Veterans Continue To Face Employment Challenges Back Home

(CBS) -- John McWilliams has another year of service in the Navy, but he's already networking at veteran events like the one at Union Station.

Despite an unemployment rate among vets that tops 7 percent, he says he's encouraged by the outpouring of support to hire those who have served our country.

"There are many, many people coming back from deployments, leaving the military now and they're looking for jobs," he tells CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker. "It's good to see that there are many businesses hiring right now."

Employer George Chrisopulos makes no apologies about veteran preference.

"Discipline," he says of military veterans. "You take on a project and you finish the project you complete it the right way. I really believe that, I really believe that's an inherent part of military training."

Chrisopulos speaks from experience. He served in the Marines.

About a year ago, when Army veteran Al Cerkan needed a job after being downsized he found work at Chrisopulos' printing company.

"I was very appreciative of the opportunity to work," Cerkan says.

The Illinois Department of Employment's website includes job offerings for veterans. On Tuesday, Governor's State University is offering a work shop for veterans interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

It's from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the university's campus.