Ohio Valley veterans talked to prospective employers at the HiringOur Heroes job fair at the American Legion in Chester Thursday.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., to help struggling service members in the job search. Service members said it's a nice opportunity.

"I think it's good for the reservists and the veterans because it's hard to get gainful employment these days," said Sgt. Jesse Allison of the U.S. Army National Guard. "This helps out a lot."

Oil and gas companies, such as Consol Energy and Chesapeake Energy, had representatives at the fair for the energy sector focus.

"One of the common factors we've talked to employers about is the need for CDL (commercial driver’s license)drivers," said Joel Miltenberger of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR. "So the Guardhas experience, but a lot of folks in the military just don't have the opportunity or the means to be able to get that CDL (certification)."

Interest piqued among some 40 veterans who came to the fair.

"There (are) a lot of people that have voiced interest in it and in future classes," said Miltenberger. "We're going to expand them over to the rest of the reserve components. Hopefully, we can get some veterans who have been recently off of active duty."

Agencies like ESGR talked to veterans about resume writing and other needed skills.

"Once they get back, they have to reorient themselves to the civilian side -- and not just with their resumes and everything, with life in general," said Ed Bowman of ESGR. "They've shown their ability to gel and come together, provide the leadership, as well as being a good employee."

The job fair will be in Romney, W.Va., Oct. 11.