According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veteran unemployment in September 2026 was 3.6%, slightly higher than the previous month (3.5%) and noticeably higher than the prior year (2.7%). Even with this increase, veterans still have a lower unemployment rate than non‑veterans (4.0%).

Here’s what that means for veteran jobseekers:

• More competition among veterans. Even a small increase can make certain industries more competitive, especially those that typically hire large numbers of veterans (manufacturing, logistics, public service, security, transportation).
• Potential signs of shifting labor market conditions. The jump over the past year suggests demand for veteran labor may have cooled slightly and employers may be hiring more slowly, tightening budgets or being more selective.
• Veterans are still relatively advantaged. Even with the increase, veterans continue to have lower unemployment than non‑veterans.
• Stronger need for career services and support. When unemployment ticks upward, it becomes especially important for jobseekers to leverage resume help, interview coaching, training programs, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships offered through veteran-focused agencies.
• Early indicator of trends. If the upward trend continues over the next few months, jobseekers might see slower hiring cycles, more emphasis on upskilling and employers placing higher value on specialized certifications or credentials.

Safeguard Veterans is a free Michigan program connecting eligible veterans with proactive outreach, trusted resources and support designed to strengthen safety, well-being and connection.

The program is implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with partnership with VETLIFE. This is a free program to eligible veterans.

Learn more about the program and enroll here.

October is globally recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As technology advances, scammers are becoming more sophisticated with their attacks. Staying informed of evolving fraud tactics is important to protect yourself and your benefits. Fraudsters deploy cyber-attacks aimed at VA benefits, including phishing, identity theft, spoofing and payment redirection.

As VA focuses on keeping veterans and beneficiaries safe from online threats, take a moment to learn how to safeguard personal payment data from fraudsters by watching VA’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Jeanine Gilson’s warning video on direct deposit payment redirection fraud. You are your strongest defense to keeping your personal information secure. 

If a veteran is missing a VA benefit payment, notices a discrepancy in payments, or finds suspicious activity with their direct deposit account, contact the VA right away at 1-800-827-1000. 

Cody Goodburn, Grand Rapids VCA

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?

My military experience has helped me develop connections for resources

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

Veterans should expect a very relaxed and safe environment. I believe veterans should expect to open up a little bit to the VCA and should also expect a VCA that is ready and prepared to help.

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

The resource that I recommend highly is DOL VETS to look at possible training opportunities. For employment opportunities I recommend the NLX site.

LakePoint Veterans ministry is hosting a FREE event for veterans, active service members, widow/widower of a veteran and a guest on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Oxford, Michigan!

The evening will include a dinner, guest speaker and entertainment. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program will start at 5:15 p.m.

Registration is required. Save your spot today!

In May 2026, U.S. Air Force veteran Dixon began working with Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) after being laid off from his role as a Cybersecurity Threat Analyst with an international organization. While applying for UIA benefits, he was referred to Veterans' Career Advisor LaToya Williams in the Dearborn office.

From the beginning, Dixon was clear about his employment goals: securing a remote position with a salary above $100k. Together with LaToya, Dixon spent several weeks of collaborative job searching, explored opportunities for updating expired certifications, and discussed strategies to enhance his marketability. Throughout this process, Dixon continued to highlight his expertise, including maintaining an active SIEM certification.

Thanks to his persistence and dedication, Dixon successfully obtained a work‑from‑home position with Eversana in mid-August — achieving both his desired working arrangement and salary range, without the need for additional certifications.

Congratulations, Dixon! The entire VES team is proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success in your new role and all your future endeavors.

For 50 years, Grand Traverse Refrigeration, Inc. (GTR) has served businesses throughout Michigan with commercial refrigeration, HVAC and mechanical services. Since its founding in 1976, GTR has built its reputation on technical expertise, integrity, and a commitment to taking care of both customers and employees.

That commitment extends to the veteran community. GTR has a long history of hiring veterans and values the leadership, discipline, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving skills they bring to the workforce.

Helping lead those efforts is Erin Lentz, GTR's People & Corporate Services Manager and U.S. Air Force veteran. During her 10 years of active-duty service as an Air Transportation Specialist, Erin developed a deep appreciation for leadership, teamwork and service to others. After leaving the military, she used her GI Bill benefits to earn a degree in Human Resources and now applies those same values at GTR by helping employees build meaningful careers and fostering a workplace where people can succeed.

Today, nearly 15% of GTR's employees are veterans serving in a variety of skilled trades, technical and leadership positions throughout the organization. GTR recognizes their service by providing veteran employees with an additional eight hours of paid personal time off each year, along with other recognition opportunities that honor their military service.

"Veterans bring a strong work ethic, adaptability and a service mindset that align well with our culture," said Erin Lentz. "We want GTR to be a place where veterans can continue making an impact, build rewarding careers, and support their families and communities."

As GTR celebrates five decades in business, its commitment remains unchanged: investing in people, building lasting relationships and creating opportunities for those who have served.

Since the 1930s, the Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) has been dedicated to supporting veterans with accessible library resources, and that commitment continues today. Veterans still receive priority access to our materials and specialized equipment.

BTBL provides free audiobooks, braille books and accessible reading technology to anyone who has a visual, physical or reading disability that makes it difficult to read or hold standard print materials.

If reading print is challenging for you or a loved one—whether due to vision loss, mobility limitations, or a reading disability—you qualify for this service. Learn more at Michigan.gov/BTBL or email btbl@michigan.gov for assistance enrolling.

BTBL is here to help Michigan veterans stay connected, informed and empowered through accessible reading.

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.