KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -– The state has joined with several major employers across Tennessee to help find more jobs for veterans. It's called Paychecks for Patriots and will kick off with hiring fairs on Thursday.

The state Department of Labor joined with Dollar General and other companies for the initiative. The fairs will take place at 13 Tennessee Career Centers throughout the state, and will feature local employers interested in putting veterans to work. In Knoxville, the fair will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Thursday at the Career Center on University Avenue.

Governor Bill Haslam signed a proclamation announcing October 25th as Paychecks for Patriots Day. That signifies his support for recently returning veterans, as well as those who deployed overseas in the past.

“We should never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy here at home because of the service of veterans,” Haslam said. “I am really grateful for our service members and all that they do overseas and back here at home, and I’m happy the state could help by partnering with local employers to find jobs for veterans.”

Knoxville’s hiring fair features Adecco, Advanced Wireless Solutions, Dollar General, Jewelry Television, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, and UPS. They will have representatives on-site who will be accepting resumes or referring applicants to online applications. Tennessee Career Centers are equipped with computer workstations to facilitate online applications and job searches through their online jobs database.

“Tennessee employers understand the value veterans bring to the work place. Dollar General has hired more than 7,000 veterans in the last two years alone,” said Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer. “Through Paychecks for Patriots, we’re seeking to resolve the challenges of unemployment facing our veterans by equipping Tennessee’s military community with the resources to better understand the job opportunities available.”

Several agencies will contribute to the event, including Labor and Workforce Development, Economic and Community Development, Military, Veterans Affairs, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

"Paychecks for Patriots has pulled together some of Tennessee's most prominent employers with one goal in mind ... to help our veterans find or better their employment,” said Major General Haston. “The Tennessee National Guard is proud to be a part of this landmark project.”

Other Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs will be held in Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Crossville, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Talbott and Tullahoma.

"Our servicemen and women make sacrifices few would even contemplate to provide freedom and security to the rest of us," said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. "When their service comes to an end, the least we can do is make the effort to help them find good, high-paying jobs. This initiative assists not only veterans but our Tennessee employers as well by matching them with some of the highest quality workers available. It's a win-win and I applaud all involved for bringing this initiative to fruition."

“Our servicemen and women sacrifice daily to keep us safe here at home and abroad," said Speaker Beth Harwell. "Providing support to them as they search for employment after their service to this country is important, and I appreciate the Departments of Military and Labor, ESGR, and Dollar General for their work on the ‘Paychecks for Patriots’ event.”