July 2025: 20th Anniversary

This year, Hire Heroes USA celebrates 20 years of service—and at its heart, that milestone is about people. It's about the veterans and military spouses who trusted us with their next steps. It’s about the dedicated team members who’ve shown up every day with compassion and purpose. And it’s about the community of partners and supporters who’ve believed in this mission from the very beginning.

This month, we’re rapidly approaching 110,000 lifetime confirmed hires—a testament to what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity.

Over a decade ago, I joined Hire Heroes USA, newly married to a recently transitioned service member and unaware of the true depth of need that exists within the military community—both during and after service. It was through my time here that I came to understand it fully. Seeing firsthand the challenges veterans and military spouses face has shaped the way I lead and strengthened my belief in the importance of this mission.

What makes Hire Heroes USA special isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. We listen. We build relationships. We lead with empathy and follow through with results. From our frontline staff to our leadership team, that commitment has carried us forward. And after 20 years, it’s what continues to set us apart.

Throughout my time here, we’ve expanded our services and embraced new ways to reach those seeking support, but the heart of our work has remained the same: the one-on-one relationships we build with each veteran and military spouse we serve. That personal connection is what drives outcomes—and it’s what makes this work so impactful.

Looking ahead, we know there’s more to do—and we welcome it. Because this mission doesn’t end with one resume or one interview. It continues as long as there are service members transitioning, military spouses balancing careers and relocations, and veterans seeking their next opportunity. We’re here for all of them. And I’m proud to be part of a team that shows up—not just for the work, but for the people we serve.

Cheryl Ewell, Chief of Staff

We’re excited to share that Hire Heroes USA has officially expanded its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the opening of a new office in Federal Way, Washington.

This was made possible through a generous three-year grant from the JTMF Foundation, which is committed to improving the well-being of veterans and their families across Washington and Oregon.

The new office will serve as a regional hub, allowing us to strengthen our community partnerships and connect even more veterans and military spouses to meaningful careers and brighter futures.

The opening ceremony was featured by KOMO News in Seattle. Check out the story here.

This month, we take a pause from our career advice to honor two decades of service and impact.

For 20 years, Hire Heroes USA has been a steadfast partner in the career journeys of veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Now, we’re sharing what fuels our ongoing mission to serve those who’ve served.

This video features the voices of our dedicated team—reflecting on the passion and purpose that have driven 20 years of meaningful impact. Together, we celebrate the lives transformed and the mission that moves us forward.

When you ask Dale Knollinger what drives him, his answer is simple: purpose and people. A veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, Dale served as an Airborne Infantryman from 2006 to 2011. During two combat deployments to Afghanistan, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and received multiple commendations for bravery and commitment.

Originally from Martins Ferry, Ohio, Dale's service didn’t end when he left active duty. He continued his journey through higher education, earning a degree in Justice Studies from Methodist University, and re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2013. He has balanced ongoing military service with civilian life, grounded in discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to community.

During a 2009–2010 deployment, he and many of his fellow soldiers suffered tremendous losses. In the aftermath, Dale responded with action—organizing reunions to reconnect and heal, and helping tell their story in The Devil’s Playground: The Story of Two Charlie and The Arghandab River Valley, a powerful account of his platoon’s experience.

Through every chapter, Dale leads with purpose. His steadfast commitment to veterans reflects what it truly means to serve beyond the uniform.

As we mark 20 years of empowering career success, we are proud to honor Dale Knollinger as our 2025 Client of the Year. His mission continues—and we’re honored to stand beside him, now and in the years ahead. With nearly 110,000 veterans and military spouses empowered to secure meaningful employment, we’re not just celebrating a milestone—we’re shaping what comes next. The next 20 years start here.

Since joining forces with Hire Heroes USA in 2023, ServiceMaster has raised nearly $500,000 to support veterans and military spouses transitioning into the civilian workforce. At this year’s We Serve: Veterans Golf Tournament at TPC San Antonio, the company broke its own fundraising record—raising more than $180,000 and mobilizing its national franchise network in a powerful display of collective impact.

From embedding veteran hiring tools into daily operations to inspiring franchise-wide fundraising efforts, ServiceMaster continues to live out its motto: We Serve. This deep-rooted commitment earned them the distinction of Hire Heroes USA’s 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year.

“Partnering with Hire Heroes USA has been a natural fit for ServiceMaster. It aligns with our mission to serve and gives us direct access to a talented pool of veterans ready to transition into meaningful careers. This collaboration has allowed us to truly impact the lives of those who’ve served our country while helping to meet our recruitment needs.” — John Tovar, Group President, ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster’s continued dedication is opening doors for veterans across the country—creating meaningful careers and driving lasting change. As the year wraps up, we’re excited to see which franchise will be named the top fundraiser.

For more information on how to partner with us visit our website.

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Over Memorial Day weekend, Hire Heroes USA hit the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway for our “Race to Hire Heroes” event. This marked the third activation in our ongoing partnership with NASCAR driver Garrett Smithley, who proudly featured the Hire Heroes USA logo on his car during the race. This unique partnership uses the energy and visibility of racing to honor service members and promote veteran and military spouse employment. From the excitement of the race to the powerful conversations happening trackside, the event was a meaningful reminder of how community support can drive career success for those who served.

Stand with veterans and military spouses—every single month.

Your monthly support powers consistent, reliable services for veterans and military spouses nationwide. Just $19 a month helps ensure every client has access to one-on-one personalized career guidance—when and where they need it most. Be a part of the mission and give today.

Explore more ways Hire Heroes USA empowers clients on their path to civilian career success.