When the U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Headquarters held a recruiting event in July, it reached out to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to participate.
“This gave us the opportunity to network with local RGV Sector Border Patrol recruiters and provide information to participating veterans on all programs and services offered by the Texas Veterans Commission and the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program,” said Laurie Pimentel-Johnson, TVC Veteran Employment Services South Texas District Outreach Coordinator and Army veteran. “Rural Veteran Career Advisor (RVCA) Gerardo “Jerry” Garza was approached by U.S. Border Patrol Agent and veteran Marcos Cardec who requested TVC participation. Cardec has networked with Garza for several years, participated in Hiring Red, White and You! events and meets regularly at the Edinburg American Job Center (AJC).”
Approximately 120 viable candidates including veterans attended the event. Candidate eligibility requirements include being a U.S. Citizen, one year of full-time work experience, a valid Driver’s License, Referred for selection prior to 40th birthday (waiver for veterans) with a $10K-$20K Recruitment Incentive. Over 50 Border Patrol Agents at the event showcased different departments such as all-terrain vehicles, bikes, K9, tactical, Search, Trauma and Rescue, EMT, Riverine (Rivers and Lakes Operations) and their aviation team.
Representing TVC at the event, held at RGV Sector Border Patrol Headquarters in Edinburg, were RCVA and Army veteran Garza, pictured at left,and RCVA and Navy veteran David Cardenas, pictured at right.
TVC VES receives federal funding. For more information, visit Stevens Amendment.