Tag Archive for: Veteran Employment

2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats

2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we break down the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session and what it means for Veterans and military families across the state. We discuss key outcomes including the successful passage of the Veterans Omnibus Bill with unanimous support, recognition for Southeast Asian Veterans of the Secret War in Laos, ongoing priorities such as the Homestead Market Value Exclusion for 100% disabled Veterans, and the strong bipartisan commitment to Veterans issues in Minnesota.

Featured Guests:

In the second half of the program, Justin Rost highlights how Veterans can leverage their skills, discipline, and drive into rewarding careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeships — offering competitive wages (often reaching six figures at journeyman level), excellent benefits, low-to-no cost training, and GI Bill housing allowances.

To find out more about the Helmets to Hardhats program – https://helmetstohardhats.org/ 

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Walser Automotive Group: Minnesota’s First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company

Walser Automotive Group Becomes Minnesota's First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company

On this week’s show, Walser Automotive Group has proudly earned the designation as Minnesota’s first automotive retailer to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) Company. Proclaimed in November 2025, this recognition honors employers who go beyond symbolic gestures to deliver real support for veterans, service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and their families through intentional policies, culture, and opportunities.

In this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with Sherry Schultz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, and Greg Davis, General Manager and Vice President of Walser Toyota in Bloomington. They discuss Walser’s journey to this milestone, driven by employee-led initiatives like the Veterans at Walser resource group (now nearly 200 members), leadership commitment, and practical programs that make a difference.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

  • Guaranteed interviews for any veteran applicant, with an open-door policy for support and de-escalation.
  • GI Bill-eligible accredited training programs in sales (about 30 days) and service advising (about 2 weeks + 2 days).
  • Deployment support, including differential pay, continued 401(k) vesting, and family outreach/check-ins.
  • Mentorship and onboarding to bridge military-to-civilian transitions, helping veterans translate skills and adapt to workplace norms.
  • A goal to hire 50+ veterans in the first year post-designation (already well on track).
  • Ongoing support for current Guard/Reserve employees, including deployment send-offs and reintegration.

Sherry Schultz, a military spouse herself, emphasized creating structure, empathy, and purpose for transitions, while Greg Davis shared insights as a parent of active-duty service members, noting the value of veterans’ discipline, efficiency, and purpose-driven mindset in Walser’s transparent, customer-focused environment.

For more details on Walser’s commitment, read their official announcement: Walser Earns Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Designation in Minnesota.

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Veteran Employment and Paralyzed Veterans of America

Veteran Employment and Paralyzed Veterans of America

This week, we’ll join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to explore Veteran employment and the upcoming career fair. We’ll also hear from the National Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include:

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