Walmart's Commitment to Veterans

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and we are honoring the men and women lost their lives in service. It is also the official start of summer and there will be barbeques and celebrations all over the nation. I can recall as a child participating in the Memorial Day parade with my Girl Scout troop, those were good times!  All of the men in my life with the exception of my father served in the military. My grandfathers both served in World War II and my parent’s generation of men served in Vietnam. It was a blessing that all of them came home safely.

At the beginning of 2013, Walmart’s President and CEO, Bill Simon, announced the company’s commitment to hire 100,000 veterans by 2018. Starting Memorial Day, veterans who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military within the last 12 months and meet the standard hiring criteria have a position at Walmart or Sam’s Club.

In his speech, Bill said the following: “Today, after ten years of war, there’s a new group of men and women ready to help write the next chapter of American prosperity. Sadly, too many of those who fought for us abroad now find themselves fighting for jobs at home. Through their service, veterans give us a land of freedom. When they return, it must be to a land of possibility.

Let’s be clear: hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make.

Veterans have a record of performance under pressure. They’re quick learners, and they’re

team players. These are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. There is a

seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever.

We believe Walmart is already the largest private employer of veterans in the country. And we

want to hire more.”

I can’t agree with him more. The men and women who fight for our freedom should NOT have to fight for jobs. Although retail is not for everyone, at least having this option provides opportunities for our veterans. If you know of a veteran who is in need of a position, please send them to Walmart’s Careers with a Mission for more information.