NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY

Did you know National Hire a Veteran Day was on July 25? Each year on this date, organizations and veteran advocates alike highlight the challenges veterans face in the job hunt in addition to the many benefits they bring to the workplace.

To break it down, DAV’s Jeremy Yost and Liz Stetler chat about the current labor market, veteran unemployment rates and what NOT to do as a job seeker after the military. Watch here.

 

PATRIOT EMPLOYER AWARDS

Since 2014, DAV’s employment program has supported hundreds of thousands of job-seeking veterans through multiple phases of their careers. For transitioning service members, we partner with organizations that provide mentorship, apprenticeships and paid training. For experienced veterans looking to shift careers, skill up and network, DAV job fairs connect them directly with company recruiters.

Another goal of the employment program is to highlight employers who demonstrate excellence and dedication to the military community through their hiring, onboarding and retention practices.

In August, we were honored to recognize three of these incredible employers through the Patriot Employer Awards at our National Convention in Las Vegas: Werner Enterprises, NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. and Artemis ARC.

These companies stood out based on their veteran recruiting and hiring efforts; retention and career-building practices; company policies toward disabled veterans; the number of active-duty and veteran employees; and outreach initiatives to support veterans in communities where the business operates.

Go here to nominate your company for the 2026 Patriot Employer Award.

 

WELCOME MATT FELDHAUS

Matt Feldhaus (left) is the new director of Patriot Boot Camp Director and veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Matt Feldhaus, an Army National Guard veteran, joined DAV earlier this year as the new director of DAV Patriot Boot Camp. He’s responsible for leading DAV Patriot Boot Camp’s multi-day cohorts, expanding entrepreneurial services for veterans and growing a network of entrepreneurs and partners.

“I’m so glad to be part of an organization like DAV and the empowerment, growth and journey of our veteran entrepreneurs,” Feldhaus stated. “I look forward to seeing what we can build together.”

DAV Patriot Boot Camp is a transformative education and mentorship program for veterans and military spouses looking to grow their existing business. Applications are now open for the October cohort. Learn more here.

In his previous role, Matt managed the veteran recruiting strategy and employee development for a major technology retailer. He later worked in leadership roles at veteran-focused organizations by helping them navigate essential resources and supporting mental health initiatives.