There are more veterans than ever in America’s workplaces—with unemployment at just 5.1 percent for post-9/11 veterans, down from 12.1 percent in 2011. We have the many corporate veterans hiring initiatives to thank for this; but, with 60 to 80% of veterans leaving their first post-military job before their second work anniversary we have to ask: Are these programs anything more than just a corporation’s way of saying “thank you for your service?” While hiring veterans is a step in the right direction, most companies aren’t prepared to help them transition from military service to civilian life. When you stop looking at hiring veterans as charity, and recognize the true business value they bring to an organization--great things happen--growth, success and changing of a national narrative.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.