Military Month Reflections: Voices & Impact

In May, our Culture Committee proudly hosted a Military Appreciation Coffee Chat Series to recognize and support those connected to military service. Each session provided a space for conversation, reflection, and connection. This centered the voices of veterans, military spouses, and supporters within our Goodwill community.

The series included three themed discussions:

• Military Spouses – We explored the unique employment barriers faced by spouses and the constant balancing act between service life and career ambitions.
• Transitioning Out – Speakers shared what it’s like to move from military service to civilian life, spotlighting the emotional and practical challenges many face during this shift.
• Memorial Day and Its Meaning – A thoughtful dialogue focused on remembrance, tradition, and the deeper significance behind this national day of honor.

These conversations were inspired by our ongoing commitment to inclusion, support, and mission-driven work. The sessions sparked meaningful insights, especially around how military life impacts the entire family unit. “A lot of realizations,” said Bria Porter, HR Generalist, “especially about how often families have to start over. Many are in high-level roles but must re-prove themselves each time.”

The “Transitioning Out” session shed light on the real challenges veterans face when shifting from military to civilian life. “Only one participant described their transition as easy, and they had completed a six-month SkillBridge internship. That opportunity made a significant impact,” said Jennifer McDonald, Director of Human Resources. She noted that three attendees had participated in SkillBridge and echoed similar experiences, highlighting the program’s value in easing the transition.

Our commitment to supporting military-connected individuals extends well beyond Military Appreciation Month. “We continue to actively recruit and participate in VA roundtables each month,” McDonald shared. She emphasized the unique strengths veterans, active-duty personnel, and military spouses bring to the workforce: resilience, leadership, and lived perspective. “Everyone I spoke with had something powerful to contribute.”

At Goodwill, we recognize and elevate the leadership veterans carry from their service, and we remain dedicated to championing their contributions every step of the way.