Veterans benefits 2020: Largest or most successful state employer of Veterans

VA worked with state representatives to compile a list of the largest or most successful state employer of Veterans, part of a five part series. Below is a list in alphabetical order.

Alabama

“Many Alabama employers actively recruit Veterans, recognizing them as disciplined team players who inspire others and increase productivity.  A number of these employers have been recognized by the Department of Labor for their efforts to hire and retain Veterans so choosing just one to highlight is difficult. However, Navigator Development Group, Inc. has multiple locations in the state and are well respected. As a Veteran-owned business, Navigator knows through personal experience that employing Alabama’s heroes adds value to their business and their communities.”  – Beverly Gebhardt, Director of Intergovernmental Relations.

Veterans can learn about USDOL recognized employers at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets.

Alaska

“Alaska law is designed to help service member get back to work quickly after serving in the military. Alaska offers point preferences to all who qualify making the State of Alaska one of the most successful state employers of Veterans.” – Verdie Bowen Sr., director, Office of Veterans Affairs

Veterans can learn more about this program at https://alaskajobs.alaska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx.

Arizona

“Arizona is fortunate to have many successful employers of Veterans. Of the many, USAA is one of our largest and most successful employers of Veterans. USAA not only provides quality services to military members, Veterans and their families, but also commits to achieving and sustaining a workforce made up of 25% Veterans and military spouses or domestic partners.” – Wanda Wright, director

Veterans can learn more about Veteran friendly employers at https://bestcompaniesaz.com/best-veteran-employers-phoenix-arizona/.

Arkansas

“Arkansas government is the largest employer of Veterans, but Veteran small business owners are also growing in the state and programs are available to help nurture those entrepreneurs.” – Gina Chandler, assistant director, Veterans Services

For more information about those opportunities go to https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ar/little-rock and https://www.arkansasedc.com/. Also see how military experience helped shaped telemedicine in rural south at https://www.sba.gov/content/ceos-military-experience-shapes-telemedicine-health-across-rural-arkansas.

California

“California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) Workforce Services assists Veterans and their eligible spouses maximize their employment and training opportunities. Veterans are entitled to many resources designed to help in their search for employment. EDD Veterans’ representatives specialize in assisting Veterans in their efforts to return to work and are located in many local EDD offices statewide. Services include a Veteran 24-hour priority hold on all job listings, customized job search assistance, job fairs, employer recruitments, and other events and resources. Veterans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an EDD Veterans’ representative for personalized services and assistance to achieve professional goals.” – Roberto Herrera, chief, Veteran and Community Engagement

Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Services_for_Veterans.htm.

Colorado

“The largest state employers of Veterans are Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Northrop Grumman Corporation and L-3 Communications.” – Richard J. Tremaine, director, Division of Veterans Affairs

Veterans can learn more at www.Colorado.Gov/Vets.

Connecticut

“Connecticut has many businesses of all sizes that are Veteran friendly in their hiring practices and Veteran community philanthropy among the larger ones are Lockheed Martin, United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky, Electric Boat, Peoples United, Cigna and Aetna.” – Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi

For more information on Veteran hiring, visit http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/veterans/default.htm.

Delaware

“The largest or most successful state employer of Veterans are Dover Air Force Base and the State of Delaware.” – Larence Kirby, executive director, Office of Veterans Services

To learn more about Delaware’s services for Veterans, visit https://vets.delaware.gov/.

Florida

“Both CSX (leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America, headquartered in Jacksonville) and Florida Blue (Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for 75 years) employ large numbers of Veterans and highlight the positive contributions of their respective Veterans’ community.” – James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, deputy executive director, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans can learn more by visiting www.FloridaVets.org.

Georgia

“The Southern Company is one of the largest and most successful employers of Veterans in Georgia. The Southern Company is a founding partner of the Troops to Energy Jobs program, linking Veterans and transitioning service members to job openings in the energy industry. They also sponsored the establishment of Georgia’s Military Veterans Hall of Fame, which honors Veterans from all periods for their valor, achievement, and service.” – Mike Roby, Georgia’s commissioner of Veterans Service

Veterans can learn more about the program at https://southerncompany-veterans.jobs/.

Hawaii

According to ClearanceJobs.com, “Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is the largest industrial employer in Hawaii and the U.S. Government is the state’s biggest employer.  Hawaii is the third-ranking state in per capita defense spending and has one of the highest per-capita populations of service members.  The defense industry is the largest industry-related workforce, employing 101,500 and representing 16.5% percent of Hawaii’s workforce.”

Idaho

“Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is one of the top employers of Veterans in Idaho. Being the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development, INL plays a role in each of the strategic goal areas of the Department of Energy: energy, national security, science, and environment. Given the importance of INL’s clean energy and national security mission to our nation, INL actively seeks applicants with military experience. Approximately 1 in 10 of INL’s employees are military Veterans.” – Marv Hagedorn, Idaho Division of Veterans Services Chief Administrator

Veterans can learn more about careers with INL at https://inlcareers.inl.gov/Veterans or other careers in Idaho at https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Job-Seekers/Veterans-Services.

Illinois

“The Illinois State government—including our department—is the largest employer of Veterans.” – Evan Fazio, public information officer, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

For more information, see https://www2.illinois.gov/services/CMS/state-jobs.

Indiana

“The federal government, with more than 40,000 federal jobs here in Indiana alone, has one of the highest pay scales across the entire state.” – David Douglass, state Veterans program director at Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Iowa

“Our ‘Home Base Iowa’ initiative connects Iowa businesses with qualified Veterans and their spouses looking for career opportunities. The program also provides resources to help connect Veterans and their families with education and their transition to a new community.” –  Karl J. Lettow, public information

Home Base Iowa’s web page is https://www.homebaseiowa.gov/.

Kansas

“The State of Kansas values the experience and extensive training and education provided through military service and translates well with the skills needed in state government.  Our state places great importance on providing Veterans access to information about available services and assistance related to employment in state government.” – Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Director Gregg Burden

For more information visit www.kcva.ks.gov/kanvet.

Kentucky

“The three largest non-government employers in the state – UPS, Humana and Toyota – are all strong supporters of Veterans and Veteran-friendly employers. At Veterans Day parades, events and volunteer efforts, we always see Veterans proudly representing their employers.” – April Brown, Employment & Training Services Program coordinator

Kentucky Veterans can find out more about this benefit here.

Louisiana

“The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest employers of Veterans within the State of Louisiana. LDVA’s mission is to provide comprehensive care and quality service to Louisiana’s Veterans, and their families, with regard to health care, education, disability benefits, long-term care and burial honors. LDVA offers five Veterans homes, five Veterans cemeteries, a benefits division and a host of other programs available to Louisiana’s 281,000 Veterans.” – Joey Strickland, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

For more information about the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, visit www.vetaffairs.la.gov.

Maine

“The largest most successful state employer of Veterans in the State of Maine is Bath Iron Works. Bath Iron Works is one of the nation’s largest builders of naval ships in the entire country and has a long tradition of hiring military Veterans. In fact, Bath Iron Works is a large partner in Maine’s Hire-A-Vet Campaign – an annual campaign hosted by the Maine Department of Labor to connect Veterans with gainful employment throughout Maine.” – David Richmond, director, Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services

For more information, please visit – https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/employment/index.html

Maryland

“Each year active-duty service members retiring or separating from the military acquire civilian employment with Maryland based Department of Defense agencies and private sector defense contractors. The State of Maryland also employs a large number of military Veterans and those currently serving in the Guard or Reserves, specifically the Maryland State Police and Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.” – George Owings, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans can learn more about employment with the State of Maryland at https://dbm.maryland.gov/jobseekers/Pages/VeteransJobs.aspx.

Massachusetts

For Massachusetts information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services.

Michigan

“DTE and Consumers Energy have both been very focused on Veteran talent attraction programs here in Michigan. They are both our largest Veteran-Friendly Employers. As Gold level employers, they employ professionals who are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and retaining Veterans. They have also joined forces with other energy industry professionals to conduct things like an Energy Bootcamp, where they train members of the Guard and Reserve to become electrical and gas maintenance supervisors.” – David Dunckel, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency employment analyst

For more information, visit https://www.michiganveterans.com/categories/Employment.

Minnesota

“Minnesota’s largest employers of Veterans include the State of Minnesota, the trades, private corporations such as Target, Best Buy and Cargill, and many entrepreneurs running Veteran-owned businesses.” – Larry Herke, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

For more information, visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org.

Mississippi

“One of the most successful employers in our state is Huntington-Ingalls.  The shipbuilding company, located in Pascagoula, committed to hiring the Veterans and has kept their word. To learn more about the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, visit ingalls.huntingtoningalls.com.” – Stacey Pickering, executive director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs

Missouri

“About 15% of Boeing’s workforce are Veterans. In 2019, Boeing contributed more than $12 million to support military and Veteran organizations and efforts.  Boeing Veteran-owned business subcontracting totaled about $450 million.” – Ryon Richmond, acting executive director, Missouri Veterans Commission

Veterans can learn more about the program at https://jobs.boeing.com/veterans.

Montana

“The largest employer of Veterans in the state of Montana is VA.” – Kelly Ackerman, administrator, Montana Veterans Affairs Division

For more information, visit www.mt.gov.

Nebraska

“I would offer Werner Enterprises for consideration based on the 2018 ESGR Freedom Award. While I recognize that employer support of the Guard and Reserve is not precisely the same as being a ‘successful employer of Veterans,’ Werner would be in the top five. Union Pacific and First Data both have Veteran employee resource groups and could be considered as well.” – John Hilgert, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs director

Veterans can learn more about Werner Enterprises at https://www.esgr.mil/News-Events/ESGR-In-The-News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8423/Nebraska-governor-congratulates-Freedom-Award-recipient-Werner-Enterprises.

Nevada

“The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has a workforce of approximately 5,000 staff. Nearly 6% of the workforce is Veterans. The Cosmopolitan has been recognized as a Patriot Employer by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services and received HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Program Demonstration Award.” – Julie Dudley, communications director

Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/careers/veterans.

New Hampshire

“While there are many New Hampshire employers who value the skillset that Veterans bring to their organizations, on the federal side, we see the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and BAE Systems hiring large numbers of Veterans. If we are talking non-governmental employers, Sig Sauer absolutely understands the value of hiring Veterans and they actively seek them out.” – William Gaudreau, director, NH Division of Veteran Services

Veterans can learn more about benefits at www.nh.gov/nhveterans.

New Jersey

“The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is the largest and most successful state employer of Veterans who provide trained and ready forces prepared for rapid responses to a wide range of civil and military operations, in addition to providing excellent services to our residents and Veterans of New Jersey.” – Patricia A. Richter, acting director, Division of Veterans Services

For more information, go to www.nj.gov/military.

New Mexico

According to data provided to DVS by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, the largest employer of Veterans in New Mexico is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). DoD employs approximately 2,500 Veterans at four military installations in the state.

DVS features a Veterans business development division, the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) to help entrepreneurial-minded Veterans, transitioning active-duty personnel, and their spouses with everything they need to know to start or grow their own small business. In 2010, New Mexico’s VBOC was the first state-managed VBOC created in the country through a VA grant for awardees to assist entrepreneurial-minded Veterans. As stipulated by the grant, the NMVBOC also assists Veterans and transitioning service members in Colorado.

Veterans can learn more about the VBOC at https://nmvboc.org/.

New York

“Approximately 30% of the current New York State Police has some form of prior military service (including Guard and Reserve).” – Joel Evans, executive deputy director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

Veterans can learn more at https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/options-military-personnel.

North Carolina

“The largest or most successful employers of North Carolina Veterans are Lowe’s and Bank of America.” – Martin Falls, chief deputy secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs

For career opportunities with Lowe’s, visit https://corporate.lowes.com/careers/military. For Bank of America careers, visit https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/culture/diversity-inclusion/veterans.

Veterans can learn more about the North Carolina Veteran programs at www.milvets.nc.gov.

North Dakota

“Midwest AgEnergy and Sysco North Dakota received 2019 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Veterans (HIRE Vets) Gold Medallions by the U.S. Department of Labor. They are the first North Dakota businesses to earn the honor.” – North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.” – Lonnie Wangen, commissioner

Veterans can learn about the companies at https://www.midwestagenergy.com/ and https://www.sysco.com/Contact/Contact/Our-Locations/North-Dakota.

Ohio

“The State of Ohio is the largest employer of Veterans in Ohio, with particular credit going to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Department of Job and Family Services. Private industry is also deeply engaged in Veteran employment, especially in banking, insurance, and technology sectors.” – Sean McCarthy, assistant director, Department of Veterans Services

A comprehensive Ohio Veterans Resource Guide is available online at https://dvs.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/7c2ff73e-7a10-42a9-b2c1-4688be28837c/BenefitsGuide.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=n8kF7Cb.

Oklahoma

For Oklahoma information, visit https://odva.ok.gov/.

Oregon

“Thanks to an Oregon law first passed by the Legislature in 1977, public employers grant preference to a Veteran or disabled Veteran who applies for a vacant civil service position — whether as a new hire or as a promotion from within — at any state, county or local government agency. Oregon also has dedicated Veteran employment representatives who assist Veterans and spouses in job searches and applications, translating military experience for resumes, employment referrals, and reemployment training opportunities.” Sean O’Day, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs deputy director

Oregon Veterans can learn more about employment preference and other employment related benefits and programs at https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Benefits/Pages/Employment.aspx.

Pennsylvania

“One of Pennsylvania’s largest employers of Veterans is the state itself. The state’s pride in its Veterans recently led to an initiative spearheaded by the governor that saw more than 14,000 state employees who also served in the military honored with a lapel pin. The pin features the U.S. and Commonwealth flags signifying dual service status. Pennsylvania also boasts strong state support through the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services – Pennsylvania’s first interagency cooperative approach to providing Veteran services.” – Air Force Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Learn more about the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Affairs and other Veterans benefits at dmva.pa.gov.

Rhode Island

“In partnership with Rhode Island Dept of Labor and Training, we have an array of private sector business who make hiring Veterans a priority.” – Kasim Yarn, director, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

Veterans can learn more at http://www.vets.ri.gov/.

South Carolina

“At Boeing, approximately 20 percent of its workforce identifies as Veterans. In October 2009, Boeing selected the North Charleston site for a new 787 Dreamliner final assembly and delivery line. Boeing broke ground on the new, 1.2-million-square-foot facility in November 2009. South Carolina teammates began early limited production in July 2011.” – Brandon C. Wilson, public information director

For more information, visit https://www.boeing.com/.

South Dakota

The state of South Dakota is the largest employer of Veterans, with over 1,100.

“Now, more than ever, we need to keep our sleeves rolled up and work collectively to ensure our Veterans have a successful journey as they transition into civilian life.” – Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Whitlock encourages Veterans to contact their local county or tribal Veterans service officers or the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs office (605-773-3269) to learn more about their benefits. Veterans can also visit https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/ or https://www.facebook.com/SDDVA/.

Tennessee

One of the largest privately-owned companies that employs a considerable number of Veterans is Fedex Express World Hub in Memphis.

To learn more about FedEx for Veterans, visit https://careers.fedex.com/military.

Texas

“Texas employs approximately 54 percent of Texas Veterans (783,175 individuals) according to a labor study of 2017. The top three industries employing Veterans include construction, national security and international affairs, and hospitals.” –  Bob Gear, director of the Texas Veterans Leadership Program at the Texas Workforce Commission

Veterans can find employment by visiting, https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/Default.aspx.

Utah

“Zions Bank has been recognized with the ESGR Freedom Award for their outstanding Veteran’s employment programs. Each year Zions hires scores of Veterans, Reservists, Guardsmen and their family members for internships, training programs and full-time positions throughout the company. They’ve developed innovative programs and have a reputation as a great place to work, making them a sought-out business for Veterans. And, for those that they are not able to place within their company, they actively work to find employment in other businesses.  Zions is committed to Veteran employment.”  – Gary Harter, executive director of Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Additional information is at www.zionsbank.com.

Vermont

“The State of Vermont is the largest Veteran employer, closely followed by Department of Homeland Security.” – Robert E. Burke, director, Office of Veterans Affairs

For more information on Vermont state jobs, visit https://careers.vermont.gov/. For information about DHS jobs, visit https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/search-job-postings.

Virginia

“The largest state employer of Veterans in Virginia is CACI International, Inc. CACI is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer and on average hires over 1,000 Veterans annually.” – Nicole Anderson, Virginia Department of Veterans Services director of Transition & Employment Programs

Veterans can learn more at the V3 program at https://dvsv3.com/.

Washington

“Boeing is the largest employer of Veterans.” – Liza Narciso, assistant to the director, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

For more information, visit https://jobs.boeing.com/veterans.

West Virginia

“Many Veterans are finding employment with agencies of state government. It is the largest employer in West Virginia.” – Cabinet Secretary Dennis Davis

Veterans can learn more at https://veterans.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

Wisconsin

“The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to assisting Veterans in transitioning to a civilian career. Our state’s Veteran Employment Grant financially supports businesses hiring honorably discharged Veterans with a 50 percent or more service-related disability. In addition, Wisconsin offers several opportunities for Veterans to receive grants and other services and assistance while they are retraining for future employment.” – Donald Placidi Jr., Division of Veterans Benefits administrator, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans and business owners can learn more at: https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/educationEmployment/Employment.aspx

Wyoming

“The largest or most successful state employer of Veterans is Walmart.” – Tim Sheppard, executive director, Wyoming Veterans Commission

To learn about Walmart jobs, visit https://www.walmartcareerswithamission.com/content/people-experience/military.html.

---

Check out the following parts of this series, which will be hyperlinked once they publish:

Part 1: Most popular state benefit | Part 2: Most underused state benefit | Part 3: Most unique or newest state benefit | Part 5: Most popular state Veteran monument