Walmart announces hiring numbers since commitments to hiring veterans, military spouses

In coordination with veteran's day, Walmart announced their hiring numbers related to veterans and their spouses Monday.

“It’s our honor to support veterans and military families,” Retired Brig. Gen. Gary Profit, Walmart senior director of military programs, said. “These men and women are assets to our workforce, bringing the type of experience and work ethic we value here at Walmart. We’re proud to continue providing quality career opportunities when they return home.”

Walmart launched the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment nationwide in 2013. Since then, they have hired over 243,000 veterans, 3,500 of which were hired in Kansas. Of those hires, 39,000 veterans have earned promotions since joining Walmart.

Last year, Walmart also made a commitment to hiring military spouses, and have hired 14,000 since then.

“This company has a long history of supporting members of the military and their families,” Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said. “Last year, we decided to address the high unemployment rate among military spouses, by launching the Military Spouse Career Connection. Military spouses are capable and qualified for a variety of jobs offered by Walmart and Sam’s Club, and we wanted many more of them to join our family.”

A large majority of military spouses (77 percent) want or need work, but have trouble finding it due to frequent relocation, according to the Dept. of Defense. The DoD Military Spouse Employment Partnership reported more than 36 percent of military spouses relocated in the last year.

“Our military spouses make daily sacrifices on behalf of their uniformed spouses and their families,” Travis Bailey, Walmart regional general manager in Kansas said. “We have tremendous respect for all they do and want to help them find work and possibly grow an amazing career. They will always have a home with us at Walmart and Sam’s Club.”