Veterans play many roles throughout their life, one of their biggest roles a veteran takes on is serving and protecting by enlisting in the Armed Forces for the United States of America. But what happens when they exit the Armed Forces? While some may be able to navigate the transition from military life to civilian life, others struggle. On July 25, we honor National Hire A Veteran’s Day, which aims to showcase America’s wonderful veterans and how qualified they are outside the military world.
Founded by The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation, Mission43 is an initiative that focuses on veterans and their success after the military. While Mission43 is based on the pillars of education, employment and engagement, they partner with highly qualified nonprofits who strive in those areas. Hire Heroes USA is attached to Mission43’s employment pillar.
According to Mission43, around 200,000 military and spouses a year transition into civilian life. With that being said, Idaho Area Manager Micah Taylor, explained how HIre Heros USA assists in that number.
Photo Credit: Mission43 Initiative
“Hire Heroes USA is the best for military employment,” said Taylor. Hire Heroes states online, “employment assistance is the #1 requested service from transitioning military members”.
Overall, Hire Heroe0s USA has over 43,000 confirmed hires through their program and has assisted in over 65,000 revised resumes. The goal is to guide veterans in providing any and all resources they may need to succeed in civilian life.
“I work very closely with Idaho employers,” said Taylor adding, “Hire Heroes USA translates their military skills into civilian skills and offers career counseling webinars, and mock interviews.”
Not only is Hire Heroes USA working with veterans and spouses to help them land a job, but they are educating them on the hiring process. A veteran herself, founder and owner of Bear Island Brewing, Beth Bechtel says “The transition from going to million dollars of equipment or potential deadly weapons to dressing up and going to an interview is weird. It's kind of like starting all over.”
Photo Credit: Mission43 Initiative
Photo Credit: Mission43 Initiative
While transitioning may be hard, contrary to stigmas the qualifications veterans hold are beneficial for companies.
“I think the skill sets, the comratory, the culture and the discipline and training that veterans offer organizations is worth it to look at hiring veterans,“ said Taylor.
Relying heavily on teamwork and discipline, veterans have a skillset that is very sought after at many companies.
“They’ve already served their country, and here they are wanting to serve the community and possibly your company, why wouldn't you want to hire qualified veterans.They have honored you and the country, I would say honor them with a job if they are qualified,” said Betchel.
Take July 25, as a time to thank our Veterans, while also thinking of ways you can help veterans find a job. Whether hiring them at a business you own or advocating for your company to hire more veterans, remember the many skills they have from past experience.