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LATEST HEADLINES
Stay informed with the latest news, updates, and stories that matter to veterans and their families.
RETIREMENT
RETIREMENT DOESN’T MEAN LEAVING THE MILITARY COMMUNITY
Retirement may mean leaving active service, but it doesn’t mean leaving behind the people, traditions and community that made your military career meaningful. Military installations around the country continue to recognize retirees and veterans through appreciation events, resource fairs and community programs. Fort Knox recently held its annual Retiree Appreciation Day, bringing hundreds of retirees together for information, resources and camaraderie. Events like these are a reminder that military service creates connections that can last a lifetime.
Captain’s Call Tip
Check your local military installation, Veterans Affairs office, American Legion, VFW or veterans service organization for upcoming events.
You may discover:
• Benefits information
• Health resources eterans who understand your experience
• Employment opportunities
• Financial assistance
• Social activities
• Volunteer opportunities
•Fellow veterans who understand your experience
Retirement is a new chapter, not the end of the story.
CAREER & JOBS
YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE HAS VALUE IN THE CIVILIAN WORLD
Leaving the military doesn’t mean starting over.
Leadership. Discipline. Logistics. Communication. Technology. Management. Problem-solving. Teamwork.
These are skills employers need.
The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to highlight employment opportunities for veterans, including weekly job listings designed to connect veterans with civilian careers.
One of the biggest challenges for veterans can be translating military terminology into language a civilian employer understands.
Instead of simply listing your military job title, explain what you actually accomplished.
Led. Managed. Trained. Organized. Supervised. Protected. Built. Repaired. Coordinated.
Those are civilian skills, too.
Captain’s Call Tip
Take your military accomplishments and rewrite them in terms of:
What did you do?
How many people did you lead?
What equipment or budget did you manage?
What problem did you solve?
What result did you achieve?
Your military career may be one of the strongest parts of your resume.
You just have to translate it.
BENEFITS
DON’T LEAVE YOUR VA BENEFITS ON THE TABLE
For many veterans, navigating VA benefits can feel overwhelming. There are programs covering healthcare, disability compensation, education, home loans, life insurance, employment and support for families.
The important thing to remember is that your benefits can change as your circumstances change.
A veteran who recently separated may have very different needs than someone who has been retired for 20 years. A surviving spouse or caregiver may also qualify for programs that they don’t realize are available.
The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to provide updates on benefits and programs for veterans and their families.
Captain’s Call Tip
Make reviewing your benefits an annual habit.
Check your VA records, review your current benefits and look for programs that may apply to your current situation.
Don’t assume you aren’t eligible. Check.
CaptainsCall.org provides general information and is not a substitute for official VA guidance. Always verify eligibility and current requirements with the appropriate government agency.
JOBS
COMPANIES ARE LOOKING FOR VETERANS
Military experience can be an advantage in today’s workforce.
Veterans bring leadership, reliability, teamwork, technical knowledge and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that many employers value.
Major companies are also creating programs specifically designed to connect veterans and military families with civilian career opportunities. General Motors, for example, recently announced a workforce initiative focused on expanding career pathways for veterans and military families in manufacturing, technician positions and skilled trades.
Think Beyond the Traditional Office Job
Veterans can find opportunities in:
Manufacturing • Skilled Trades • Transportation • Technology • Healthcare • Government • Security • Construction • Management • Automotive • Aviation
Your next career doesn’t have to look like your military career.
It can build on it.
Captain’s Call Tip
Don’t underestimate your military training.
If you were responsible for people, equipment, schedules, safety, logistics or operations, you already have experience that can translate into civilian employment.
Your service gave you skills. Your next career can put those skills to work.