A Letter from the Chairwoman: National Hire A Veteran Day

As Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), I take securing Texas Veterans’ futures very seriously. One crucial part of this task is helping Veterans transitioning back into civilian life secure fulfilling jobs that support their families. This is why we recognize “National Hire a Veteran Day” every year on July 25th.

In 2017, Marine Corps Veteran Dan Caporale created “National Hire A Veteran Day” as a call to action for hiring companies, and also to encourage veteran job applicants. He is also the founder of Hire Our Heroes, a non-profit organization that helps Veterans transitioning from military life back into civilian life find fulfilling work. Additionally, Congress passed the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) in 2017 to uphold these important Veteran hiring efforts.

While hiring Veterans to help ensure diversity in companies and organizations is essential, it is also vital to the strength of workplaces, as Veterans are often exemplary candidates for many positions. Due to their wide range of experiences and impeccable training, Veterans have numerous qualities employers look for during the hiring process.

Many Veterans leave the military with finely honed leadership abilities because they take on responsibility at a young age and have grown into strong, highly adaptable leaders. While they are capable leaders, Veterans can also be dynamic team players who understand how to work with others to accomplish even the most daunting goals. The work ethic of our Veterans is second to none because of the dedication they must possess to serve our country successfully.

Our nation has different incentives for employers to hire Veterans to help ensure their value is noticed. When employers hire Veterans Under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, they may qualify to receive up to a $9,600 tax credit. They can also save on their taxes by hiring WOTC-qualified employees. Additionally, some government contractors can receive money back when they train Veterans with physical difficulties through the U.S. Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program. The HIRE Vets Act created the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. This federal award recognizes companies and organizations devoted to Veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) and VLB are committed to supporting Veteran employment throughout Texas. Currently, GLO employs more than 90 Veterans. Our agency also provides Veterans with 15 days of paid leave each fiscal year to receive medical or mental health care from the Veterans Health Administration.

In 2023, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Veterans Commission’s “We Hire Vets” program recognized the VLB and Texas State Veterans Cemetery programs. The cemetery program was recognized as being staffed 100 percent by Veteran employees from senior leadership down. The VLB has also been a part of several Veteran hiring events this year, including the Mega Career Fair, AGIF National Veterans Outreach Program Hiring Event, Houston Veterans Job Fair, End Dependence Veteran Career and Resource Fair, and the Copperas Cove Regional Career Fair. The GLO and VLB will continue working hard to help Texas Veterans succeed in civilian life, from supporting their mental health and providing the best benefits package in the country, to promoting Veteran hiring across Texas.

I encourage all Texans to learn more about the value of hiring Veterans and for employers throughout our great state to consider a Veteran the next time they take on a new hire.

For Texas,

Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D.