Veterans, Military Families, and Small Business Owners Gather in Steubenville for Job Placement Support
Please ensure JavaScript is enabled for website accessibility.
Skip to main content Download the App
Get your news faster with our mobile experience
Install
News Weather Features Sports Money Watch Live
63°
Fri
71°
Sat
59°
Search
User Icon
Sign In or Create Account
Veterans, Military Families, and Small Business Owners Unite in Steubenville
By Alexus Smith
Thu, October 15, 2026
9
VIEW ALL PHOTOS
Veterans, military families, and small business owners gathered in Steubenville on Thursday for Operation Vital Crosswalk, an initiative designed to facilitate veterans' reintegration into their communities and connect them with employment opportunities.
"Veterans or prior military have like their own vocabulary and needs and desires," said Kristine Stanley, chairperson of the Warriors Art Project. "So being able to have a conversation with somebody that understands the language you’re using is a great opportunity."
Youngstown State University Steubenville hosted the event, with Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University President (retired Air Force colonel) as the keynote speaker. He shared his experiences transitioning back home after military service, emphasizing the challenges faced by veterans.
“We take pride in taking care of veterans," said Rick Williams, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at Youngstown State University. "Our president is a retired Air Force colonel. I’m a retired major, and we believe veterans play a key role in any community. And when they’re done finished with their service most of them have the GI Bill and we want to make sure they maximize that benefit."
The university assists with application fees and grants, but organizers stressed the power of peer support.
"The last event we had a job offer on the spot with hiring and we were also able to coordinate the donation of a vehicle to a transitioning into permanent housing woman veteran so that was a great close for the evening,” Williams said.
Organizers aim to foster lasting connections between local businesses and veterans.