One of the challenges that transitioning service members face is getting connected with a business or organization in the civilian world. To combat this problem, an initiative focused on transitioning service members, called Hire Vets Now, was co-launched between the Virginia Chamber Foundation and DVS. This program works to connect transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to representatives from Virginia’s leading businesses and organizations for career networking and employment opportunities. Beginning in 2018, Hire Vets Now hosted 8 events on various military bases across the Commonwealth with much success. The pilot year brought over 500 participants and 200 employers. So far in 2019, Hire Vets Now has had 630 attendees, 175 Virginia employers, and 10 regional partners.

Learn more about the Hire Vets Now program and benefits from an interview on WNTW with Annie Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Virginia Department of Veterans Services and Matt Kellam, Dominion Energy’s Military and Recruitment Program Coordinator and a member of the Virginia Chamber Foundation’s Military and Veterans Affairs Executive Committee.