With Veterans Day here, now is the time to reflect on the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made for our country. It’s important to also acknowledge the challenges veterans face as they transition back to civilian life. The shift from military to civilian life is often fraught with emotional, financial and social hurdles. Many veterans find it challenging to translate their military experience into careers and reintegrate into their communities. The U.S. Department of Defense offers a Transition Assistance Program. While impactful, this program alone is not enough to address the spectrum of challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA Orlando Healthcare System serves nearly 150,000 veterans. This Veteran Appreciation Month is an opportunity for our Orlando community to think more about supporting veterans during this period of transition. One of the most impactful ways we can help is through the efforts of local businesses.
Veterans bring valuable skills to the workforce, but many face barriers when it comes to finding meaningful employment and adapting to civilian life. This is where local businesses can make a difference.
One of the most direct ways local businesses can support veterans is by offering employment opportunities. Hiring veterans provides them with financial stability; businesses benefit from the wealth of experience veterans bring to the table. Providing things like mentorship programs, ongoing job training and clear pathways for advancement can help veterans feel supported as they adapt to a new environment.
Many veterans experience PTSD or anxiety adjusting to the civilian workforce. Offering flexible schedules, paid leave, or providing support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can help veterans navigate this transition. Having a work environment that accommodates these challenges can go a long way.
Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Veterans Advisory Council has a strong tradition of supporting our community through education and outreach.
Local businesses can support veterans by sponsoring veteran-focused events of their own. For example, the Orlando Regional Realtor Association has its own Military Advisory Council that offers resources to veterans, hosts an annual Veteran Homebuying Summit, and organizes events to honor veterans. Engaging in similar community efforts can help veterans form connections with businesses that care about their well-being and future. Groups can also “adopt” a veteran organization for service projects or sponsor family outreach programs.
Veterans earn numerous benefits through their service, but navigating the bureaucracy of government programs can be daunting. Businesses can partner with local organizations to ensure that veterans have access to critical resources, whether it’s in housing, health care, financial services or education. Businesses can also help veterans understand the benefits they’re entitled to and connect them with the right professionals to navigate those systems.
Health and wellness partnerships can support veterans by offering discounted services from gyms, healthcare providers, and mental health practitioners, addressing physical and mental health challenges.
Affordable housing initiatives are also crucial. Realtors, developers, and policymakers can collaborate to increase veterans’ access to stable housing, ensuring a safe environment to rebuild and thrive after service.
Supporting veterans doesn’t require a big budget — just intentional effort. Each of us can play a part helping veterans feel valued and connected.
Supporting veterans is also good for our economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than their civilian counterparts, contributing to the vitality of our local economy.
Recently, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities, ranking Orlando seventh on its list of the best places for veterans to live. This ranking highlights the strong foundation we’ve built in making Orlando a welcoming home for those who have served.
As a U.S. Navy veteran, I’ve seen firsthand how community support can transform lives. But there’s more work to do. Our veterans shouldn’t have to face the challenges of transition alone — and with the collective strength of our business community, civic partners and neighbors, they won’t have to. This Veterans Appreciation Month, let’s create lasting systems of support that ensure veterans who call Central Florida home can continue to serve, thrive and lead.
La’Tonya Stark is a military veteran who served in the Navy as a Public Affairs Officer for more than 12 years. She is now senior vice president of influence at the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
