Walmart has hired more than 1,700 veterans across Michigan since the launch of its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in May 2013, which guarantees a job offer to any eligible U.S. veteran honorably discharged from active duty since that time.
“We’ve experienced a tremendous response in Michigan to Walmart’s support of veterans.” says retired Brig. Gen. Gary Profit, Walmart’s senior director of military programs. “We believe veterans represent the largest, diverse, talent-rich pool in the world and are an essential segment of the next generation at Walmart.”
Profit says Walmart has hired veterans into every aspect of its 120 facilities across the state, from Supercenters to distribution centers and Sam’s Club locations. The flexibility and scheduling opportunities the retailer offers makes it possible for transitioning service members to make their own path, whether that is pursuing educational goals, finding a new career path or finding a place to land after leaving the armed service, while deciding what’s next.
“Walmart is a great place to work, offering health insurance and opportunities for advancement,” says Craig Weaver, Clinton Township Walmart Associate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “Walmart had everything I was looking for when I was discharged from the Marines. I started out as an hourly associate at the Sterling Heights store and have worked my way up to assistant store manager at the Clinton Township Walmart.”
Walmart expanded its 2013 projection of hiring 100,000 veterans nationwide by 2018, increasing the projection to 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020. Walmart has hired more than 107,000 veterans since May of 2013.
In 2011, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committed $20 million by 2015 to support veterans and their families with assistance from programs that provide job training, transition help and education. After delivering on this commitment in 2014 (one year ahead of schedule), Walmart and the Walmart Foundation renewed their commitment, announcing an additional $20 million through 2019 to support veteran job training, education and innovative public/private community-based initiatives that address the challenges many of our veterans face when returning to the civilian workforce and their communities.