XMWare

2025-06-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Video games are one of America’s favorite pastimes with universal appeal across generations. According to the Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) annual Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry report, nearly two-thirds of Americans ages 5 to 90 regularly play video games. That’s over 205 million people playing on their phones, tablets, consoles and PCs! Read on to discover nine surprising findings about Americans’ video game habits.

1. The average player is in their 30s

Video games aren’t just for kids. The ESA report found that the average player is 36 years old and has, on average, been playing for 18 years.

Video games are also equally enjoyed among men and women — 52% of men and 47% of women play video games regularly across all generations of players. Perhaps more surprisingly, among older generations, women play more than men. According to the ESA report, 52% of boomer women play video games, compared to 46% of boomer men.

2. Older generations play video games to stay mentally fit

The top two reasons that everyone plays are to relax and to have fun. However, older generations like boomers and the Silent Generation said they play video games to keep their minds sharp and prefer puzzle games (73%) and skill and chance (55%) games.

3. Players of all ages can reap mental, social and emotional benefits from video games

Older players aren’t the only ones benefiting from video gameplay. In fact, most U.S. adults — including those who don’t play video games — agree that video games bring people joy (84%), provide mental stimulation and stress relief (81%), provide accessible experiences (79%), help improve cognitive skills (77%), bring people together (76%) and are educational (70%).

The ESA report also reveals that U.S. adults believe video games can teach problem-solving (78%), teamwork and collaboration (69%), adaptability and resilience (60%), and STEAM (57%) and communication (53%) skills.

4. Video games are a valuable way to build and maintain social connections

Video games don’t have to be played solo. Many people play video games as a way to build and maintain relationships.

According to the ESA report, 55% of players aged 8+ play video games with others weekly and 78% believe video games can introduce them to new friends. These aren’t just casual connections either: 63% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials said they met a good friend or significant other through video games.

5. Video games bring families together

Did you know that parents are more likely to play video games? According to the ESA report, 70% of parents play video games, compared to 60% of all adults. While some of these parents are playing video games on their own, 82% said they play video games with their kids.

By playing video games together, families can have fun and bond. When asked about the top reasons why they play video games with their kids, parents said because it’s fun for all of us (61%), a good opportunity to socialize with my child(ren) (55%) and a great way for the family to spend time together (55%).

6. Parents prefer video games to social media for their kids

Parents like being in control and video games offer a multitude of ways for them to manage their kids’ screen time. In fact, 70% of all parents say they prefer that their children spend time on video games rather than on social media.

According to a recent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) survey, 86% use at least one parental control setting on their kids’ devices to manage their gameplay.

7. Video games transcend entertainment categories

Many video games feature references to other real-world entertainment that players can enjoy outside of their sessions, especially younger generations. Surveyed Gen Z (39%) and millennials (30%) reported that they discovered new songs and new TV shows/movies (28% and 24%, respectively) because of a video game they played.

8. And they influence real-life sports performance

Can sports video games affect performance on the field? According to the ESA report, 56% of adult players who play real-life sports also play a video game version, with 87% of them believing it improves their real-life performance.

9. Video games are an accessible outlet for fun, entertainment and connection for players with disabilities

For the 21% of American adult players who report having a disability, video games offer them accessible opportunities for fun, entertainment and connection. More than half of players with disabilities think video games are very accessible (56%), and close to half (49%) rated the overall accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important.

Of those who rated accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important, they rated adjustable text size (50%), adjustable difficulty levels (39%), camera comfort (35%) and subtitles (35%) to be the most important features in games.

Are you interested in learning more about America’s connection to video games? Visit TheESA.com/Facts to access the full report and discover more facts.

2025-06-03T07:29:00

(BPT) – Summer is the perfect time for high school students to start exploring college-level learning and make progress on general education requirements. Now there’s an easier and more affordable way to get started, without the usual barriers of cost or scheduling.

To make it easier for more students to explore and access the opportunity to get a head start on a college education, Sophia learning is offering incoming high school juniors and seniors free access to college-level courses this summer.

Eligible high school students will have access to six of Sophia’s top courses, including biology, nutrition, information technology and college readiness, from their catalog of more than 70 courses.

Here are four good reasons high school students should get a head start on college this summer:

1. Save money.

Students can save money on tuition by completing some of their general education requirements before enrolling in a program. Sophia’s on demand, online courses are built for college credit. They have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are designed to be transferred. Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit and Sophia courses can also be submitted to non-partner institutions for credit consideration. Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia and to date, $1B in tuition has been saved by students taking courses through Sophia Learning.

2. Explore areas of study.

Far too many high school students go straight to college without a sense of what truly interests them or an understanding of potential career opportunities. This can lead them to take unnecessary courses or switch majors, extending the amount of time required for a degree. By exploring different areas of study during high school, students can enter college with more knowledge about their strengths and interests before the costly commitment that may come with college enrollment.

3. Build confidence.

College can be exciting, but some students and parents can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about whether it is the right path for them. By trying out some general education courses in a pressure-free setting at their own pace, they can begin to build confidence and get a better sense of what they can expect in higher education.

4. Prevent summer slump.

Many education experts are concerned about the learning loss that can happen over the summer when students step away from academics for an extended period. Sophia is fully online and self-paced with no assignment deadlines, so courses can be taken throughout the summer from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows busy students who work or have other responsibilities during the summer to fit the courses into their full schedules.

Exploring different pathways from high school to college should start well before high school graduation. Whether students want to get ahead, explore if college is the right path, or simply try something new, Sophia provides flexible opportunities to support their goals.

Sophia’s summer program for high school juniors and seniors offers a pressure-free starting point for their college journey, providing a safe space for them to explore their educational interests and decide what next steps are right for them.

Sophia Learning’s cost savings estimates are based on the average annual tuition at public four-year, in-state institutions as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report. They base the calculation on Sophia’s subscription price of $99 per month. The cost savings that an actual Sophia learner might experience will differ depending on the number of Sophia courses they take, the time it takes to complete those courses, and the price per course at the college the learner enrolls in.

Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up between June 2 and July 31, 2025. Enroll today!

2025-06-02T08:31:02

(BPT) – As wildfire events increase in frequency and severity across the United States, the Everything Lifesaving Foundation (EL) and portable power leader Jackery are partnering to enhance community resilience and emergency response capabilities. The organizations’ recent collaboration during Los Angeles County wildfires demonstrated the critical importance of reliable power solutions during disasters.

“When disasters strike, the first 72 hours are crucial for saving lives and protecting property,” said Paul Herrera, Director of Everything Lifesaving Foundation. “Having dependable power sources becomes essential when infrastructure fails, which is why our partnership with Jackery has been transformative for disaster response.”

Rising wildfire threats nationwide

Wildfires are no longer just a concern for Western states. According to recent data, nearly half of all U.S. wildfires in 2023 occurred in the Southeast, driven by factors like hurricane debris and development in fire-prone areas. The U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2024 — nearly triple the long-term annual average.

At-risk populations include:

• Residents in the wildland-urban interface, where development meets natural areas
• Communities in drought-affected regions, which have expanded beyond traditional fire zones
• Elderly and medically vulnerable individuals dependent on powered medical equipment
• Rural communities with limited evacuation routes and emergency resources

Power solutions in action: The LA wildfire response

During the recent Los Angeles County wildfires, EL deployed Jackery portable power stations and solar generators throughout affected areas. This allowed for continuous operation of essential medical devices for vulnerable residents, charging stations for communication devices at emergency shelters, power for critical equipment at first responder command posts, and reliable electricity for the refrigeration of medications and food.

“We’ve seen firsthand how portable power solutions make a life-saving difference,” said Herrera. “In one instance, we powered a resident’s nebulizer and refrigeration for 72 hours until utility services could be restored. In another case, solar generators kept oxygen concentrators operational during extended power outages, preventing medical emergencies.”

Essential wildfire preparedness for homeowners

Whether it’s preparing for wildfire season, hurricane season or summer blackouts, EL and Jackery recommend homeowners take these crucial steps:

1. Create defensible space: Clear flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from structures.

2. Develop a power resilience plan: Invest in solar generators that can:

• Keep phones charged for emergency communications
• Power medical devices during evacuations
• Preserve refrigerated medications
• Provide lighting and device charging during extended power outages

3. Prepare evacuation kits: Include essential documents, medications, first aid supplies, and portable power sources.

4. Establish communication protocols: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other during emergencies.

“Disasters don’t wait for convenient times to strike,” said Herrera. “Our work with Jackery has shown that having reliable, portable power can make the difference between a manageable emergency and a life-threatening crisis.”

For more information about wildfire preparedness or to contribute to Everything Lifesaving Foundation’s efforts, visit www.everythinglifesavingfoundation.org.

2025-06-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – What’s the perfect Father’s Day gift for a dad who loves to fish?

If your dad loves to fish, consider yourself lucky. With so many new baits, storage solutions, fishing lines, and apparel to choose from, Rapala makes it easy to find the perfect gift to make your dad’s next day on the water even better. Bonus points if you can be there with him.

Lucky for you, the pros at Rapala have all year long to think about what fishing gear dads want the most. Here are a few things we’ll be gifting our own dads on June 15th.

The hottest soft plastics on the planet – CrushCity soft plastics have taken the fishing world by storm, winning tourneys and putting giants in boats worldwide. Whether he’s a bass man, walleye guy, or inshore angler, a bag or two of CrushCity Mooch Minnows or Freeloaders is how to crush Father’s Day. Pro tip: buy some for yourself, too, so Dad doesn’t have all the fun.

Give Dad his favorite lure in a brand-new color – Sure, maybe Dad already has a Rapala Jigging Rap in every color imaginable, but there’s a good chance he doesn’t have it in Pure Chrome or Juicy Lucy. That’s because these brand-new colors just dropped this year. You can bet you’ll put a smile on Dad’s face when you get him one of his favorite lures in a fun new color. Dads love shiny things, too!

Help him get organized with a new tacklebox – Is your dad’s tacklebox old, overflowing or just plain dirty? Dads can always use more space to store their fishing gear. The RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray is perfect for the dad who needs a little help keeping his gear straight. Each tray is stackable, so Dad can keep expanding his bait collection without having to reorganize the whole thing.

Challenge Dad to a ‘Big Fish’ competition – Sure, dads love new toys as much as the rest of us, but the best gift of all is quality time with their kiddos. So, turn your gift into a fun activity by getting him a digital scale, plus a few CrushCity baits, and challenge him to a competition: who can catch the heaviest fish! Whoever wins gets bragging rights until next Father’s Day.

Dads love merch – Take a classic Father’s Day gift — a new hat — and personalize it by sourcing it from Dad’s favorite brand. The red-white-and-blue Rapala trucker cap will make Dad feel cool all summer. Plus, the top of his head won’t get sunburned! You’re welcome, Dad.

If your dad isn’t a hat guy, don’t fret. This Rapala Fleece Pullover will keep him toasty on those brisk summer mornings out on the water, and he’ll think of you every time he puts it on.

When in doubt, restock Dad’s fishing line – If your dad loves to fish, you can bet he runs through line faster than you can say “Happy Father’s Day!” Help him restock with the new Sufix Revolve Ultra-Thin Finesse Braid. When he opens his gift, tell him it’ll give him less line drag and more action. He’ll be impressed.

Get him a cool new backpack – Is your dad always carrying things around in random bags? Gift him the Venture 13 Backpack by Rapala to keep him organized and hands-free when you two go out on the water together.

2025-06-02T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a pet parent, you probably worry about your pet’s health. You may also know cats and dogs can develop oral health issues that are difficult to treat, leading to expenses and additional health concerns you’d rather avoid — for their sake and yours. That’s why it’s important to be proactive when it comes to your pet’s oral health.

Poor dental hygiene in your dog or cat can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease and even serious health issues that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. Regular oral care keeps your pet healthier, from their snout to their tail.

In honor of Oral Health Month, there’s no better time to start a new dental care routine for your four-legged family members.

Safeguarding your pet’s dental health

Bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red gums, difficulty chewing, excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth are signs of dental problems in your dog or cat. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian right away.

Vets recommend brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, and scheduling regular vet checkups and dental cleanings as needed.

Most pets aren’t crazy about having their teeth brushed, so there are many oral health products that also help improve dental health in cats and dogs that you can use along with brushing.

Find the right oral health supplement for your pet

Besides cats and dogs having very different needs and challenges when it comes to oral health products, their age, breed and size also make a difference. Pets are individuals too, with their own preferences and behaviors — not to mention allergies, food sensitivities or picky eating habits that can make administering products difficult. The key is finding what your pet responds to the best.

With these challenges in mind, Swedencare offers a variety of ProDen PlaqueOff^® oral health products specially designed to address different pets and their individual needs, including powders, soft chews and more. The active ingredient in ProDen PlaqueOff^® is A.N. ProDen^® — a 100% natural organic kelp, sustainably harvested from the pristine waters off the Scandinavian coastline. It works with the pet’s body and creates an effect that dissolves existing tartar build-up and prevents new deposits from forming.

Here are some options to choose from:

ProDen PlaqueOff^® Powder

Using a powder to help reduce plaque, prevent tartar and treat bad breath is ideal for a seamless addition to your cat or dog’s diet, as you simply sprinkle once, daily. It’s also the most economical choice, particularly for long-term use. This option is especially suitable for introducing to younger pets as a preventative measure, given its longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Trusted by veterinarians for promoting good oral health and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), product trials of ProDen PlaqueOff^® Powder show a significant reduction in plaque and tartar, while also improving bad breath. You’ll see a noticeable improvement in 3-8 weeks, when used as directed.

Powder for Dogs provides correct dosage information based on the weight of your dog. Powder for Cats offers a tasty formula containing brewer’s yeast that’s specially made for cats, which they won’t be able to resist!

Treat them with ProDen PlaqueOff^® Soft Chews

These soft chews are another option to try that has shown significant reduction in plaque and tartar, while also improving bad breath. The product for dogs is the only VOHC-approved soft chew on the market with A.N ProDen^®. These soft additions to their oral health routine may be welcome treats for your cat or your dog.

Dogs love their bones

For dogs who love to chew, Dental Care Bones provide dual functionality — they’re designed to satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instincts while also aiding in dental care. If your dogs prefer a longer-lasting treat to engage with, this may be the perfect option. Whether you use them as a relaxation aid or a reward, Dental Care Bones provide a fun way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh.

Dental Care Bones contain the same unique, clinically proven seaweed ingredient as the rest of the ProDen PlaqueOff^® products, ensuring your dog’s oral health routine will be bolstered with every chew. They come in a variety of flavors and sizes, catering to both large and small breeds, making them a versatile addition to your pup’s dental care regimen.

Pet oral health made simple

It’s never too early — or too late — to start with good dental habits. Finding the best option for your pet will make taking care of their dental health a lot easier. By taking proactive steps now to help keep your furry friend’s teeth in good shape, you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to support their overall health and well-being for years to come.

2025-05-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is all about recreation, relaxation — and diving into stories that transport you into another world. To help you get into beach mode, Disney Books offers exciting titles perfect for taking to the beach or packing for your vacay.

These selections have something for everyone: mystery, romance, adventure and humor. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a story to suit your summer vibe.

Contemporary reboot of a beloved classic

If you grew up loving the story of Mulan, you’ll be swept away reading “Worth Fighting For” by award-winning, bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto. She takes Mulan into the corporate boardroom, with a contemporary romance about family expectations, mistaken identity and high-stakes mergers of business and the heart.

Sutanto draws on her Chinese-Indonesian roots to reimagine Fa Mulan as the right hand of her father’s private equity company who knows what it takes to succeed as a woman in a man’s world: work twice as hard, be twice as smart and burp twice as loud as any other finance bros in the business.

What happens when she needs to close an acquisition deal by masquerading as her own father (whom the other company has never met), including a week of cattle wrangling, axe-throwing — and trying not to fall for Shang, the private equity company CEO she’s negotiating with?

A beachy mystery — plus sea creatures

What if a friend from a magical summer on an island who mysteriously disappeared one day suddenly reappears 30 years later, still a ten-year-old boy? That’s what happens to Jenni Farrow in “Here Beside the Rising Tide” by bestselling author Emily Jane.

That’s just the beginning of the mysterious goings-on faced by Jenni, now grown up, with kids of her own. She has become Jenn Lanaro, famous author of the Philipia Bay action-romance series, and heads to the magical island from her childhood to escape her demanding career and soon-to-be-ex husband.

What happens next defies explanation: Her childhood friend Timmy emerges from the sea, saying he’s on a mission to save the world and needs her help. As Jenn grapples with work deadlines, her spirited children and burgeoning interest in a very sexy contractor, alarming and mysterious events begin unfolding along the coast. When a terror appears in deeper waters, Jenn begins to wonder if Timmy may be on to something …

Rugged life at sea

To further take you into coastal waters, “The North Line” explores the rough and ready work of men working on an Alaskan fishing boat in the unforgiving Bering Sea. Author Matt Riordan draws on his life experience to spin a seafaring tale featuring college student Adam, who’s looking for quick money — only to find dangerous work and a harsh lifestyle that forces a dark-hearted exploration of who he really is.

While challenging, the labor required to seize bounty from the ocean invigorates Adam, and the often crude comradery also brings hard-earned wisdom. But when a strike threatens the entire season and violence stalks the waves, Adam is thrust into a struggle for survival at the edge of a world where evolutionary and social forces collide for outcomes beyond anyone’s control.

Lies, truth and tragedy

If you love a good psychological thriller, “Tell Them You Lied” will keep you guessing until the end. Author Laura Leffler brings readers into the New York City art world, where recent art school grads Anna and Willow are trying to make their way. While art school was boundless creativity and collaboration, the New York art scene is all about survival. Worse: Willow’s true nature as a muse only to herself has become nakedly apparent, as has her cruelty.

This morning, the “mugging” that Anna staged for Willow was supposed to send Willow running back to her true friend, Anna, to give Anna her power back. But this isn’t just any Tuesday morning. It’s September 11, 2001. As the city reels from the day, Willow never returns. Anna keeps quiet about her prank but feels growing panic that she’s to blame for Willow’s disappearance. As the hours and days tick by, Anna begins to question whether she’s the mastermind she thought she was — or the pawn.

Thank you for being a cozy mystery

If you’re a “Golden Girls” fan and love cozy mysteries, you’re in luck! “Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery” offers a delightfully zany combo of the two. Author and cheesecake enthusiast Rachel Ekstrom Courage offers a hilarious and mysterious series of events involving your favorite characters from the hit TV show. When Dorothy’s obnoxious date (from a newfangled VHS dating service) is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake, but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf-themed wedding that Rose is hosting for her cousin.

With every guest at the wedding considered a potential suspect (especially Dorothy), and Rose’s cousin’s marriage on the line, the four besties must identify the real killer, usher the should-be-happy couple down the aisle and make sure nobody from St. Olaf gets lost in the wilds of Miami. It’s up to the Golden Girls to sleuth out a way for friendship and love to win the day!

Make sure to slip a few of these great options into your beach bag or suitcase in time for summer.

2025-05-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – Peanut butter is one of those foods that evokes sensory memories baked in from childhood: classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, that “ants on a log” celery stick creation, plus a wide assortment of candy and treats. If you’ve been a peanut butter fanatic since you were a kid, or even if you’re not — chances are you’ve never tasted anything quite like Hell’s Kitchen Peanut Butter.

While typical mass-produced peanut butter is probably what you grew up with, this is something entirely different. Created only in small batches with care and expertise, Hell’s Kitchen Peanut Butter uses high-quality ingredients and a tried-and-true production method to make peanut butter that food critics have called “The world’s best peanut butter.”

Peanut butter origin story

The late Chef Mitch Omer first made his own peanut butter for his indie downtown Minneapolis restaurant Hell’s Kitchen, which he opened in 2002 long before Gordon Ramsay of the TV show came on the scene. It instantly became a hit.

The peanut butter was put on the map when food journalist Lynne Rossetto Kasper swooned over it on her “Splendid Table” NPR show years ago.

“When hundreds of emails poured in asking how to buy the irresistible peanut butter, we were blown away, since we had no clue about that pivotal broadcast,” said Cynthia Gerdes, co-founder of Hell’s Kitchen. “And the orders have poured in ever since.”

Despite the constant high demand for the crunchy concoction, Hell’s Kitchen still makes the prized peanut butter by hand in small batches, but not by choice. They’ve reached out to many co-packers in the past for help with scaling up production, but the viscosity of the peanut butter does not work well with automation machines; it’s too thick. So the ingredients, production process and quality have remained unchanged, to the delight of its legions of fans.

Just how good is it? Jane and Michael Stern of Roadfood.com said, “This could very well be the best peanut butter on the planet.” Over 23 years and thousands of nationally shipped orders later, not one customer has requested to return a jar of peanut butter — enforcing the delicacy’s high praise.

Although Omer sadly passed away in 2016, Hell’s Kitchen (now owned by its 95 employees) continues to make their legendary crunchy peanut butter by hand in extremely small batches.

Hell’s Kitchen Peanut Butter Recipe

If you’ve always wondered how to make really high-quality peanut butter, this recipe is for you. Chef Mitch Omer wasn’t afraid to share the recipe, often saying, “Why the hell wouldn’t I?”

Ingredients

• 3 cups salted raw Spanish peanuts, skins on
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup sweet cream butter
• 1/3 cup peanut oil

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place peanuts on a rimmed baking sheet and place on center rack of the oven. Roast peanuts for 10 minutes. Open oven door and check for color: Peanuts should be golden brown when done. If peanuts require more time, rotate pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes. (If they look like espresso beans, start over.)
• Remove from oven, cool to room temperature.
• Place peanuts in food processor with a steel chopping blade and process on low until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Don’t over-process, you want a chopped/chunky consistency.
• Dump ground nuts into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle. Add brown sugar and salt. Mix on low about 1 minute.
• Add peanut oil and butter into food processor and blend on low until completely emulsified, about 11 seconds.
• Scrape oil and butter into peanut mixture. Mix on low until smooth and creamy.
• Add honey slowly on low until fully incorporated.

How to enjoy Hell’s Kitchen Peanut Butter

The restaurant celebrates its renowned peanut butter in a variety of ways on its menu, from a simple breakfast offering on toast or an English muffin to being featured in their lunchtime Peanut Butter Bacon Double Smashed Burger and desserts like the Kiss My Lips Peanut Butter Chocolate Mallow Cup.

In other words, you can enjoy both sweet and savory uses for their famous creation — and you may never be able to go back to mass-produced peanut butter again.

The legendary peanut butter is available for purchase in-store, or on the Hell’s Kitchen website.

2025-05-29T09:17:00

(BPT) – When veterans transition to civilian life, they often search for jobs in civilian fields where they can put their unique experiences and skills to work. However, finding meaningful employment after their service is often easier said than done.

According to the latest Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Warrior Survey*, nearly 6 in 10 warriors face underemployment. Furthermore, 67% of warriors reported experiencing financial strain, a rising trend since 2021.

The data highlights an important issue: Many former service members have trouble securing steady jobs and experience financial hardship, which impacts their mental health and overall well-being.

Businesses should consider initiatives to support veteran workforce development, hire veterans, and empower their transitions back to civilian life.

However, bridging the gap between military service and civilian employment begins with understanding the needs and distinct skills of veterans as they navigate an unfamiliar job market.

Turning Service into Strength in the Civilian Workforce

After being out of work for a while, it can be difficult for anyone to find employment and stand out from other applicants. This can be even more challenging for veterans.

Many warriors don’t know how to leverage their military experience. The WWP Warrior Survey found that 37% of unemployed warriors had difficulty translating military skills to the civilian workforce.

Veterans have critical skills that are transferable to civilian roles. They are proven leaders and collaborative workers with strong integrity and ethics, agility, adaptability, and risk analysis. Plus, employment gives them purpose and helps build their confidence and financial stability.

“Veterans served and sacrificed for our country and bring valuable perspectives to the civilian workforce,” said Kevin Rasch, Warriors to Work^® regional director at WWP. “Employers willing to invest in veteran talent aren’t just helping individuals — they’re fueling innovation, reliability, and leadership within their organizations, too. The discipline, strategic thinking, and growth mindset that veterans developed in uniform helps organizations thrive.”

When employers take action to serve those who served their country, they gain a mission-driven professional with exceptional training, leadership, and resilience. Veterans bring proven dedication and problem-solving skills to the team. Hiring a veteran means adding a highly skilled professional into the workforce, who brings a results-driven mindset forged through real-world experience. These skills, paired with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence, make them an asset to any workplace.

How Businesses Can Help

Veterans have already answered the call to serve — now it’s time for employers to do the same. Businesses can play a powerful role in supporting veterans by considering the following:

• Offering fair pay and creating clear pathways for growth ensures that those who served continue to thrive in civilian careers.
• Developing and facilitating productive onboarding processes and practices to help increase retention among veteran employees. The military community is a resilient and resourceful group. Many with injuries come to the workforce with an understanding of what they need for success. Others may need some time to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t. Time, patience, and education will go a long way — and warriors deserve it.
• Reducing stigma around service-related injuries and veteran employment by recognizing that disability does not mean workforce inability. For example, learning about and understanding some of the more frequently recorded combat-related injuries, like PTSD or sensory impairments, and appropriately accommodating for those, can go a long way in decreasing stigma and misconceptions.
• Identifying optimal roles for veterans. Employers can match veterans’ unique qualifications to their organization’s goals. Not only does this promote an inclusive workforce, but it strengthens it, too.

CSX, a leading rail transportation company, is an advocate for veteran employment. The company partners with WWP to create and foster workforce development opportunities for those who served.

This partnership provides opportunities for veterans to enhance their skill development and find new ways to translate their military skills to the civilian workforce, creating more financial stability for veterans and their families. For example, WWP and CSX work together to provide veterans with training to become certified drone pilots. CSX is also a partner in funding AI technologies to help warriors translate their military skills into civilian language.

Warriors in the Workforce

We must never forget the cost of freedom. Veterans served and sacrificed for their country and are ready to continue their service in the civilian workforce. They have unique and proven abilities and a strong sense of purpose. Their contributions enhance teams, cultures, and outcomes across every sector, especially when companies invest in their development.

Let’s not waste their potential. Let’s serve those who served us and ensure no warrior is left behind.

Resources like WWP’s Warriors to Work^® program gives veterans and employers a shoulder to lean on while navigating the transition to the civilian workforce. Warriors learn the skills necessary to find meaningful employment that makes the most of their experience and talents, and employers can learn about the success that hiring and retaining veterans will bring.