Article originally published on MFed Inform.

Veterans, as a talent pool, are often overlooked as they transition to civilian employment. Employers may not understand how to translate their experience and skillsets into nonmilitary roles or how to offer support to our veterans as they experience that evolution in their careers.

Magellan Federal has a long legacy of empowering military personnel, their families, and veterans to live healthier, more productive lives. To deliver our important mission, we are privileged to hire talented veterans across multiple disciplines in a variety of roles as part of our team. Tapping into this unique pool of talent has been extremely successful in delivering professional services to the federal government. Our many years of experience attracting and retaining military talent allows us to offer expertise to other organizations looking to hire this mission-critical population.

First, promote a military-friendly culture

To establish your organization as being a good fit for veterans, you will need to first promote a culture of support. This will help veterans understand how they will be supported as an employee at your organization.

Magellan Federal’s support includes on-the-job training programs and managerial training programs for veterans; public workshops; live and on-demand trainings; a dedicated military/veteran group within our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program; and military paid leave programs.

Magellan Federal is honored that veterans made up 20% of all new hires in 2021, and that we have been designated a Military Friendly, Top 10 employer for 2022. Tracking and promoting your veteran demographics within your workforce will also help veteran candidates feel more at ease that there is a community within your organization.

Now, hire!

Helpful military veteran recruitment techniques:

• Partner with organizations dedicated to veteran employment, such as Vetjobs, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), Veterans ASCEND, MilitaryHire.com, and Hiring Our Heroes to find veterans that will complement and enrich your workforce.
• Have your talent acquisition team participate in trainings and certification on how to uniquely identify talent within the veteran community.
• Participate in recruiting efforts within the military population, including virtual and in person hiring events.
• Consider participating in a Fellowship Program, such as with Hiring Our Heroes. The HOH Fellows Programs are workforce development programs that place highly skilled and educated transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers with employers committed to hiring them.
• Celebrate the successes of the veterans that you hire within your organization to attract additional talent. As our veteran on the talent acquisition team attests, “I’ve worked at Magellan Federal more than five years and can tell you I’ve absolutely found my new “tribe.” I feel that I’m part of something bigger than myself and that I’m surrounded by dedicated professionals that wake up every day and strive to improve the lives of warriors and their families. In my humble opinion, there is no finer place of employment for veterans, military spouses, or anyone that’s passionate about supporting our nation’s warriors and their families.”
• Commend your dedication to hiring veterans and look to obtain designations that increase visibility as an employer for this special population such as a Military Friendly Employer. Magellan Federal is proud to have this designation and intend to maintain our status and continue to support the military community.

A Call to Action

Commit your organization to supporting a community that has spent years supporting the safety and wellbeing of our nation. Recognize their dedication and sacrifice for our freedom. Challenge yourself to look at their talents, skills, and experiences and how they can enhance your own employee population as a diverse and unique population. How can you help them transition to a civilian workforce? Offer to help them grow their networks—review a resume or introduce them to colleagues. These small steps are the foundations of a successful career.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a challenge for you and your family. Your family may find it hard to accept some of the changes PTSD can bring to your life. By talking and supporting one another, you and your family will be better prepared for these changes.

Family support

Your family is an important part of your recovery. They can be there to listen and to help you through rough times.

It’s also important that you help your family understand PTSD. They may not always know how to respond when they see you hurting. They may feel scared, sad, guilty, or even angry about your condition.

Talking about PTSD can help you and your family cope. Talk about your symptoms and what triggers them. Discuss different treatments and how they can help you recover. When you open up, your family can better understand what you’re going through.

Family therapy can help. This is a type of counseling that involves your whole family. A therapist can teach you how to work through problems and communicate better.

Talking with your kids about PTSD

Teaching your kids about PTSD is important. They may not understand why you’re feeling bad or why you get angry sometimes. This can be scary for kids at any age. They also may blame themselves for things that aren’t their fault. Make sure your kids understand that they aren’t to blame for your PTSD. When talking with your kids about PTSD:

• Be honest and listen to what they have to say.
• Tell them it’s okay to ask questions. Ask them how they’re feeling, and let them know that their concerns are important.
• Make sure they feel safe, secure, and loved. They may be afraid that something bad is going to happen.
• Provide information about PTSD. Let them know what it is, how you got it, and how you can recover.
• Encourage a good support system of friends outside your family. Get them involved in school activities or youth programs in the community.
• Don’t promise that your PTSD is going to go away soon. Instead, talk about how treatment can help you feel better. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers.
• Be as positive as you can. Your kids will notice how you react in difficult situations, which can influence their reactions.

Triggers Things that suddenly remind you of your traumatic event are called triggers. Triggers can bring up stressful feelings or cause you to have flashbacks, which means you feel like you’re reliving the event all over again.

Trying to avoid triggers is a common reaction. It’s normal to stay away from things that cause you stress. Because of this, you may feel like you can’t do the things you used to enjoy. This may be hard on you and your family.

Talk with your family about your triggers. They need to know what causes you stress. By being aware of your triggers, your family can help you find ways to cope with them.

Some common triggers include:

• Places, social events, or even smells and sounds. For example, smoke may trigger memories in someone who was hurt in a fire. Or a car that backfires may remind a veteran of gunfire.
• Being around others who were involved in your traumatic event. This may happen when veterans have a reunion.
• The anniversary of your traumatic event. Try to plan enjoyable activities on and around the anniversary date. It may help to be with friends or family.

Coping with holidays

Big holidays like Christmas and New Years can be stressful. The holidays can be a painful reminder of past times when life seemed better. Big groups of family and friends are often part of the holidays.

This may be stressful because:

• Groups tire you out or make you feel overwhelmed.
• You feel pressure to join family activities when you’re not up for it.
• You feel like you have to act happy when you’re not.

Your loved ones also might ask you questions about your life or about PTSD. You may not feel comfortable answering these questions. Keep in mind that your family may feel some of the same pressures.

You can cope with holiday stress by:

• Setting limits. Don’t join activities for longer than you can handle. You can choose when you want to be a part of the group.
• Taking breaks. Go for walks, or set aside a place where you can be alone for a while. This can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Getting plenty of rest. Take naps if you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep at night.
• Talking with your family about how you feel. Your family can help you. Be honest with them about your stress.
• Not drinking too much. Alcohol may make your symptoms worse or cause you to have problems with your family.

For family members If you are the spouse or family member of someone with PTSD, here are some tips for helping your loved one during the holidays:

• Accept the mixed feelings your loved one may have about the holiday.
• Respect and support your loved one’s choices about being involved in the celebration.
• Plan ahead of time how you will cope with stress. This may mean talking about how your loved one will answer questions about PTSD, or deciding how long you will stay at a party.
• Remember to take care of yourself. Do things for yourself to relieve stress.
• Keep your expectations realistic.

There is often confusion about Memorial Day relative to Veterans Day, which was first observed in 1926, to recognize and appreciate all veterans who have served our country- particularly those who are still with us. Memorial Day, which began in 1868, is focused on honoring those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice preserving our country and the freedom for which it stands.

The first large observance for Memorial Day was held in 1866 at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremony. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

More than one million American servicemembers have died in wars since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775. All Americans are direct beneficiaries of these sacrifices. Some specific actions you might take on this special day might include:

• Visiting memorials
• Visiting one of the 135 veterans’ cemeteries across the nation that protect the remains of our country’s fallen
• Flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon
• Volunteer or donate to non-profits serving survivors
• Reading to children about the meaning of the holiday. Some books that are appropriate for children four to eight include:
  • Memorial Day by Mir Tamim Ansary
  • Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding
  • The Wall by Eve Bunting

While this weekend is often considered the unofficial kickoff to summer, it’s important not to forget its true meaning and sentiment. We must never forget what these heroes have done and what their loved ones have lost.

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Magellan Federal has a long legacy of service to military survivors which dates back 1879. We are honored to be a leader in supporting military survivors, providing surviving military families with information and compassionate case management that helps them navigate a very complex set of issues and benefits.