Employment took center stage at the October VetResources Community Network (VRCN) Monthly Connect, where VA leaders and community partners shared resources to help transitioning service members, Veterans and their families navigate education, training and career opportunities.
Lynda C. Davis, VA’s chief Veterans experience officer, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of employment and job readiness for Veterans transitioning to civilian life. She highlighted education benefits, hands-on training and employment programs that support Veterans and military spouses.
Davis also pointed to VA’s weekly jobs VA News post as one of the most popular links in the VetResources newsletter, showing Veterans’ interest in practical employment resources.
VA programs help Veterans prepare for meaningful careers
During the VA Spotlight, Margarita Devlin, principal deputy under secretary for benefits performing the delegable duties of the under secretary for benefits, highlighted programs that help Veterans pursue education, training and employment.
“VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program and G.I. Bill programs equip Veterans with the skills and training they need to compete in today’s workforce and build meaningful, long-term careers—not just find jobs,” Devlin said.
She encouraged VRCN partners to raise awareness of resources such as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), G.I. Bill benefits, apprenticeships, VET TEC 2.0, career counseling and federal job opportunities through USAJOBS.
Devlin also noted that VA continues to hire Veterans nationwide. She encouraged job seekers to explore open positions and create job alerts to learn about new opportunities.
Throughout her presentation, Devlin talked about how partnerships help Veterans access their earned benefits and connect with services that support the transition to civilian careers.
Student Veterans of America expands pathways to opportunity
Student Veterans of America (SVA) described how the organization is expanding its services to better meet the needs of today’s student Veterans.
Research shared during the session highlighted the responsibilities many student Veterans balance, including school, work and family. To help them navigate those demands and prepare for careers, SVA is developing tools that connect members with internships, mentors, career exploration resources and employers.
“Everything we build moves a member toward opportunity,” an SVA presenter told the crowd.
SVA’s MySVA platform brings together career resources, military skills translation tools, mentorship, professional development and employer connections. The organization is also expanding support beyond traditional college pathways to include apprenticeships, certifications, trade schools and other workforce training.
NatCon heads to Texas in 2027
SVA’s 19th annual national conference, NatCon, is scheduled for Jan. 4-6, 2027, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
The conference will bring together thousands of student Veterans, employers, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. Attendees can network, connect with employers and participate in professional development sessions. An on-site VA claims clinic will also offer opportunities to meet with VA representatives.
Community conversations strengthen connections
The session closed with a community conversation about the value of bringing Veteran-serving organizations together.
Brian Evichin, founder and owner of Veterans Legacy Vault and a new VRCN member, welcomed the opportunity to connect with the network.
“This is my first Teams meeting here and I have to say very informative. I appreciate the invite.”
Join the VRCN community
The October session demonstrated how partnerships help connect Veterans and their families with education, career opportunities and support services.
VRCN brings together organizations serving Veterans, service members, caregivers, survivors and military families. Partners share resources, exchange expertise and effective practices to help those communities access the support they need. Organizations interested in expanding their reach and building partnerships are encouraged to join the VRCN community.
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