RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program has led to more than 50,000 veterans being hired since it began in 2002, according to Governor Ralph Northam.
“Reaching this significant milestone of veterans hired reflects our shared commitment of making Virginia the most military-friendly state in the nation and honoring our veterans by helping them make successful transitions from military service to employment in the civilian workforce,” said Governor Northam.
Virginia was the first state in the country to create an official program to improve the employment of military veterans and helping employers with strategies for recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans.
“Our Commonwealth is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, with nearly one in 10 Virginians having worn a uniform," said Governor Northam. "The success of the V3 Program demonstrates the tremendous good we can deliver for our returning service members and our economy when the public and private sectors work together, connecting our veterans with Virginia business that can benefit from the unique experience, talents, and training they gain while serving our country.”
More than 900 private, federal, state and local government agencies and educational institutions across Virginia are V3 partner employers.
“Reaching the milestone of more than 50,000 veterans hired is an achievement for which all Virginians can be proud,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins. “The continued success of the V3 Program is a result of many partners committed to its mission—from our Governors, state legislators, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, small and large private businesses, colleges, local governments, and many others. All agree that hiring Virginia veterans makes good business sense.”
After a year as a pilot program, the Virginia General Assembly voted unanimously to make V3 a permanent program. More than 30,000 veterans were hired by 2018 before Governor Terry McAuliffe left office.
Governor Northam has challenged the program partners to increase the total of 65,000 hires by the time he leaves office in 2022.
“It takes vision, hard work and an unwavering commitment to continue to meet and exceed the veteran hiring goals set by our Governors,” said Deputy DVS Commissioner Annie Walker. “I want to commend Director Charlie Palumbo, V3 Program Manager Ross Koenig, the V3 Regional Managers and the entire V3 team for a job well done. I am confident that DVS and this team will meet Governor Northam’s goal of 65,000 veterans hired by the end of his term.”
The V3 Program is an official program of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Veterans Services. For more information, click here.
