The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, through its Hiring Our Heroes initiative, is hosting a two-day Military Spouse Hiring Event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Feb. 21-22. The nationwide initiative's mission is to help veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities.

The event provides a helpful break for those looking for employment. Participants will have the opportunity to build a professional network at a free evening networking reception Feb. 21 that will feature dozens of companies. Interact with HR experts, hiring managers, community leaders, local professionals and senior military spouses. There will be opportunities to have resumés reviewed and receive guidance about career planning. Learn how to stand out as a candidate, and get free professional headshot photographs suitable for LinkedIn. Day 2 of the event features a massive hiring fair. Employers scheduled to attend represent a wide variety of industries and will be recruiting for all levels of experience with a mix of local and national companies.

"The Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Hiring Event at JBLM is an opportunity to connect military spouses who are seeking meaningful employment with employers who are spouse-ready, said Elizabeth O'Brien, director of the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Program.

"The event kicks off with a networking reception that will give spouses the opportunity to engage with employers in a more relaxed setting to learn about available positions. The networking event is also a chance for those spouses to build their professional network in the local area, making valuable contacts including recruiters, community leaders, local professionals and other military spouses. The second day will feature a hiring fair with local and national employers who are actively hiring and are seeking military spouse talent."

The event is free and open to all military, veteran and Gold Star spouses. Servicemembers and veterans are also welcome. Register for the event and upload your resumé so employers can view them ahead of time. JBLM Armed Forces Community Services (AFCS) is offering free childcare Feb. 22 for those attending the event. Your registration confirmation email has the details.

To help participants prepare, AFCS is offering events prior to the job fair.

"We are holding a few small-group sessions and a larger class designed to get ready for the job fair now, navigate the job fair once you're there, and learn how to follow up on the connections you make afterward," said Kimberly D. Fallen, Employment Readiness manager. "This session will also offer resumé reviews, as well as cover how to ensure you are communicating a consistent ‘personal brand' to employers. Attendees should bring a copy of their most current resumé or be able to access it online at one of our resource center computers."

The following events are offered:

Military Spouse Career Event Prep, Thursday, Jan. 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Job Fair Success, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9-11 a.m.

To register for a session, visit timetap.com/appts/wDnQTg9MiE, or call 253.982.9675.

Military Spouse Hiring Event, free, Feb. 21-22, American Lake Conference Center, 8085 NCO Beach Rd., JBLM, uschamberfoundation.org/event/joint-base-lewis-mcchord-military-spouse-hiring-event