Military And Veterans
Seven keys to honoring veterans year-round
Seven keys to honoring veterans year-round
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍California, USA
"All gave some, and some gave all" remains one of the most poignant slogans honoring our veterans. Attributed to Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient Howard William Ostercamp, the phrase captures the immeasurable cost of freedom. Because our freedom came at such sacrifice, celebrating veterans all year is our privilege -- not just on Veterans Day. Parades and ceremonies fade quickly once Veterans Day passes, but businesses have the power to build a lasting culture of gratitude. Veterans bring unique strengths to the workplace -- leadership, loyalty, problem-solving, and teamwork. Honoring them throughout the year is not just patriotic; it's smart business that strengthens your workforce and community. In his first inaugural address as Governor of California, Ronald Reagan warned, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." George Washington echoed this truth: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." When we honor today's veterans, we express gratitude and inspire future generations to step forward to continue the legacy of defending our freedom. Here are seven keys to honoring veterans all year: Get to Know Them Identify and learn about the veterans in your business. Ask them questions such as: Where did you serve? What training did you receive? What military experiences shaped your life? You may discover untapped leadership potential. Provide Veteran Benefits Offer practical support. Create veteran parking spaces, align HR policies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and provide paid time off for VA appointments or National Guard/Reserve training. Consider funding advanced certifications or degrees. Intentionally Hire Veterans Translate military skills into job qualifications in your postings. Partner with veteran service organizations, participate in veteran job fairs, and use resources like HiringOurHeroes.org. Share job opportunities with the VFW and American Legion. Make Veterans Day Special Go beyond the holiday. Host a catered meal, invite veterans to share their stories, or bring in a guest speaker. Recognize and promote veterans during this event to highlight their contributions. Provide VA Benefits Education Many veterans are unaware of benefits such as VA home loans, health care, or disability compensation. Invite loan officers to explain housing programs and veteran service officers to guide them through filing claims--services often available free of charge. Create a Veteran ERG Establish an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for veterans, service members, families, and allies. ERGs foster community, provide mentoring, and support the transition from military to civilian life while improving retention and strengthening your culture. Support Mental Health With veteran suicide rates on the rise, ensure confidential mental health resources are available. Host training on PTSD and suicide prevention so employees can recognize warning signs and respond with care. These steps will help your company create a year-round appreciation for veterans. To create initiatives that match your culture, form a planning committee comprised of veterans and non-veterans. As President Harry S. Truman reminded us, "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude."