When the call of duty is over and the uniform is retired, a new challenge often emerges for veterans: transitioning from military service to civilian life. As many former servicemen and women know, this journey can be fraught with obstacles and uncertainties. Recognizing these difficulties, Hilton has stepped forward with a remarkable benefit designed to ease this transition, as part of its “Operation: Opportunity” program.
Hilton Honors™ Military Program
In partnership with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), Hilton has launched a program offering a substantial helping hand for veterans and military members transitioning to civilian careers. This initiative provides up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points to eligible Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, Military Spouses, and other eligible individuals to support job-related activities. This can range from covering hotel stays for job interviews to relocation expenses.
The Hilton Honors™ Military Program is currently available in 31 states, but it’s crucial for servicemembers to check with the state POC to see if there are any additional unadvertised stipulations before planning to use this benefit. For instance, the state of Kansas requires the travel destination to be more than 125 miles from the servicemember’s current location/duty station. So, if a servicemember is transitioning out of Fort Riley and moving to Kansas City, the benefit works, but it doesn’t for someone transitioning out of Fort Leavenworth attempting the same move.
How the Program Supports Veterans
The impact of this program is already visible, with several veterans successfully making use of the benefits provided. For example, four new hires referred by General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works in Maine have benefited from this program. None were living in Maine at the time, but the program’s assistance with hotel stays during their initial housing search or interview significantly eased their transition.
Another instance is a retired Marine veteran’s spouse who, after accepting a professorial position at a local university, was able to use Hilton Honors Rewards points for a hotel stay while house hunting in a new area. Similarly, an Air Force Service Member relocating from Texas to California found significant relief through the program while house-hunting and relocating after being hired by the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Finally, a Navy pilot saved hundreds of dollars on his hotel stay during his advanced FAA ATP/CTP course for certification to transition to a civilian pilot, thanks to the Hilton Honors Points he received.
Applying for the Program
Interested applicants who live in, or plan to move to one of the participating states should contact the closest American Job Center and ask to speak to someone who works with Veterans.
This program has already changed lives, aiding veterans in their transition towards civilian careers. Hilton’s contribution is not just an act of corporate responsibility, but a testament to their commitment to those who’ve served. The Hilton Honors™ Military Program is more than just a rewards program – it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of service and a helping hand for our heroes in their next big journey.
Key Points:
– Hilton, in partnership with NASWA, offers the Hilton Honors™ Military Program as part of its “Operation: Opportunity” initiative, to help veterans and military members transition to civilian life.
– The program provides up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points to eligible individuals to support job-related activities.
– This program is currently operational in 31 states across the U.S., and servicemembers must check for any additional stipulations with the state POC before planning to use this benefit.
– Numerous veterans and military members have already benefited from this program in their transition to civilian careers.
– Those interested can apply by contacting their nearest American Job Center and speaking to someone who works with Veterans.
