Walmart Says It Has Hired Thousands Of Oklahoma Vets Since 2013

With the Memorial Day holiday next Monday, Walmart said Wednesday since the beginning of its “Welcome Home Commitment,” it has hired 4,282 veterans across Oklahoma.

The retailer says the campaign began in May 2013 and they have hired 130,828 veterans across the nation.

“I had interviewed with several companies who said they were ‘military friendly,’ but no one would hire me claiming I was overqualified,” said Wayne Vaughan III, Army veteran and assistant manager at the Walmart Supercenter in Norman.

“Walmart understands a vet brings leadership skills, and the ability to adapt to new situations. I’m forever grateful.”

On Memorial Day 2013, Walmart introduced the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, which guaranteed a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who was within 12 months of active duty. The initial goal was to hire 100,000 veterans by the end of 2018.

In May of 2015, Walmart announced the expansion of that original projection, with the goal of hiring 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020. 

“Every company should be hiring veterans. I can’t imagine the pressure of those who have a family or others depending on them when they return from service,” said Katie Edwards, Navy veteran and pharmacy technician at the Walmart Supercenter in Tulsa.

“This just isn’t a burden our veterans should have to carry. I’m glad Walmart is willing to relieve that burden for those who have sacrificed so much.”