Finding meaningful work as a veteran or military spouse can be challenging, but there are resources that can help.
Sarah Ragone
Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships, Hire Heroes USA
Imagine dedicating years of your life to serving your country, only to face the challenge of translating your military experience into a resume that civilian recruiters understand. Navigating LinkedIn, perfecting interview skills, and managing the complexities of the VA healthcare system can be overwhelming. As a military spouse, I saw this firsthand with my husband, Doug, after his 20 years in the United States Air Force. His confident military career was followed by a challenging transition to civilian life, a common experience for many veterans.
Every year, over 270,000 service members transition to civilian life, with 80% not having a job lined up. A 2023 Veterans of Foreign Wars survey highlights that 33% of veterans find post-service employment one of their biggest obstacles. Despite the odds, military service members and veterans are a highly talented candidate pool. From basic training, military individuals develop soft skills like adaptability, accountability, loyalty, leadership, and integrity. These attributes translate into high productivity and reliability in the civilian workforce.
An ecosystem of support
At Hire Heroes USA, we understand the unique challenges faced by service members and their families during career transitions. Every year, we help over 30,000 individuals, including junior enlisted personnel and women veterans, find their footing in the civilian job market. We’re proud to support a diverse group of job seekers, with 57% being BIPOC. Our personalized programs are designed to recognize and harness the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring, ensuring they find meaningful and fulfilling employment.
Addressing veteran and military spouse unemployment is a national issue that requires an ecosystem of support, with corporations playing a crucial role. Corporations can create dedicated hiring programs, offer flexible work arrangements, and provide mentorship and training tailored to veterans and military spouses. Establishing Veteran Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can offer community support, while staff training can foster an inclusive workplace culture. Partnering with organizations like Hire Heroes USA can connect companies with talented job-seeking veterans and military spouses, amplifying these efforts.
Beyond employment, corporations can engage in philanthropic efforts, supporting veterans and their families through sponsorships, employee giving, and brand partnerships. At Hire Heroes USA, we are proud to be on track to help our 100,000th client find meaningful employment this year. This milestone is made possible thanks to partners like Men’s Wearhouse, Carquest, ServiceMaster, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. These partners understand and appreciate the unique talents that veterans and military spouses bring to the civilian workforce, and their support is instrumental in our mission.
A lifelong mission
Our work continues as a new generation of veterans and military spouses face unique transition challenges. Weekly, over 800 service members, veterans, and military spouses register for our services, with over 400 new clients onboarded and nearly 400 clients awaiting assistance. To meet these demands, we need innovative and collaborative approaches. Our collective power, with the support of dedicated partners, can reach and support more veterans and military spouses, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
By working together, we can ensure that veterans and military spouses receive the support they need to thrive in their civilian careers. This reflects our deep commitment to those who have selflessly served our country. We invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a potential corporate partner or someone who wants to learn more, let’s work together to create brighter futures for our nation’s heroes.
