Nearly 7% of all veterans are without a job. Thursday, several state agencies and local businesses came together in hopes of changing those statistics.
The Paychecks for Patriots initiative is a statewide effort to connect vets with employers. Thirteen Tennessee career centers participated.
In Knoxville, companies like Dollar General, TVA and UPS met with veterans.
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs says veterans' military experience make them great employees.
"These are the most deserving citizens in the state. These are men and women that put their lives on hold, risked their lives for our country to ensure our freedoms are secured," said Many-Bears Grinder, Commissioner of the TN Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Governor Haslam has also declared October 25th as Paychecks for Patriots day. This effort aims to benefit vets who just returned home, along with those from past campaigns.