Today is National Hire a Veteran Day

July is a great time to not only celebrate our country’s Independence Day, but also to recognize and support Veterans with their employment needs: Sunday, July 25 is National Hire a Veteran Day.

National Hire a Veteran Day was established in 2017 and founded by Dan Caporale, Marine Corps Veteran and founder of Hire Our Heroes, a national non-profit organization. This special day is set aside to raise awareness of civilian employment for transitioning service members and Veterans after their military service. It is also a call to action for those who hire and those who apply. Employers are encouraged to consider and hire Veterans. Veterans bring leadership, work-ethic, teamwork, tenacity, dedication, determination to succeed, and many other “must-have” traits to an employer.

Monday, July 26^th is the 31^st Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This year marks the 31^st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This civil rights law, signed by President George H.W. Bush, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

July 26^th– July 29^th: Employment-focused events across the country

In observance of these special occasions, VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service will host employment-focused events across the country and virtually during the week of July 25, 2021.

July 30^th: VR&E and Microsoft/MSSA Virtual Job Fair

VR&E and Microsoft/Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) have joined to host a virtual job fair on Friday, July 30, 2021, from 12-3 p.m. EDT. This event is primarily focused on job opportunities in computer science, program management, business, IT (A+, Net+, Security+, etc.), technology, customer service/support and software engineering. It will feature booths from over 30 top private and federal employers. Although this event is virtual, it will feel like a real, in-person job fair. You will be able to “walk the hall” and enter booths that interest you, chat live with employers, ask questions, view information and apply for jobs. Please create a profile before July 30 and register to participate at: MSSA Virtual Hiring Fair (virtualcareerfairs.com).

VR&E is committed to helping transitioning service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier to prepare for, obtain and maintain suitable careers. It also provides employment resources and expertise, removes barriers to employment, and provides independent living services and assistance.

VR&E works with service members and Veterans to:

• Explore their career goals and interests.
• Determine what they excel at and help them to pursue related professions or trades.
• Select and map personal goals for employment.
• Obtain formal education or training where tuition, fees, books and supplies are provided at no cost to them.
• Maximize their independence in life’s daily activities.

To learn more about the events in your area, please contact your nearest VR&E regional office. You can find a location near you at: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.

VR&E celebrates employers who hire and retain service members and Veterans with disabilities. We will continue to support and assist both employers and Veterans with removing barriers to achieve positive employment outcomes. VR&E is committed to National Hire a Veteran Day and the ADA to increase the employment of Veterans, and ultimately, enable Veterans with disabilities to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. To learn more about VR&E’s services, visit https://www.va.gov/vre.