Paychecks for Patriots: Opening Doors for Veterans, and All Job Seekers on the Treasure Coast
Port St. Lucie, FL — On Thursday, November 13, 2025, CareerSource Research Coast will host Paychecks for Patriots, a veterans-focused job fair at the Veterans Center of Excellence on Indian River State College’s Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event is designed to connect military veterans and their families with career opportunities across the region—and everyone seeking work is welcome. Organizers stress that while the fair is geared toward veterans, no job seeker will be turned away.
For more than a decade, Paychecks for Patriots has served as a bridge between Florida’s veterans and employers eager to hire them, with strong support from statewide partners and local workforce teams. The mission is simple and urgent: help veterans translate military-tested skills—leadership, discipline, teamwork, and performance under pressure—into meaningful civilian careers that strengthen families and local businesses.
One employer particularly committed to hiring veterans is the Walmart Distribution Center #7038 in Fort Pierce, which already employs close to 30 veterans on its team. “Veterans bring discipline, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic that fits perfectly with our workflow,” said Victor Melendez, HR Office Manager. “When you bring a veteran onto the floor, you know you are getting someone who can lead, adapt quickly, and keep the team focused. It has been a tremendous benefit for our operation and culture.”
This year’s event places added emphasis on Hope Florida participants, individuals, and families working with “Hope Navigators” who help identify barriers and connect people with local resources, training, and employment to build long-term stability. The Hope Florida initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis and implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families in collaboration with other state agencies and community partners, focuses on community collaboration to guide Floridians toward self-sufficiency and prosperity. At Paychecks for Patriots, Hope Florida participants will find a direct pathway to employers ready to hire and workforce professionals ready to assist.
“Our first responsibility is to the men and women who served, and that means matching their hard-earned skills with employers who know how to value them,” said Brian Bauer, President/CEO of CareerSource Research Coast. “But we also recognize the broader need in our community. If you’re looking for work—veteran, spouse, Hope Florida participant, or any job seeker—we will meet you where you are and help you move forward.”
Since its launch, more than 8,000 veterans and military family members statewide have secured employment through Paychecks for Patriots events, a testament to the program’s reach and results. Locally, CareerSource Research Coast has connected hundreds of veterans with employers across St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties, pairing service-tested experience with in-demand roles. The organization also underscores that a good job is more than a wage; it restores pride, stability, and purpose, a theme the agency has championed in past columns and events.
“We’re aligning our job-matching work with Hope Florida’s navigator model,” Bauer added. “It’s about removing obstacles—childcare, transportation, skills gaps, and turning a job fair visit into a clear plan for a better paycheck and a steadier future.”
A cross-section of regional employers will be on-site, offering opportunities in healthcare, logistics, technology, construction, public service, and more. Veterans and eligible spouses receive targeted support to translate military experience into civilian roles; all job seekers can access résumé help, interview coaching, training information, and referrals to ongoing services.
What: Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Indian River State College, Veterans Center of Excellence, Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie
Who: Veterans, eligible spouses, Hope Florida participants, and all job seekers
For more information about Paychecks for Patriots and CareerSource Research Coast’s veteran services and year-round job-placement support, visit careersourcerc.com or call 1-866-4U2-HIRE.
Tags: veterans, veterans event