WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 33

seeking to hire veterans. Under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), companies can receive tax breaks ranging from 25-40 percent for eligible veteran hires. In addition to the financial advantages, companies can also benefit from the unique skills that veterans bring to the table. Regardless of the job they held in the military or what branch they served in, most veterans have a common set of characteristics. They tend to be detail-oriented, mission-focused, deadline- driven, reliable and natural leaders. Showing up with these character traits already in hand - as well as at minimum a few years of performing under high-stress conditions - makes veteran hires an invaluable addition to any team. Some industries require a high level of technical knowledge and may be unattainable for the newly transitioned veteran. Still, many industries require less technical expertise and can be picked up rather quickly by enterprising veterans. One of those industries is journalism. Zack Baddorf, Navy veteran and executive director of Military Veterans in Journalism, a nonprofit focused on getting more veterans hired by newsrooms, has helped hundreds of veterans enter the field of journalism. Employing veterans is vital to company diversity initiatives, as veterans bring unique perspectives and skills to their post-military careers, Baddorf said. Their flexibility, work ethic and ability to perform under stress make veterans an asset to any team. The average veteran has also likely spent time in a foreign country and worked with many different cultures, making them more likely to be proficient at navigating different cultures and personalities in the civilian workplace. [Veterans] have a nuanced understanding of different cultures that allows them to work with people from all walks of life, Baddorf said. They can also quickly adapt to changes in their industries. The obvious way that veterans benefit from hiring is getting a job and a chance at finding their new purpose and mission. But the less apparent reason has to do with mental health. Roughly 11-20 percent of veterans who served in the Global War on Terror struggle with Post- Traumatic Stress (PTS). Many of these veterans exit service and have difficulty processing their traumatic experiences, which has a trickledown effect and can hinder their chances of finding a job. Some even hide their combat experience in an attempt to not worry a potential employer due to the stigmas surrounding veterans and PTS. The inability to find work for an extended period can sometimes result in veterans becoming self-destructive by consuming alcohol in excess or taking drugs to cope, quickly contributing to a spiral out of control. Hiring veterans shouldn't be viewed as charity, and not every veteran will be the perfect hire. But an overwhelming number of veterans will possess the core character traits that make up a good employee, and that will almost guarantee that they will be a contributor to any team they're added to. Veterans, like people who have never served, can't be put into a box. When hiring veterans, their service should be viewed as positive and hiring managers should have candid conversations about the veteran's service and how those experiences will help them in their new job. For employers looking to hire veterans, connecting with a local or national Veteran Service Organization (VSO) is a great place to start learning more and connecting with veterans seeking work. veteran has likely been out for a few years or more and is either transitioning to another career field or is looking for a better job in their current field. These veterans can generally be viewed as more stable hires who possess higher technical expertise and leadership experience. These fully transitioned veterans can also serve as a huge asset to your recruiting and onboarding process of new veteran hires by acting as a familiar face for veterans contemplating whether your company is right for them or not. There is also a wide range of benefits for companies