National Hire a Veteran Day: Empowering Our Workforce with Veteran Talents
Every year, approximately 200,000 service members transition from military service to civilian life. These individuals bring with them a wealth of skills, experiences, and values that can greatly enhance any workplace. Recognizing this, National Hire a Veteran Day, is observed on July 25th and serves as a reminder to consider the exceptional qualities that veterans bring to the table.
National Hire a Veteran Day was established in 2017 by Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, founder of the nonprofit “Hire Our Heroes.” The day aims to raise awareness about the employment challenges veterans face and encourages employers to take action. The day also aligns with legislative efforts like the HIRE Vets Act of 2017, which created the HIRE Vets Medallion Programs to recognize employers committed to hiring veterans.
Employers can participate in National Hire a Veteran Day by utilizing resources provided by the Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinators (RVECs) – which help employers identify hiring needs, address skills gap, and attract veteran talent.
In addition to these resources, National Hire a Veteran Day raises awareness of legal considerations for hiring veterans. Employers must be familiar and comply with laws such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects the employment rights of individuals who leave civilian employment to undertake military service.
Employers can support veterans by providing training, mentorship, and career development opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian careers. By recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of veterans, employers not only enhance their applicant pool, but also contribute to the successful integration or reintegration of service members into the civilian workforce. This year, you can commemorate National Hire a Veteran Day by evaluating your company’s employment policies affecting veterans or even committing to exploring the various benefits of hiring a veteran.
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