JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - Staff Sergeant Danika Nolan's military exit date is a few weeks away, and she's preparing for the transition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 job applicants, employment she attended an employing fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State career opportunities at JBLM's Hawk Career Center.

"I simply try to take advantage of all the resources and services that the (Transition Assistance Program) Center has to use, simply to make sure I'm as prepared as possible," she said.

The focus of the job fair on state employment, instead of work in different markets, made it various than others on the installation. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and the TAP, it began with a panel of veterans from state companies, who shared their experiences and answered questions. Following the panel, employers from state agencies were available to respond to hiring questions, said Frank Handoe, deputy transition services manager for the TAP.

Informational tables represented companies consisting of VERG, WorkSource and Washington State's Department of Veterans Affairs and VA Apprenticeship Program