Walmart Hires 240 Veterans in Hawaiʻi Since Memorial Day 2013

Walmart, Kahului. 2014 file photo by Wendy Osher.

Walmart announced today that it has hired more than 240 veterans across Hawaiʻi since the launch of its “Veterans Welcome Home Commitment” in May of 2013, guaranteeing a job offer to any eligible US veteran honorably discharged from active duty since that time.

Company representatives say Walmart recently expanded its 2013 projection of hiring 100,000 veterans nationwide by 2018, increasing the projection to 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020.

Last month Walmart surpassed hiring 107,000 veterans nationwide since the May 2013 launch.

Walmart has welcomed veterans into every aspect of its 10 Walmart stores and two Sam’s Club locations in Hawaiʻi. Company representatives say the flexibility and scheduling opportunities the retailer offers makes it possible for transitioning service members to “make their own path, whether that is pursuing educational goals or finding a meaningful new career path.”

“We’ve experienced a tremendous response in Hawaiʻi to Walmart’s support of veterans.” said retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, Walmart’s senior director of military programs in a company press release. “We believe veterans represent the largest, diverse, talent-rich pool in the world and are an essential segment of the next generation at Walmart.”

In 2011, company executives report that Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committed $20 million by 2015 to support veterans and their families with assistance from programs that provide job training, transition help and education.

After delivering on this commitment in 2014, one year ahead of schedule, the company reports that it renewed its commitment, announcing an additional $20 million through 2019 to support veteran job training, education and initiatives that address the challenges many veterans face when returning to the civilian workforce and their communities.