Many workforce transition programs across the country are helping military veterans build stable careers in the transportation and trucking industry as they exit active service. These initiatives aim to match veterans’ discipline, reliability and logistical experience with the strong demand for commercial drivers. By offering streamlined pathways that include commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, mentorship, skills translation and guaranteed interview opportunities, these programs create meaningful routes to employment for service members.

For many veterans, trucking provides a dependable income, nationwide mobility and a clear sense of purpose as they continue serving communities in a new capacity. Such efforts highlight the growing recognition that veterans are uniquely equipped for success in transportation careers and deserve accessible opportunities as they transition into civilian life.

Learn more about the Freedom Haulers Initiative.

For many veterans, a professional certification can provide a faster, more affordable way to qualify for high-demand jobs in industries actively seeking skilled talent.

In some cases, a certification can be completed in a matter of weeks or months — opening doors to careers in cybersecurity, logistics, project management, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, aviation, and skilled trades.

Read the full G.I. Jobs article for more information.

Did you know VA may provide eligible veterans with a Fitbit as part of their treatment plan? A Fitbit can do much more than count your steps — it can track things like your heart rate, activity levels, sleep and workouts, giving you and your VA care team a better picture of your overall health.

Watch this SITREP video to learn who may qualify, how the program works and how compatible wearable devices can securely share health information with your VA care team to support your treatment goals.

The Michigan Army National Guard’s First Formation initiative continues to streamline soldier integration and readiness by bringing key services together in one place for both new and prior service Soldiers. By consolidating medical, administrative, equipment and benefits support into a single monthly event, First Formation ensures participants are prepared to join their units and navigate the transition effectively.

At the most recent First Formation on August 28, 2026, Michigan Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) put employment readiness at the center of the experience. Working alongside partners from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL‑VETS), VES delivered a unified approach that connected employment goals, benefits and workplace rights in one seamless conversation.

For many attendees, this meant moving directly from questions about translating military skills into civilian careers to actionable next steps such as resume modernization, employer introductions and guidance on training or credentialing that accelerates job placement.

And when employment questions led to broader needs — such as housing, education or family support — MVAA was able to provide trusted resource navigation and rapid referrals. When veterans had concerns about balancing service with civilian employment or returning to work after duty, DOL‑VETS clarified rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, reinforcing that the path into civilian employment should be both accessible and protected.

This partnership model is centered on service members by providing a single point of interaction that leaves veterans with prioritized action steps — who to contact, which documents to gather, and how to follow up. 

In late March 2026, Jawana, a 22-year retired U.S. Army veteran was referred to Veterans’ Employment Services by her Department of Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation counselor after completing their Bachelor of Arts, Business and Management degree from American Military University. Jawana had a background in human resources while serving in the Army and was looking to find long-term employment within the same industry that would not aggravate her service-connected disabilities.

It was evident from the beginning that Jawana was incredibly qualified but just lacked self-confidence. She was also still trying to figure out her role in the civilian workforce – something her Veterans’ Career Advisor was very familiar with.

Very quickly, Jawana and her Veterans’ Career Advisor created a resume and posted it on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org). Jawana then started applying to jobs with local banks in Washtenaw County. After securing an interview, Jawana worked with her Veterans’ Career Advisor to prepare by conducting a mock interview.

After a couple of interviews without getting a job, Jawana once again went to her Veterans’ Career Advisor for support. Jawana was interested in working with Fifth-Third Bank in Ann Arbor so her Veteran’s Career Advisor reached out to the local Michigan Works! Business Service Representative to see whether they had contact for the local branch’s hiring manager.

Thanks to that personalized approached, the team was able to get Jawana’s resume in front of the hiring manager and Jawana was offered the job! She now loves her job and is on track to become the branch’s hiring manager within six months!

At Comfort Keepers, honoring veterans means recognizing the service, sacrifice and unique experiences they bring to our communities. Veterans make up approximately 5% of the Comfort Keepers team, bringing qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork and a continued commitment to serving others. For veteran caregivers, supporting fellow veterans can be especially meaningful, creating connections built on shared experiences, trust and mutual respect.

That commitment extends to Comfort Keepers’ veteran clients, who receive personalized care designed around their individual needs, preferences and goals. The goal is to help veterans remain safely and comfortably at home while maintaining their independence and dignity.

“Building trust and showing respect are fundamental cornerstones of what we do,” shared Tammy Carson, Comfort Keepers Human Resources Manager.

Comfort Keepers recently recertified as a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Veteran-Friendly Employer, reaffirming its commitment to recruiting, hiring and supporting veterans in the workplace. The organization has also actively partnered with Michigan Works! and Veterans’ Employment Services to help connect veterans with employment opportunities and fill open positions throughout Northwest Michigan. These partnerships reflect Comfort Keepers’ belief that hiring veterans is not only a way to support those who have served, but also an opportunity to bring their valuable skills and dedication into the caregiving profession.

Through veteran-focused employment practices, personalized care for veteran clients and community events such as its annual Veterans’ Day luncheons, Comfort Keepers continues to honor veterans—not just on Veterans’ Day, but throughout the year. 

Learn more about Comfort Keepers at ComfortKeepers.com.

Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.