This Veterans Month, it’s time to move beyond “thank you for your service.” Veterans deserve more than platitudes. They deserve careers that enable them to thrive in civilian life, not just endure. They deserve communities that understand their value. They deserve support systems that honor their service and empower them to build fulfilling civilian lives after they hang up their uniform for the last time.

Every year, over 200,000 service members leave the military and face this complicated moment of transition. For too many, it’s overwhelming, not because they lack skills, but because the systems meant to support them are fragmented and difficult to navigate.

The Real Cost of a Fragmented System

The federal government invests $13 billion annually in veteran employment programs, yet the system remains difficult to access, according to RAND Corporation research. 17 million veterans are ready to work, but too often lack clear pathways to career success.

IVMF’s April 2025 research brief, “Reimagining Military-to-Civilian Transition“, revealed troubling data: 62% of veterans remain under-employed 6.5 years past separation. More concerning, of 46 federal programs across 12 agencies, 27 have yet to release any program performance data.

As IVMF Deputy Executive Director Ray Toenniessen testified to Congress, “This vital mission demands a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.” Simply put, government agencies must coordinate better internally, while also partnering with nonprofits, private companies, and educational institutions rather than operating in silos.

IVMF published “Reimagining Military-to-Civilian Transition” in April 2025, a research brief addressing barriers and building solutions. There, IVMF found 53% of veterans described transition as difficult, climbing to 66% for recent separations. As many have said, “People are having conversations about us, but without us.”

Acknowledging Real Disparities

Veterans bring crisis management, strategic thinking, and proven leadership. Yet employment data shows troubling gaps: young veterans (18-24) face volatile unemployment, sometimes spiking to 26.9%. Female veterans consistently experience higher unemployment, and Black and Hispanic veterans navigate additional barriers. Not every transition experience is the same. Military spouses also face unique challenges often overlooked in policy.

IVMF’s April 2025 research emphasized transition isn’t a single event but a lifelong process. Many need support beyond initial separation, yet assistance concentrates almost exclusively around that moment. While experiences vary wildly, with veterans pursuing everything from education to entrepreneurship, many programs still offer one-size-fits-all approaches.

Building Real Solutions

At IVMF, we’ve spent over a decade not just thanking veterans, but listening to them and their families about what they’re going through. As a result, our programs are giving some of our nation’s most deserving a clear course to chart and chase their goals in civilian life. This is perhaps most evident in programs like IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O).

Since 2011, O2O has impacted 100,000+ transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity, project management, and now AI through a $3.5 million Google grant.

Independent evaluation confirms results: O2O participants earn $7,000 more in starting salaries, are twice as likely to advance within six months, and junior enlisted (E-6 and below) see $13,000 salary increases.

Purpose Beyond Paychecks

Transition isn’t just about finding work; it’s about rediscovering purpose and building careers with meaning. IVMF’s April research revealed that preparation and community connection are critical to veteran well-being.

Veterans demonstrate their continued commitment to service through action: according to the 2025 Veteran Civic Health Index, they volunteer 35% more hours annually than non-veterans, equivalent to 220,000 full-time workers. This shows what many veterans already know: finding mission-driven purpose in civilian life dramatically improves satisfaction and success.

IVMF gives veterans access to a community of fellow veterans and military families nationwide, ensuring they never feel like the struggles of transitioning to civilian life are only happening to them. Further, through programs like Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement, we help channel leadership skills into community impact. Veterans continue serving in new ways, from local nonprofits to elected office, proving that the desire to serve doesn’t end with military separation.

Going Beyond Thank You For Your Service

This Veterans Day, gratitude isn’t enough. Here’s how to make real impact:

Employers: Recognize military experience as leadership training that exceeds traditional credentials, and partner with organizations like IVMF to access this talent pool.

Communities: Create environments where veteran families can thrive, and remember, entire families serve and transition together.

Veterans: Connect with the IVMF community. Access O2O training, entrepreneurship programs, or civic initiatives to build the career you deserve, or help fellow veterans discover purpose.

The Mission Continues

Transitioning to civilian life requires more than individual resilience, it demands coordinated support systems that recognize each veteran’s unique journey. At IVMF, we’ve built comprehensive support spanning career training, entrepreneurship, research, and advocacy. We ensure every veteran family has tools to thrive in their civilian life.

This Veterans Month, join us in moving beyond words to action. Honor service by empowering futures. Ready to make a difference? Visit our website to support veterans, hire military talent, or learn about our programs like Onward to Opportunity.