Celebrating Veterans Day: Honoring the Contributions of Veterans in Today’s Workforce

Happy Veterans Day! Today, we honor the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of veterans who have given so much to protect our freedoms. Beyond the invaluable service they’ve provided to our country, veterans bring exceptional skills and perspectives to our communities and workplaces. As we celebrate their contributions, let’s recognize that veterans aren’t just heroes; they’re skilled professionals whose experiences enrich every industry, from tech and healthcare to education and manufacturing.

For workforce development organizations, Veterans Day is a reminder of the ongoing commitment to uplift and support veterans not just today but every day. Veterans bring problem-solving skills, resilience, and a team-oriented mindset that strengthen any workforce. Here’s how workforce boards can advocate for veterans, showcase their stories, and recognize employers who prioritize hiring veterans, making a difference year-round.

1. Share Stories of Success

Storytelling is a powerful way to bridge the gap between military and civilian work experiences. Workforce boards can share inspiring stories of veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian roles, highlighting individuals who have not only adjusted but thrived, building meaningful careers and businesses. Showcasing veterans who have become entrepreneurs hiring fellow veterans provides relatable role models, showing both employers and veterans that success in civilian life is achievable and rewarding.

2. Offer Insightful Resources to Ease the Transition

The military-to-civilian transition can be complex. Workforce boards can make a big difference by offering resources to help veterans map their skills to in-demand civilian roles. This might include skill translation guides, veteran-focused job fairs, or mentorship programs. By providing these support systems, boards help veterans feel welcomed, understood, and equipped to succeed in their new careers.

3. Recognize Employers Who Prioritize Hiring Veterans

Employers who actively hire veterans recognize the unique perspectives veterans bring to their teams. Workforce boards can support this commitment by creating awards or recognition programs that celebrate businesses with veteran-friendly hiring practices. Recognizing these companies reinforces the importance of veteran hiring and inspires others to follow suit, creating a culture where the skills veterans bring are deeply valued.

4. Highlight the Unique Skills Veterans Bring to Every Industry

Veterans possess a strategic mindset, discipline, and a unique adaptability that any employer would value. Boards can lead efforts to highlight these skills through workshops, social media campaigns, and public service announcements. Collaborating with local veterans’ organizations can amplify this message, educating employers and the community on the vital role veterans play. Traits like attention to detail, leadership, and resilience make veterans highly capable civilian team members, allowing them to transition smoothly and make significant contributions.

5. Facilitate Connections with Veteran-Friendly Employers

Workforce boards can play a pivotal role in connecting veterans with companies that value military experience. Veteran-specific hiring events or virtual job fairs can provide veterans with direct access to veteran-friendly employers. These events might include veteran panelists who’ve successfully transitioned, along with employers who champion veterans on their teams, helping demystify the hiring process and highlight opportunities.

Why Recognizing Veterans Benefits Everyone

Hiring veterans is more than honoring their service; it’s an investment in community strength and resilience. Veterans bring unparalleled leadership, teamwork, and adaptability to the workforce. Their dedication to accountability, mission-driven work, and resilience under pressure positively influences teams and communities, creating a ripple effect of professionalism and excellence.

Supporting Veterans' Families

Honoring veterans includes recognizing the sacrifices made by their families, who often bear the challenges of military life. By supporting veteran spouses and families, we do so much more to empower the entire veteran community. Workforce boards can expand their impact by offering resources and opportunities for spouses and families, helping them thrive alongside their veteran loved ones.

Honoring Veterans Every Day, Not Just on Veterans Day

While Veterans Day is a special moment to celebrate their service, veterans’ contributions continue year-round. Workforce development organizations can make a lasting impact by advocating for veterans in the workforce, promoting their stories, and partnering with employers who recognize the immense value military experience brings. Let’s use this day as a reminder to thank veterans and commit to supporting their civilian career journeys—and the families who stand with them—every day.

To all the veterans in my life, including my many family members, colleagues, and mentors, thank you for enriching our work and our lives.