Walmart today announced it has hired 1,700 veterans for job opportunities across Arizona in the first 18 months of the retailer’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment.
Launched on Memorial Day 2013, the initiative is Walmart’s pledge to hire 100,000 veterans nationwide by 2018. So far, Walmart’s hiring effort has connected more than 67,861 veterans with employment opportunities across the country. The initiative guarantees a job offer to any honorably-discharged veteran within the first 12 months of separation from service.
“Walmart has benefited greatly from the expertise and dedication of the thousands of veterans we’ve welcomed into our ranks this year,” saidretired Brigadier General Gary Profit, Walmart’s senior director of military programs. “No veteran should have to fight for a job when they return home. We are proud to be a part of their story as they transition to the next chapter of their lives.”
Charged with driving programs that support veterans, a large focus for Profit in the last year has been building a community within Walmart for its military hires. Profit is proud of how the hiring effort is contributing to the fabric of the retail giant.
“Our veterans thrive in our structure, and we have promoted thousands of our Welcome Hires within the last year,” said Profit. “The flexibility we offer allows some to pursue educational goals, while others are finding a meaningful new career path.”
Walmart has welcomed veterans into every aspect of operations, from logistics to management to sales, at its more than 120 facilities in Arizona.
Among Arizona veterans now working for Walmart is Michael Ferguson, a former intelligence specialist with the U.S. Navy. Ferguson served as part of our nation’s Armed Forces for 25 years. Since 2001, he has worked for Walmart in Prescott, Arizona.
“All veterans are looking for is a fair shake and an opportunity. Walmart has given me both,” said Ferguson, supervisor for the Walmart Tire, Lube Express service. “With hard work and dedication, there are no limits to what you can achieve with Walmart. I’m happy where I’m at, and I love what I’m doing.”
Founded by army veteran Sam Walton, Walmart has made serving the military and military families is part of the global retailer’s DNA. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have worked with multiple organizations supporting veterans, such as Goodwill and Fisher House, for many years.
In 2014, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation doubled down on its commitment to veterans by pledging an additional $20 million through 2019 to support veteran employment and transition programs. In 2011, the Walmart Foundation pledged $20 million through 2015 to help veterans and their families get through those challenges with assistance from programs that provide job training, transition support and education. It met that goal one year early.
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