
Los Banos, CA (July 24, 2025) — Each year on July 25, National Hire a Veteran Day reminds us of the incredible value veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Created by Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale and the Hire Our Heroes organization, the day is meant to encourage businesses to recognize veterans’ proven leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. It also raises awareness of the challenges veterans face as they transition from military to civilian careers, such as translating their military experience into job qualifications that employers understand.
In Los Banos, approximately 3.4% of residents—around 1,100 people—are veterans. These men and women represent a strong, skilled workforce that is often underutilized. Hiring veterans not only provides meaningful employment opportunities for those who have served but also benefits employers by adding individuals who are disciplined, team-oriented, and able to excel under pressure.
There are resources available for veterans seeking jobs and support services. One example is the Los Banos Veterans Stand Down, scheduled for August 21, 2025, at Veteran Memorial Hall. Although the Stand Down is not specifically connected to hiring initiatives or “National Hire a Veteran Day,” it will bring together organizations like Merced County WorkNet, which offers job readiness programs and employment resources for veterans.
The combination of national awareness days like Hire a Veteran Day and local support events underscores the importance of making sure veterans have the tools they need to succeed in the civilian workforce. For Los Banos employers, this is a call to action: consider how your business can open doors for veterans, whether through direct hiring, job training partnerships, or mentorship programs.