Guard to participate in Job Corps Day in the Park Saturday

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Job Corps of Cape Girardeau and the Missouri National Guard are teaming up to sponsor a fun-filled day in the park this weekend that will culminate in a kick-ball tournament -- all intended to raise awareness about the vocational training program that helps young would-be workers plan their professional careers.

The second annual 'Day at the Park' will be held Saturday, Aug. 1 at Arena Park's shelter No. 1 and will include games, lunch and testimonials from graduates from the job placement program. Last year, more than 50 people attended the event.

The event -- which will also offer free Job Corps enrollment -- begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. Festivities include a kick-ball challenge and will also include a lunch. A graduate of the Job Corps program will speak about the Job Corps experience and success after graduation.

"We really want to raise awareness about our program," said Shalawnda Wickware, the local Job Corps career transition specialist. "You'd be amazed about how few people know about our organization and the good it does."

Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that assists people ages 16 through 24 with finding employment. The local division is in its fourth year in Cape Girardeau, Wickware said.

Wickware and Melissa Mclean, the local Job Corps admissions counselor, will be on-hand at the park on Saturday to enroll new participants. Area agencies scheduled to participate include Mers Goodwill, Boys and Girls Club and Missouri Mentoring Partnership.

"This really offers us a chance to be active in the community," Wickware said.

The National Guard will have uniformed Soldiers on-hand to answer questions about a career in the Guard, Wickware said. Some Job Corps graduates opt for a life in the military, she said, adding that she's hoping for an attendance of more than 100 on Saturday.

"We really utilize the National Guard," she said. "A lot of our students go into the Guard. They leave the Job Corps and go right to basic training. They realize it's immediate employment and a steady paycheck right away."

The local Guard units will provide a variety of military vehicles, which will be on display at the event, said recruiter Staff Sgt. Steven Bell.

"It's a community event and we want to be as involved with the community as we can be," Bell said. "It gives us a chance to get the Guard brand out there and to talk with people about the positives of a life in the Missouri National Guard."

But Bell said the Guard is also participating in Saturday's event because it gives its Soldiers the opportunity to interact with young people, which can be as rewarding to the Soldiers as it is for the young adults.

"We love being involved in events like this," Bell said. "We are a part of this community and the more interaction we have, the better. It's our responsibility. Plus, it looks to be a lot of fun."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.