Goodwill NCW is highlighting its ongoing efforts to support military veterans as the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on November 11. The organization points out that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 17 million Americans are veterans in 2024. Many face challenges transitioning from military service to civilian employment.
“We owe our veterans a huge debt,” said Kayla Countney, Manager of Mission Relations at Goodwill NCW. “We stand in awe of the courage and commitment of our armed forces and are honored to help so many veterans find employment when returning to civilian life.”
In the past year, Goodwill NCW has worked with veterans to develop skills for non-military jobs. The organization reports that these efforts have increased participants’ median hourly wage by $10.50 and helped remove common barriers to employment.
One veteran who benefited from these services is Richard Flirt, who was named Goodwill NCW’s Veteran of the Year. After leaving the military and struggling with PTSD, Richard had difficulty finding suitable work. Through Career EXCELerate—a program operated by Goodwill NCW in partnership with Rawhide and Fox Valley Technical College—he trained as a truck driver, earning his commercial driver’s license at no cost within ten days. He completed his training at the top of his class and soon found work with Legacy Trucking.
Richard credits Goodwill for helping him achieve financial stability: “I never had someone else invest in me, besides the military, as much as Goodwill,” he said. “I’m forever grateful.” His new job enabled him to purchase a truck and boat, renovate his home, and travel.
Goodwill NCW also offers a 10% discount every Wednesday at its stores for active-duty military members, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel.
The organization encourages community members this Veterans Day to recognize those who have served by supporting their transition into meaningful civilian employment.
