Governor reaffirms Virginia’s dedication to serving as a top state for veteran employment

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin commemorated on, July 25, 2024, as National Hire a Veteran Day in Virginia to remind and encourage Virginia employers to reach out and recruit military veterans to fill positions in their companies and organizations.  

“Our Commonwealth is home to nearly 700,000 military veterans, representing one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation. One in every twelve Virginians has honorably served in our armed forces and, each year, over 20,000 active-duty service members stationed in Virginia transition to civilian life,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We want each of them to build their future in the Commonwealth, as they form a vital part of our workforce and boost the performance of Virginia companies. Their skills and dedication enhance Virginia's appeal to new industries, support advanced technology projects, and play a crucial role in our national security-related businesses. Simply put, companies that actively recruit and retain veterans consistently outperform their competitors.” 

“We can all be proud that our Commonwealth continues to be an innovator and leader in providing programs that result in our veterans and their family members finding gainful and fulfilling jobs when they enter the civilian workforce,” said Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw. “The highly successful Department of Veterans Services Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program was created ten years ago to encourage the hiring of veterans and help employers learn the best ways to recruit, hire, train and retain veterans in their work force. More than 3,500 employers from the smallest to the largest in virtually every economic sector are V3 partners. Most importantly, this unique public/private partnership has resulted in the hiring of over 142,000 Virginia veterans throughout every region of our state.” 

“Our basic mission at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is to serve those who served us and show our appreciation for their service,” said DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler. “Helping these men and women find civilian jobs is critical to this mission. Our DVS V3 team continues to partner with new employers who are dedicated to hiring more Virginia veterans and military spouses, and not just on National Hire a Veteran Day, but every day throughout the year. Our thanks to our Governor for commemorating this special day and for all he, this administration and our state legislators do to promote this great and important effort.” 

About National Hire a Veteran Day 

National Hire a Veteran Day was created in 2017 by Marine Corps veteran and Hire Our Heroes founder Dan Caporale as a call to action for employers across America to encourage the hiring of the men and women who have served in our Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard and Reserves and to encourage veterans to apply for civilian positions upon transition to civilian life. 

About the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program  

More than 3,500 businesses, state and local government agencies, and educational institutions across the Commonwealth are committed partners of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. These employers have hired more than 142,000 veterans since the program’s inception in 2013. Part of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), the V3 Program helps employers develop and implement long-term strategies and nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining Virginia veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. For more information, please visit www.dvsV3.com or www.dvs.virginia.gov.  

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) 

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.