Veterans Day

Every year, about 200 thousand service members complete their military service and transition to civilian communities and the civilian workforce. Military downsizing—forced by budget pressures and the end of large-scale combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan—will mean even more troops needing jobs. Unlike previous post-war downsizings, more of these troops will be joined by spouses and children on their journey to civilian life. Half of our all-volunteer force has spouses and/or kids, and these families have been through our nation’s longest war. Two million children have had a parent at war over the past 14 years. Communities around the country will welcome these families in the coming years, and we owe them our open arms. These families bring with them the scars of their wartime experiences, but they also bring promise.

The training and skill-set of our military members are often overlooked. Regrettably, employers don’t always comprehend how the experience of veterans or their spouses can be an asset. Men and women who have worn the uniform have strong leadership skills, integrity, and an unmatched ability to get things done. Military spouses, who often put their careers on hold for many years to maintain their households and support their service members, have unique skills and share that sense of duty—it is part of what makes our military so strong and respected. Years of association with the military mean military spouses and veterans are flexible, honor service above self, have a strong cultural education, and value volunteerism. Aren’t these characteristics any company would be lucky to have in an employee?