The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
New episodes Daily - Monday thru Friday
Live recordings on Sundays & Thursdays @ 7 PM Central Time
(Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn)
About the Project
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is an independent oral-history initiative dedicated to preserving first-person accounts of U.S. military service, leadership, and veteran life. Through long-form conversations, the project captures unfiltered testimony from service members and veterans across ranks, roles, and generations.
Unlike traditional history podcasts that interpret past events, this project creates primary historical sources by recording lived experience in real time — before memory fades and before stories are lost. With more than 580 recorded episodes, the collection represents one of the most extensive independently produced oral-history archives focused on modern American military and veteran culture.
Episodes are publicly available and preserved to ensure long-term access by families, researchers, educators, and historians. All recordings from The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, including FireSide Chats, Veteran Stories, and Jarhead Jabber, are being archived with the Marine Corps History Division, ensuring permanent historical preservation.
This work serves not only as a record of individual service, but as documentation of evolving leadership philosophy, unit culture, transition experiences, and the broader social impact of military service in the 21st century. The project exists to ensure these voices are not summarized, edited out, or forgotten — but preserved as they were lived and spoken.
Nonprofit Status
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This designation confirms that the project operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all funding directly supports the recording, production, and long-term archiving of veteran oral histories.
Becoming a nonprofit strengthens the project’s sustainability, transparency, and ability to preserve veteran stories at scale.
Two Segments. One Mission.🔥 Segment One: FireSide Chat
The FireSide Chat is a relaxed, conversation-style segment focused on current veteran topics and community impact. These episodes often explore:
• Issues affecting veterans today
• Leadership, resilience, and mindset
• Life after military service
• The importance of community and accountability
A key component of the FireSide Chat is highlighting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. This segment provides exposure to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and initiatives making a difference within the veteran community and beyond.
🎖 Segment Two: Veteran Stories
Veteran Stories is a one-on-one interview format dedicated entirely to the individual. These episodes walk through the veteran’s life journey, including:
• Background and upbringing
• Decision to serve
• Military experiences and defining moments
• Challenges faced during and after service
• Lessons learned and advice for others
Each story is unique, personal, and preserved in the veteran’s own words.
The goal is simple: capture the story before it’s lost.
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
What We Do
• Record long-form oral history interviews with veterans
• Publish consistently to ensure continuity and reach
• Archive interviews for long-term historical access
• Preserve stories for families, researchers, educators, and future generations
Operational Discipline
• 5 episodes per week, year-round
• 3 Veteran Oral History Interviews
• 2 FireSide Chats (historical context & veteran engagement)
• 580+ episodes recorded to date
• 260 episodes produced annually
Annual Impact
• 156 veteran oral histories preserved each year
• Primary-source historical records created
• Formal archival preservation efforts
Financial Stewardship
Annual operating budget: $75,000
Cost per preserved veteran story: ~$480
Cost per episode overall: ~$288
Donor Impact
$500 preserves one veteran’s story
$1,500 preserves three veteran stories
$6,000 preserves one month of oral histories
$25,000 preserves 50+ veteran stories
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
New episodes Daily - Monday thru Friday
Live recordings on Sundays & Thursdays @ 7 PM Central Time
(Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn)
About the Project
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is an independent oral-history initiative dedicated to preserving first-person accounts of U.S. military service, leadership, and veteran life. Through long-form conversations, the project captures unfiltered testimony from service members and veterans across ranks, roles, and generations.
Unlike traditional history podcasts that interpret past events, this project creates primary historical sources by recording lived experience in real time — before memory fades and before stories are lost. With more than 580 recorded episodes, the collection represents one of the most extensive independently produced oral-history archives focused on modern American military and veteran culture.
Episodes are publicly available and preserved to ensure long-term access by families, researchers, educators, and historians. All recordings from The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, including FireSide Chats, Veteran Stories, and Jarhead Jabber, are being archived with the Marine Corps History Division, ensuring permanent historical preservation.
This work serves not only as a record of individual service, but as documentation of evolving leadership philosophy, unit culture, transition experiences, and the broader social impact of military service in the 21st century. The project exists to ensure these voices are not summarized, edited out, or forgotten — but preserved as they were lived and spoken.
Nonprofit Status
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This designation confirms that the project operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all funding directly supports the recording, production, and long-term archiving of veteran oral histories.
Becoming a nonprofit strengthens the project’s sustainability, transparency, and ability to preserve veteran stories at scale.
Two Segments. One Mission.🔥 Segment One: FireSide Chat
The FireSide Chat is a relaxed, conversation-style segment focused on current veteran topics and community impact. These episodes often explore:
• Issues affecting veterans today
• Leadership, resilience, and mindset
• Life after military service
• The importance of community and accountability
A key component of the FireSide Chat is highlighting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. This segment provides exposure to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and initiatives making a difference within the veteran community and beyond.
🎖 Segment Two: Veteran Stories
Veteran Stories is a one-on-one interview format dedicated entirely to the individual. These episodes walk through the veteran’s life journey, including:
• Background and upbringing
• Decision to serve
• Military experiences and defining moments
• Challenges faced during and after service
• Lessons learned and advice for others
Each story is unique, personal, and preserved in the veteran’s own words.
The goal is simple: capture the story before it’s lost.
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
What We Do
• Record long-form oral history interviews with veterans
• Publish consistently to ensure continuity and reach
• Archive interviews for long-term historical access
• Preserve stories for families, researchers, educators, and future generations
Operational Discipline
• 5 episodes per week, year-round
• 3 Veteran Oral History Interviews
• 2 FireSide Chats (historical context & veteran engagement)
• 580+ episodes recorded to date
• 260 episodes produced annually
Annual Impact
• 156 veteran oral histories preserved each year
• Primary-source historical records created
• Formal archival preservation efforts
Financial Stewardship
Annual operating budget: $75,000
Cost per preserved veteran story: ~$480
Cost per episode overall: ~$288
Donor Impact
$500 preserves one veteran’s story
$1,500 preserves three veteran stories
$6,000 preserves one month of oral histories
$25,000 preserves 50+ veteran stories
Episodes

Mar 5, 2026
Mar 5, 2026
16 min
Although Roger Alfred Holden initially signed up for the Air Force with the goal of becoming a medic, his journey quickly became more than just training for a profession — it became a chapter of service.
After learning the medical craft and developing his skills, he remained stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base for the next two years, building experience and serving those around him. He was later transferred to the Philippines, where he continued his duties and gained a broader view of military life overseas.
Overall, Roger built a solid career in the Air Force and genuinely enjoyed his time in uniform — serving faithfully and making the most of the opportunities along the way.
Mar 5, 2026
16 min

Mar 4, 2026
Mar 4, 2026
49 min
Growing up in a small country town in Oklahoma, Millard McCormack built a simple life rooted in hard work and community. After finishing school, he spent time traveling to California for work — never knowing that his path was about to change.
When the draft came during the Korean War, Millard answered the call.
Through boot camp, infantry training, and engineering instruction, he prepared for a reality few truly understand. Before long, he found himself in Korea — serving as an engineer on the front lines, witnessing the harsh realities of war firsthand.
After completing his service, Millard returned home to Oklahoma, carrying with him experiences that would shape the rest of his life. He went back to work, rebuilt his routine, and lived his life fully — but the story of what he saw and endured remained part of who he was.
Don’t miss this powerful and intriguing veteran story.
Mar 4, 2026
49 min

Mar 3, 2026
#610 Blake Ward Army Veteran; 3 Mar 2026
Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
1 hr 15 min
Army Veteran Blake Ward grew up in a small town with a big sense of purpose. Following in his brother’s footsteps, he chose to join the United States Army with every intention of making it a career.
From the beginning, he embraced the challenge. He loved the structure, the mission, and the brotherhood. He was all in.
But service doesn’t always unfold the way we plan.
Injuries along the way changed the trajectory of his career, forcing him to confront a different kind of battle — one that required resilience, adaptation, and redefining what service meant for his future.
Blake’s story is one of commitment, setback, and perseverance.
Mar 3, 2026
1 hr 15 min

Mar 2, 2026
#609 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew; 1 Mar 2026
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
1 hr 30 min
Join us for another powerful FireSide Chat with AJ, Mark, Mike, Jesse, and Vick as we break down the incredible USA Hockey teams, the Olympic spirit, and the unforgettable Medal of Honor presentations during the State of the Union Address.
It was a special moment for our nation — and especially for our military community.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there.
We’re also discussing the ongoing effort to have Major James Capers Jr.’s award upgraded to the Medal of Honor — recognition many believe is long overdue for this highly decorated and motivated Marine.
His case currently sits with the United States Senate. If approved there, it will move forward to the President for final action.
If you believe in honoring valor properly, now is the time to act.
Contact your U.S. Senators.Voice your support.Help ensure that courage and sacrifice are recognized at the highest level.
This is about doing right by a Marine who gave everything in service to this country.
Don’t miss this important discussion — and don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard.
Mar 2, 2026
1 hr 30 min

Feb 27, 2026
Feb 27, 2026
1 hr 54 min
Tune in for a powerful FireSide Chat with Army Veteran Dave Ramos as he shares how he’s using his voice to serve long after the uniform came off.
From launching his radio show to building meaningful connections across the veteran community, Dave is proving that service doesn’t end — it evolves.
We’ll dive into: • Why he started his show • The impact it’s having on veterans • The lessons he’s learned along the way • And what drives him to keep showing up for others
If you care about leadership, community, and veterans supporting veterans — this is one you don’t want to miss.
Feb 27, 2026
1 hr 54 min

Feb 26, 2026
#607 Robert Schleve Marine Vetean; 26 Feb 2026
Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
1 hr 13 min
Tune in as Robert Schleve shares his remarkable journey — from learning baseball in a small town to serving as a Marine Corps infantryman and mortarman in Vietnam. Robert reflects on his combat experiences, the challenges of returning home to Washington, and the path his life took after military service. He also offers insight into his life today as a resident of the newly built veterans home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. This is a powerful story of service, resilience, and perspective you won’t want to miss.
Feb 26, 2026
1 hr 13 min

Feb 25, 2026
Feb 25, 2026
1 hr 17 min
Tune in for a powerful Veteran Story featuring Cory Hunnicutt — TikToker, Marine veteran, and dark humor extraordinaire.
From growing up in South Carolina to setting his sights on the Marine Corps, Cory shares the story of knowing his path early in life — even when his father, an Air Force veteran, initially hoped for a different future. After earning his family’s blessing, Cory joined the Corps and went on to serve in multiple roles during his three-and-a-half years of service.
In this episode, Cory opens up about resilience, personal challenges, and the road that ultimately led him to creating content that resonates with veterans across the TikTok community.
This is an honest, relatable, and unforgettable conversation you won’t want to miss.
Feb 25, 2026
1 hr 17 min

Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
1 hr 31 min
Tune in for Jim Curtis’ Veteran Story.
From growing up in Washington State to earning the title of United States Marine, Jim shares a powerful and deeply personal journey. He reflects on boot camp, his path to becoming an infantryman, and his deployment to Vietnam.
Beyond his military service, Jim speaks about building a life after the Corps — meeting his bride, celebrating more than 50 years of marriage, and opening his own martial arts school.
This is a story of service, resilience, and lifelong commitment.
An episode you won’t want to miss.
goshindo.org
umibushi@yahoo.com
North American Goshindo Union
P.O. Box 1072, North Bend, Washington 98045
Feb 24, 2026
1 hr 31 min

Feb 23, 2026
#604 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew; 23 Feb 2026
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
1 hr 16 min
Tonight’s FireSide Chat hits different. AJ is down sick, but the Crew isn’t slowing down — they’re taking over. No script, no safety net, just raw conversation, big personalities, and absolute chaos. Same FireSide Chat, totally different energy. You do NOT want to miss this one.
Great job Vick and Jess. You both rocked it.
Feb 23, 2026
1 hr 16 min

Feb 20, 2026
Feb 20, 2026
1 hr 4 sec
🔥 FireSide Chat is back! 🔥
Join Marine Veteran Drew Cox and the crew for another fast-moving, no-holds-barred conversation packed with laughs, opinions, and real-world talk. No scripts. No filters. Just sharp humor, great chemistry, and the kind of discussions you wish you were sitting in on.
Expect everything from military stories and leadership insights to hot topics, unexpected detours, and classic crew banter. If you like authentic conversations with personality and energy, this is your episode.
Pull up a chair for today's FireSide Chat.
Feb 20, 2026
1 hr 4 sec
YOUR STORY WILL LIVE ON FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!!!
AJ Has been working with Marine Corps History Division to get all the veteran stories archived in Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. The Marine Corps History Division keeps records, photos, videos etc. on behalf of the Marine Corps. This means that when you record your story on this podcast, AJ will ensure that it is sent to Marine Corps History Division where your individual story of service and sacrifice will become a part of Marine Corps History.
Don't worry, If you are in a different branch of service AJ will be forwarding your story along to them as well.
AJ hopes this inspires more podcasters to work with historical organizations like the Marine Corps History Division to document and preserve our stories for generations to come. You are now a part of history and when family, generations from now, want to hear about your service they can contact Marine Corps History Division to get a copy of your individual story and hear from you personally about your military service.
EVERY VETERAN DESERVES THEIR STORY TO BE TOLD, RECORDED, AND ARCHIVED.
Don't miss the opportunity to get your individual story recorded and archived at one of the greatest historical organizations, The Marine Corps History Division.
SCHEDULE YOUR RECORDING!!!
https://calendly.com/thelostartwithandrewcox/the-lost-art-with-andrew-cox-podcast-recording

About Andrew Cox
Andrew Cox is a retired United States Marine, musician, and leadership communicator whose career bridges elite military service and civilian impact.
Andrew’s foundation began in music. Raised playing drums in church and school, his talent earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma State University. While studying music, he recognized that his path was not traditional education—but performance, leadership, and service.
That realization led Andrew to audition for the Marine Music Program, where he was selected as a drummer and began a global career performing at the highest levels of diplomacy, ceremony, and military tradition. Over nearly three decades, he served as both a musician and Drum Major, leading Marine bands across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His performances included ceremonies for U.S. presidents, members of Congress, heads of state, ambassadors, and senior military leaders worldwide.
Andrew’s service extended far beyond the stage. During a deployment to Iraq, his band was reassigned as a heavy weapons security platoon responsible for protecting the commanding general—demonstrating adaptability under pressure and mission-first leadership. Later, he stepped away from music entirely to serve as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Water Survival Training. In this role, Andrew was formally recognized for exceptional leadership and for saving a recruit’s life during a medical emergency.
Returning to music leadership, Andrew served as Drum Major with multiple Marine Division Bands, leading performances at historic and symbolic locations, including Belleau Wood, and ceremonial events in London for international leaders and Queen Elizabeth II. He concluded his Marine Corps career as the Senior Enlisted Leader at the School of Music, mentoring and developing future leaders for both the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.
Today, Andrew applies the lessons of military leadership—discipline, teamwork, accountability, and resilience—to civilian life. He is the creator and host of a veteran-focused podcast dedicated to preserving service stories and leadership lessons, the author of The Lost Art of Fishing Stories, and an advocate for bridging the gap between military experience and civilian understanding.
Above all, Andrew believes leadership is not about rank or title—it is about service, responsibility, and leaving people better than you found them. He lives this mission alongside his wife, Karleen, and their two daughters, Madison and Tayla.
VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS / NON-PROFITS THAT HELPS YOU THE VETERAN
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Organization |
Website |
Description |
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AHERO USA |
Healing via outdoor activities |
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Warriors Heart |
PTSD & addiction treatment with equine therapy |
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Wings of Valor Lodge |
Free pheasant hunts for disabled vets |
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Wings of Freedom |
Free pheasant hunts for veterans & first responders |
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Freedom Hunters |
Outdoor adventures for veterans & families |
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Invisible Wounds Project – Hunt 4 Healing |
Fundraising bird hunt for veterans/family mental health |
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The Legacy Hero Hunt |
Paid hunt days with camaraderie for veterans |
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Warriors Never Give Up |
Faith-based outdoor adventures for healing veterans |
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American Corporate Partners (ACP) |
Mentorship for veterans/spouses |
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Hire Heroes USA |
Free job search assistance |
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Farmer Veteran Coalition |
Agriculture careers support & grants |
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Heroic Hearts Project |
Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD |
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K9s for Warriors |
Service dogs for veterans with PTSD/TBI |
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Boot Campaign |
Wellness programs & support for veterans |
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The Mission Continues |
Veteran civic service projects |
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Swords to Plowshares |
Support for homeless veterans in SF Bay Area |
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Brothers In Arms Foundation |
Support for wounded veterans in Florida |

FOR DEPARTING ACTIVE DUTY
DO FIRST
Sign up for mentorship through America’s Corporate Partners (ACP)
https://www.acp-usa.org/mentoring-program/veteran-application
Sign up for a 1-year free LinkedIn Premium subscription for military veterans
https://www.linkedin.com/military
DO SECOND
Sign up for any or all of the following:
Veterati - MENTORS, INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS, & CAREER CONNECTIONS
You can never have too many mentors. Even if you sign up for ACP, still sign up and search for
people in the line of work you’d like to get into, set up informational interviews, or even find
connections for work. Less stressful than reaching out to people on LinkedIn since Veterati
uses an open scheduling tool; veterans, military spouses, and even some civilians whom
support the veteran community waiting to speak to you about your questions.
Act Now Education - FREE EDUCATION & CERTS
Provides guidance and tools in areas such as career planning, business development, job
opportunities, certifications, and apprenticeship. Orientations every Saturday at 1300 EST.
Onward2Opportunity (O2O) - FREE EDUCATION & CERTS
With a singular focus on advancing the post-service lives of military veterans and their families,
this program, via Syracuse University and JP Morgan Chase, offers free career training,
entrepreneurship resources, and community support services.
https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/learning-pathways/
Hiring our Heroes - FREE EDUCATION/CERTS, FELLOWSHIP/SKILLBRIDGE, & CAREER
CONNECTORS
HoH provides access to multiple opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, and
milspouses. Veterans and Milspouses can gain access to paid fellowship opportunities, which
functions like Skillbridge with different requirements.
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/cc-general-intake/
(Career Connector for hot jobs with partnered companies)
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/fellowships/
(Skillbridge/Fellowship Opportunities)
FourBlock - CAREER READINESS
12 week curriculum in partnership with Columbia University to support you in developing your
professional skills and building meaningful relationships with the right people who can open
pathways to the best career options for you. Partnered with top companies like PwC, Deloitte,
Verizon, USAA, Wells Fargo, and many more. While no paid fellowships are available, 84% of
cohort members successfully secure an internship or full-time position at the company or
industry of their choice and remain there for more than a year, with an average starting base
salary of $100,272 [based on FA21, SP22, SU22 follow-up data].
50Strong - EMPLOYER NETWORKING
Provides virtual networking events directly with recruiters from top-rated, military-friendly
employers specifically looking to hire military veterans and spouses. Unlike most virtual
employer events, these are on-camera events where you have the opportunity to directly speak
with, and connect with, recruiters to identify potential opportunities and fit.
Salesforce Trailhead Military - FREE SALESFORCE CERTS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Trailhead Military is a self-paced training program that focuses on credentials and certifications
for critical Salesforce roles like admin or developer. This program is available to all active duty
personnel, reserve, guard, veterans, and military spouses. Through this online community, we
connect members to free training, classes, and career opportunities within the Salesforce
ecosystem.
https://veterans.my.site.com/s/
HireHeroes USA - MULTIPLE SERVICES
HHUSA provides a platform with access to resume writing assistance, mock interviews, career
coaching, mentoring, a job board with vetted listings, and more.
https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
Vets2Industry - NETWORKING AND RESOURCES
Free resource library for active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children,
Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers. Monthly networking event to connect directly
with other veterans and military families, as well as recruiters from military-friendly employers
https://vets2industry.org/
Candorful - FREE INTERVIEW PREP
Candorful provides 3 free mock interviews with real people to help you get actual interview
practice. You can complete more than 3 interviews, they just kindly ask for a donation if you
value their services.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Hilton Honors Military Program - FREE HOTEL FOR INTERVIEWS
Partnered with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, and available in 31
states, Hilton offers 100,000 hotel points to transitioning service members, veterans, and other
eligible personnel to attend job interviews, job training, or pre-employment testing.
https://www.naswa.org/partnerships/hilton-honors
Recruit Military - RECRUITING COMPANY
Military-to-civilian recruiting company that connects military veterans, transitioning military
service members, and their spouses with employment opportunities.
Corporate Gray - CAREER CONNECTOR
Their Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide leads transitioning service member through each step
of the military-to-civilian career transition process, from self-assessment to resume writing to
networking to salary negotiation.
https://www.corporategray.com/welcome
Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes - EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID AND EMPLOYMENT
Nonprofit dedicated to providing aid and assistance to wounded veterans and families of
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
Skillsyncer - RESUME EDITING TOOL
Grades your resume against a job description to help improve your ATS matching
PLEASE REFER TO THE
FOLLOWING LINK FOR NEARLY 500 DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING
VETERAN RESOURCES:
https://vets2industry.org/resource-library/








