What to do in tough economic times.?

I have a question for the people that do the hiring out there. I have been out of work for two years as of last week. Thanks to the generosity of relatives, I still have some dough and a place to stay. My question is this: How can a person with a four year vo-tech education in aircraft maintenance and repair, ten years of military service in communications and law enforcement, and a background that includes holding the same, or higher ranking, job for over five years in two different companies (Yes, both went out of business. I'm sure I was not the reason!) not find employment?

I stuck with my normal line of activity and got squat. I tried local chain stores and restaurants. Again, squat. I've even tried the temp services for minimum wage labor jobs. You guessed it, Squat! Can someone that does employment placement tell me what I need to do to make myself marketable again? Until now I have never been out of work for more than three weeks. I not only found companies that could use my skills, but I was eagerly snapped up by them. I know times are hard and sh*t happens, but why leave a qualified for just about anything person out of the workforce?

And yes, I've tried resume tweaks and custom cover letters. Still no dice. I've left my past salary history out of applications. (I made substantially more than the usual Florida resident. Because I produced!) I have put in so many apps over the past two years that I have gone through two printers! It's starting to get old, and I need a clue as to what I need to change. Interviews go well, but I never get called back. I dress appropriately for the job I am applying for, and my head and facial hair is military lenght. After two years of this I'm running out of ideas.

You two pointers can get your word in, but I'm looking for knowledge from a person in a position to hire people. What you look for, what you look at during an interview, etc. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.