How Employers Build a Stronger Workforce by Hiring Veterans

How can employers go beyond thanking a veteran for their service?

Retired Air Force LtCol Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz has devoted her post-military career to equipping civilans to become Veteran Champions. With hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Kathy shares personal insights from her upbringing as a Navy ‘brat,’ her nearly 30-year career in the Air Force as a Public Affairs Officer and Nurse, and experiences educating and engaging civilians in support of troops and their families in response to 9/11.

Noticing how different her experiences and mindset were from most Americans, and observing the pride civilians feel when serve Veterans meaningfully, Kathy discusses why she is compelled to narrow the military civilian divide and equip people who have never served in the military to become Veteran Champions. She shares best practices for employers and actionable advice for individual employees and company recruiters to move from veteran friendly to veteran ready.

An award-winning businesswoman, Kathy coaches employers how to improve their bottom line by excelling at hiring and retaining Veteran talent, and as a thought leader pioneer, she equips volunteers to build Military Ministries to cultivate a sense of belonging and promote spiritual resiliency for military-connected people. Master’s degrees in Nursing and Political Science frame her practice and perspectives. She is also a John Maxwell trained speaker, trainer, and coach. She is the author of “Beyond ‘Thank You For your Service,’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians.”

While not serving in uniform, Gallowitz established and managed Buckeye Sports and Orthopedic Specialists and was the President of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. She has first-hand experience hiring Veterans.

As the owner of Vanguard Veteran, she equips civilians to become Veteran Champions as the “Veteran-hiring Concierge” and “Military Ministry Builder.”

Kathy serves on the Veteran-hiring Advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Mangement, member of the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chair, Arizona Governor’s Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission. Her husband, Ed is a retired career active-duty soldier with four combat tours. Together they have six sons, one daughter and three grandchildren.

Vanguard Veteran Overview:
https://vanguardveteran.start.page

Complimentary "Veteran-Ready" Employer Assessment:
https://vanguardveteran.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/may-2021_-vr-employer-assessment.pdf

Vanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and Training:
https://vanguardveteran.com/veteran-champion-consulting-training/

Invite Vanguard Veteran to Speak:
https://vanguardveteran.com/invite-me-to-speak/

O*Net Online Mlitary Crosswalk Search:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

“Beyond ‘Thank you For Your Service:’ the Veteran Champion handbook for civilians:” https://bit.ly/BeyondThankYouForYourService

Society of Human Resource Management Veterans free at Work Certificate:
https://www.shrm.org/foundation/ourwork/initiatives/engaging-and-integrating-military-veterans/PublishingImages/Pages/Inclusion-Captains-Veterans/Veterans%20at%20Work%20flyer.pdf

Women Who Lead: A monthly free virtual Leadership Discussion Forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans that I facilitate to empower women leaders and foster mutual support. We hope you will join us! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/137542143253

 

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. 

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. 

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. 

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

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Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.