As Veterans Day arrives, Walmart is teaming up with veterans groups to kick off Greenlight A Vet, a new campaign that encourages communities to hire and mentor veterans who have retired from military service.
“A green light means go and that’s what veterans are known for—their ability to take action quickly no matter the challenge,” the Walmart Foundation said in a press release. The greenlight symbol is an easy way to unite ordinary Americans under a single banner and spread awareness of veteran unemployment. It is the hope of Walmart and its partners that the campaign will ignite a national conversation and bring concrete change.
The retailer committed itself to hiring 250,000 veterans by 2020, and the company has “greenlighted” its 100,000th veteran hire this past month. Walmart has also donated $20 million in grants to veterans groups to provide job training and health services to transitioning veterans.
Joining Walmart in this national movement are Veterans and Military Families, Team Red, White and Blue, Team Rubicon, Hire Heroes USA and Blue Star Families.
There are several ways Americans can Greenlight A Vet:
– Hire one today. Or help a veteran find a job.
– Volunteer and serve with veterans groups in your local community.
– Start a mentor/mentee relationship with a returning veteran.
– Raise awareness on social media.
– Or simply signal support by changing your porch light to green.
Kathleen McLaughlin, President of the Walmart Foundation, said that Greenlight A Vet will address the tough obstacles veterans face when they retire.
“There is no better tribute to our men and women who serve than recognizing the value of their contributions and fully engaging them in our communities and workforce when they return home,” McLaughlin said.