As we approach July 25, 2025, we join millions in recognizing National Hire A Veteran Day — a vital moment to spotlight the tremendous value veterans bring to civilian careers. At PRT Staffing, we believe this annual observance aligns closely with our mission: to unlock career-defining opportunities for all workers including veterans and connect businesses with first-rate talent.
“National Hire A Veteran Day aims to inspire employers to recruit and hire veterans by recognizing the unique skills and values that former soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen bring to the workforce,” explains Veteran.com.
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) estimates that some 200,000 military service members transition to civilian life each year, a move that can be difficult for many.
“When veterans transition to civilian life, they often search for jobs in civilian fields where they can put unique experiences and skills to work. However, finding meaningful employment after their service is often easier said than done,” says the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says that National Hire A Veteran Day was established in 2017 and founded by Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps Veteran and founder of Hiring Our Heroes, a national nonprofit organization.
“Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. On July 25, National Hire A Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions,” says the organization’s LinkedIn page. “As highly trained, qualified individuals, they’re ideal for numerous trades.
It's not a federal holiday but a nationwide call to action — urging businesses, HR teams, and organizations to recognize and hire veterans transitioning from active duty into civilian roles.
“There’s a lot of talk about the viability of often-overlooked job seekers – untapped talent – who also have a strong work ethic, are mission-focused, perform well under pressure, and are experienced at working for diverse teams and organizations,” wrote the Society for Human Resource Management. “Military veterans have these characteristics and more, employment experts say.”
Hiring veterans is more than a gesture of gratitude, it’s a sound business strategy. Here's why:
The Department of Labor (DOL) says that the business case for hiring veterans includes:
“Studies have shown veterans are more productive and have higher retention rates than their civilian counterparts,” concludes the DOL.
Despite their strengths, veterans often encounter hurdles when shifting into civilian work.
“According to the latest Wounded Warrior Project Warrior Survey, nearly 6 in 10 warriors face underemployment. Furthermore, 67 percent of warriors reported experiencing financial strain, a rising trend since 2021,” said the Wounded Warrior Project. “The data highlights an important issue: Many former service members have trouble securing steady jobs and experience financial hardship, which impacts their mental health and overall well-being.”
Some of the challenges veterans face in this transition to civilian work life include:
"Veterans served and sacrificed for our country and bring valuable perspectives to the civilian workforce," said Kevin Rasch, Warriors to Work regional director at WWP. "Employers willing to invest in veteran talent aren't just helping individuals — they're fueling innovation, reliability, and leadership within their organizations, too. The discipline, strategic thinking, and growth mindset that veterans developed in uniform helps organizations thrive."
PRT Staffing encourages employers to adopt best practices that maximize veteran retention and satisfaction:
In addition, the WWP says that businesses should consider the following:
As National Hire a Veteran Day arrives on July 25, 2025, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s build intentional hiring practices that support our veterans and fuel your business success.
“We must never forget the cost of freedom. Veterans served and sacrificed for their country and are ready to continue their service in the civilian workforce. They have unique and proven abilities and a strong sense of purpose. Their contributions enhance teams, cultures, and outcomes across every sector, especially when companies invest in their development,” says the WPP.
PRT Staffing can help your business develop a veteran recruitment strategy tailored to your company, as well as help veterans connect with relevant, high-impact roles.
Together, we can honor the service of veterans and elevate your team with talent that's disciplined, mission-driven, and ready to excel.
Contact PRT Staffing today to get started on building a stronger workforce.