Veterans in Columbia had the opportunity to connect directly with employment support services during the February Veteran Resource Fair hosted at The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.
On February 10, 2026, Ricardo Garay, Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist with the Columbia Job Center, and Everett “Zach” Neal, Consolidated Division of Labor (CODOL) representative, were on site to share job center resources with veterans and their families.
The event was held at The Food Bank, located at 705 Business Loop 70 W in Columbia.
Supporting Veterans Through Direct Outreach
Veterans often face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian employment. Events like the monthly Veteran Resource Fair create a welcoming space where veterans can learn about available services and ask questions in person.
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During the event, attendees received information about:
- One-on-one career assistance
- Resume development
- Job search support
- Training and skill-building opportunities
- Connections to local employers
DVOP specialists provide individualized career services to eligible veterans, with a focus on helping those who face significant barriers to employment. By meeting veterans where they are, workforce staff can build trust and provide tailored guidance.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
The partnership between the Job Center and The Food Bank reflects a shared commitment to serving Missourians in meaningful ways. By bringing workforce services into community spaces, more veterans can access the support they need to secure stable, quality employment.
The Columbia Job Center looks forward to continuing its participation in future Veteran Resource Fairs.
To learn more about our Veteran Services, visit cwdregion.com/vetservices.