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FORT BRAGG — Fort Bragg is hoping to help soldiers transitioning from Army life into the civilian world.

For the first time, a hiring event was held on base.

For Matthew King, a former Staff Sgt. in the US Army, the chance to sit down and interview face to face with a company is something he has been waiting months for.

"I was so excited when I got the first phone call from an employer for an interview today, I told my wife about it, she was thrilled. She wanted to stop working so she is not used to doing too much. She wants to be at home with the kids. For me it is very hard being at home, sitting around all day. So, I really need to get a job, get out of the house and support my family,” said King.

King is one of nearly 100 people who are transitioning from the Army and looking for work. Fort Bragg said Wednesday's hiring event as opposed to a job fair aimed at making that goal a reality.

"Job fairs normally are situations where we invite a number of companies here and individuals can basically just walk in, pick up the souvenirs, pick up the business cards, the brochures and unfortunately later walk out the door with one if they are interested in the companies or the companies are interested in them,” said transitions services director for Fort Bragg William McMillian.

About 20 companies were in attendance for Wednesday's event, all looking to hire. Some of them North Carolina based, but many from across the country. And for the company Valley Proteins Inc., they hope the event will also help them find the right person for their open positions.

"It is absolutely important to support these guys as they transition back into the civilian world. But its equally important for us, I think its a win-win,” said Sandy Huggins with Valley Proteins Inc.

Soldiers and family members interested in any future events can contact Fort Bragg's Army Career Center at 910-396-2227.