PITTSBURGH -- It's not so easy for returning troops to find jobs in the competitive business world, but there are people and programs to help veterans, including a job fair convention, which was held at Heinz Field on Thursday.

According to the Veterans Affairs Department, 18 percent of veterans recently back from tours of duty are unemployed. And 25 percent of those employed since leaving the military earn less than $2,200 a year, but there are companies to help.

John McCahan represents Recruit Military, which is an organization that holds seminars around the nation to help returning veterans match up with employers. They were behind the Heinz Field fair.

"We help the veterans unite with organizations, businesses, to help them find good careers and valuable employment," said McCahan.

"They are, typically, very structured people," said Bob Mihalco of LaBarge Inc. "They have great work ethic. They are the kind of people that stay for a long time. They've dedicated themselves to the country and are great people to have."

Heather Feltenburg returned home to Aliquippa from Iraq last year. She said she finds programs like Recruit Military very helpful.

"You're surrounded by other veterans," she said. "You're surrounded by people that support our troops, want to see them progress. Such a wonderful supportive atmosphere, and it helps because it really gets your foot in the door, talking to different companies and corporations."

Recruit Military plans to hold another seminar in Pittsburgh in the fall.

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