Military Appreciation Month is always a special time of year, but this May feels a little different. That’s because 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine branches – a milestone that invites us to reflect on our nation’s history of service.
Supporting the military community has been near and dear to Walmart dating back to when Sam Walton founded the company after serving in the Army. This year we’re building on that history of support in several ways:
- Unveiling new careers tools tailored for veterans.
- Supporting birthday celebrations for the Armed Forces.
- Funding nonprofits focused on matching veterans to good jobs.
Helping veterans find good jobs
Walmart has hired over 500,000 military veterans and spouses since 2013 and we’re always looking for more. Folks like the Stevens family where Mark, a Navy veteran and now store manager, and Kim Stevens, military spouse and store manager, have grown their careers with the company. We believe the best talent doesn't always come with a traditional resume and that experience, and that potential and purpose count just as much as a formal education. Veterans, service members and military spouses bring discipline, leadership and adaptability to the table — qualities that align perfectly with Walmart’s culture.
This month, we’re excited to unveil our new Skills Translator tool, which helps veterans seamlessly align their military experience to rewarding jobs at Walmart.
The tool allows veterans to upload their resumes, which are then translated into in-demand skills that align with Walmart's needs. Veterans transitioning out of the military possess transferable skills that include logistics planning, GPS routing and inventory control, just to name a few.
We’re also giving prospective associates hands-on experience with our new Job Simulations tool. This interactive tool gives software engineering applicants, for example, the ability to try out their skills in real-life scenarios and even see what it’s like working in a corporate environment, which can help remove the guesswork from transitioning to civilian life.
These tools will help match our nation's servicemen and women with roles they can thrive in as they join the workforce.
Supporting armed forces celebrations
Walmart invested $500,000 in events this year that mark the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. These donations support initiatives like the Revolutionary War Exhibit at the Museum of the Army, hear stories from our nation’s veterans and celebrate their anniversaries in meaningful ways, like honoring those who are enlisting in our military this year. The Revolutionary War Exhibit commemorates the U.S. Army's 250th birthday in 2025 and our nation's Declaration of Independence in 2026. Ahead of America’s Semi-quincentennial, we will join the Navy and Marine Corps to commemorate their 250th birthdays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey in October.
Investing in brighter futures outside walmart
Our investments go beyond our associates. At our size and scale, we believe it’s our responsibility to create opportunities for veterans across the country. That’s why we’re funding a series of projects through the Manufacturing Institute, Hire Heroes USA and the Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. Each organization is taking innovative approaches to helping veterans get credit for the skills they have as they transition to civilian life.
- The Manufacturing Institute: Collaborating with their partner SOLID, validates skills gained during military service and translates them for careers in manufacturing and logistics.
- Hire Heroes USA: Issues verification of service, works with partners on credentials and offers coaching services for veterans.
- IVMF: Working towards providing digital credentials for the training programs they offer. These digital records will facilitate job matching through platforms such as Arkansas Launch and Alabama Talent Triad, both supported by Walmart.
Our commitment to veterans is unwavering. By investing in tools for the military community and supporting leading organizations, we’re ensuring veterans have the support and opportunities they need to succeed in their post-military careers.
Veterans, service members and military families — we see you and appreciate your dedication and service. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
