LIHUE — Walmart recently announced it will give hiring preference to military spouses.
The Military Spouse Career Connection, a new initiative by Walmart to recruit and hire military spouses, complements the 2013 Veterans Welcome Home commitment, enhanced in 2015, to hire 250,000 military veterans by 2020, a goal it is on track to surpass next year.
In Hawaii, Walmart has hired more than 518 veteranssince the launch of the Veterans Welcome Home commitment in May 2013.
Walmart announced it has hired more than 212,000 veterans nationwide since full implementation of the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, and with over 32,000 veteran associates promoted since joining the Walmart and Sam’s Club teams, they are turning opportunities into careers.
“We applaud Walmart’s commitment to supporting our veterans in the civilian workforce,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President &CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. “Our veterans bring key skill assets to the workforce that can greatly aid businesses in Hawaii and across the nation. In addition to bringing valuable technical skills, veterans hold a high level of leadership ability, respect, integrity, reliability and working as team members.”
Russell Coyamin, Sr. retired from the U.S. Army in 1996 and, at his wife Pamela’s suggestion, they moved back to Kauai. They’ve both worked at Lihue Walmart for the past 22 years. She is a full-time sales associate and he is a full-time stocker.
“I had a hard transition to civilian life after being in the military for 22 years,” said Coyamin, Sr. “When I retired, I was handling logistics for a Division, which included making sure approximately 10,000 soldiers had everything they needed missions. Working at Walmart is a bit like being in the military. We’re all family with strong leadership and associate teams. I’m also proud of Walmart for all they are doing to support the careers of service members and their families.”
Walmart honored veterans, their spouses and families across the country with dozens of in-store ceremonies and events, including activities at Hawaii stores. The Hilo store, for example, provided veterans with small gift packages. Nationally, Walmart associates and local stores shared Facebook “thank you” messages to veterans and their families.
