Walmart pledges to hire 100,000 veterans during the next 5 years
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Retail giant, Walmart Stores has pledged to offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty starting on Memorial Day, according to a Walmart news release Jan. 15.
The Bentonville, AR store projects that it will hire more than 100,000 veterans during the next five years.
“Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make,” said Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon. “Veterans have a record of performance under pressure. They’re quick learners and team players. They are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever.”
“We believe Walmart is already the largest private employer of veterans in the country, and we want to hire more,” added Simon. “I can think of no better group to lead in revitalizing our economy than those who have served in uniform. Through their service, veterans give us a land of freedom. When they return, it must be to a land of possibility.”
The Walmart pledge has made its way to Washington and the White House. Simon said in a speech Tuesday, “As many of you know, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have been leading a fantastic effort called Joining Forces to serve our nation’s military families. We have spoken with the White House about our commitment.
“The First Lady’s team immediately expressed an interest in working with Walmart and with the entire business community to join forces to build upon this commitment. In the next several weeks, the White House will convene the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and major American employers to encourage businesses to make significant commitments to train and employ America’s returning heroes.”
Mr. Simon served 25 years in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves.
