On July 25, we recognize National Hire a Veteran Day, a time to honor the unique skills and experience veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition out of the military, creating a powerful opportunity for employers to hire disciplined, adaptable, and mission-driven professionals.

To support this transition and bridge the gap between military and civilian employment, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families works on several initiatives including:

• The Roadmap to Veteran Employment: A comprehensive statewide strategy that helps service members, veterans, and their families successfully navigate the path to employment. The Roadmap connects individuals to resources for career planning, training, education, and job opportunities across Arizona.
• Be Connected Career Navigation: Personalized, one-on-one support from trained career navigators who assist veterans, service members, and spouses with everything from resume development and interview preparation to exploring new career paths and identifying employment opportunities.
• Certificate in Veteran Employment: This program equips HR professionals and hiring managers with the tools to effectively recruit, onboard, and retain veteran talent. It covers critical areas such as interpreting military resumes, understanding military culture, and developing strategies to support veterans’ career growth. 

By investing in veteran employment initiatives, organizations tap into a pipeline of proven talent—individuals who bring leadership, resilience, and a mission-focused mindset to every role.

National Hire a Veteran Day is a reminder of what’s possible when we recognize the value of military experience and open doors to meaningful careers that benefit both veterans and the communities they continue to serve.