Walmart Pledges To Hire Vets
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – One of the many challenges men and women who serve in the military face when their tour of duty is over is finding a job in the civilian world.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has pledged to hire more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. The company said it will employ any veteran who has left the military in the previous year and didn't have a dishonorable discharged.
"We believe Walmart is already the largest private employer of veterans in the country, and we want to hire more," said Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill 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."
Walmart has spoken with the White House about this 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.
"This is exactly the kind of act we hoped would be possible when we started Joining Forces - a concrete example of our nation's love and support that our troops, veterans, and their families can feel in their lives every day," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "As our wars come to an end and our troops continue to come home, it's more important than ever that all of us - not just government, but our businesses and nonprofits as well - do our part to serve those who have served us so bravely. "
Walmart's plan is the largest hiring commitment for veterans in history.
The program will officially get underway around Memorial Day.
