Statewide Roadshow Urges Hiring Veterans, Military Spouses

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein joined state military-affairs officials in Wilmington for the final stop of a statewide roadshow encouraging employers to recruit and retain veterans and military spouses. Officials said military-connected workers bring leadership, adaptability, professionalism and experience working under pressure, while noting that veterans can struggle to translate military roles into terms civilian employers recognize. The initiative aims to connect employers and workforce partners with the state’s large military community; one report put veteran unemployment at 4% and military-spouse unemployment at roughly 20% to 24%. Veterans and local advocates also stressed the importance of support during the transition to civilian work and of helping former service members avoid isolation.