 2007.

Michael Yauger spoke at the Job Fair on August 28 about the importance of the Helmets to Hardhats program.

“We owe so much to these men and women for their service and sacrifice,” said Michael Yauger, Teamsters Local 786 President and Joint Council 25 Helmets to Hardhats Representative. “This is our opportunity to give them a first step in gaining the American dream for themselves.”

Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects former military members with career training and employment.

Representatives from companies, labor unions and government gathered in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier to speak to more than 250 veterans about potential jobs and apprenticeship programs. 

“These young men and women volunteered for military service, and they deserve our everlasting gratitude for their duty,” said Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.  “We live in the great state of Illinois, the Land of Lincoln.  And Abraham Lincoln said that our duty was to care for those who have ‘borne the battle,’ and that is exactly what Helmets to Hardhats is doing.” 

More than 250 veterans came out to Navy Pier to speak to 60 representatives from employers around the state.

Other Helmets to Hardhats guests included Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director Darrel Roberts; International Brotherhood of Teamsters International Vice President Cheryl Johnson; International Building Trades President Ed Sullivan; and Illinois Department of Transportation Deputy Director Roy Dolgos.

“We are seeing something rare with government, commerce, labor and veterans all in the same room working to make a difference,” said Yauger.  “That is what happens when we come together for a common goal.”

For more information about Helmets to Hardhats, go to www.chicagoteamsters.org, email helmetstohardhats@chicagoteamsters.org or call 312-666-2750. 

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is the governing body of 22 local unions in the greater Chicagoland area.  The Joint Council assists its local unions in coordinating Teamster activities, solving problems and organizing.

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