Military members and their families are as tough as they come, but change is never easy — especially one as big as transitioning from active duty orders to civilian responsibilities. If you’re looking for a place to call home where you’ll find heartfelt support and robust resources to help you personally and professionally, look no further than Temple.
Forging a Path to Fulfillment
November is when we annually observe Veterans Day, as well as National Veterans and Military Families Month, during which we celebrate those who have served and support them, transitioning military members, and their families with information and resources with their wellbeing in mind — everything from relationships to financial security and work-life balance.
Temple takes this to heart, being within reach of Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and with more than 2,500 military retirees living and working in our city. Organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission, the Central Texas Aging, Disability & Veterans Resource Center, and Central Texas Veterans Healthcare Services – Therapeutic and Supported Employment Services can connect families to vital support. A breakdown of more assistance resources can be found here.
Members of the community — veterans and civilians alike — also come together to participate in events such as Rucks On Main, a military-focused ruck march through downtown and historic neighborhoods in north Temple. The mission of the march is, in part, to advocate, mentor, and educate our communities on the reintegration process for our veterans and their families.
Empowering Career Transition
Elliot Germany, President and CEO of Panel Specialists, Inc. (PSI), is a highly-decorated Gulf War veteran and retired non-commissioned U.S. Army officer. He highlights Workforce Solutions of Central Texas as a great veterans’ assistance program. Many soldiers transition out of Fort Cavazos into the workforce, and Elliot has hired veterans in various roles at PSI, from management to the shop floor.
Other training and development opportunities are available through Temple College’s Workforce and Continuing Education Division and Trades Programs, as well as McLane’s Warriors to Wheels program. Click here to explore more internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Temple-area organizations are often rated Military Friendly® by VIQTORY for meeting standards that measure their commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.
This year, among the city’s major employers, Baylor Scott & White Health received a Gold ranking and McLane Group received Bronze. BNSF Railway received both Gold as a 2024 Military Friendly Employer as well as a Designated 2024 Military Friendly Company. Lastly, nearby Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX received a Silver rating as a 2024 Military Friendly School.
Hiring Soldiers is Business Savvy
Some employers that hire veterans might qualify for a Federal tax benefit. These employers hire veterans under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. Employers can receive up to a $9,600 tax credit by hiring a veteran. Tax credits are currently available for hires in different categories of veterans.
With an abundance of transitioning military veterans in the area who are ready and eager to work, Temple is fertile ground for employers to find unique talent. In addition to many holding advanced degrees and technical credentials, the benefits of hiring soldiers include characteristics and skill sets that can apply to any role in any industry:
- Innovative, out-of-the-box thinking
- Complex problem solving
- Loyal, driven, and competitive
- Real-world experience working both independently and as part of highly diverse teams
- High standards of professional conduct
Networks and resources such as Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and the VA Guide to Hiring Veterans support employers whose objectives are to attract, train, and retain veterans as part of a strong and diversified workforce.
Command Your Future
Temple’s supportive culture, strategic location, and veteran rich workforce are key assets to our community and can bring great benefits to any company. Whether you’re a military family looking for the perfect place to hang your hat, or a CEO focused on taking care of business — we’re here to help you live and work your best in Central Texas. Contact us today.
