Thanks for your service

This Veterans Day, let me throw my hat in the ring to encourage all you recruiters, HR pros, entrepreneurs and others out there to hire a vet, a member of the National Guard, or a military reservist.

Let’s not be shy, hiring from the military can come with challenges. Reservists and members of the National Guard will be taking regular leave for training. Some veterans leave their prior jobs with service-related injuries and disabilities that can cost employers in time off the job. It’s important to note that discriminating based on these challenges is both illegal and wrong.

I could insert all my patriotic platitudes here, but you’ll probably read those on more polished pages than mine!

No, instead, I’m here to say thanks for your service. Thank you to all the wonderful veterans who have taught me how to get along in an organization bigger than myself. Thank you to my brother-in-law for teaching me about the need to constantly adapt to new and frightening situations. Thank you to my kids’ one-time babysitter for showing them how impactful kindness and gentleness can be during hardship. Thank you to my grandpa for teaching me how to work with people completely dissimilar to myself. Thank you to my professors for showing me just how much hard work is needed to achieve true excellence. Thank you to my friends who know how to do a good job and how to have a good time.

All those folks above are real life vets. This Veterans Day, thank a vet and remember that vets are always ready to put everything on the line for their team.