Return To Home Port

Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring the memory of those in the US military who lost their lives in the service, whether fallen in battle or died in the line of duty.

Memorial Day originated long ago in the division and strife of the US Civil War; we can and should make Memorial Day weekend what those who fell would want it to be -- a time to be united in this country, not divided.

In that unity, let’s remember those who died AND realize they did so for a purpose, a purpose greater than themselves – service to their friends in uniform, families, communities, country and Faith.

As we remember the fallen on Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on how their loss can help us understand why we are here – to serve God through service to others beyond our own interests – and how their example of courage can serve as a guide for us to have Faith in these challenging times.

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, this day is designed to recognize the important contributions and challenges of military spouses and is the Friday before Mother’s Day since 90% of military spouses are women.

For employers, it is worth considering the incredible pool of talent and value these 600,000+ spouses can bring to your organization. Department of Labor 2024 statistics show that military spouses have higher education levels than the general population, from the 18% who hold graduate degrees to the 6% who have earned technical/vocational degrees, yet many of these same spouses report they are unemployed or underemployed. Oftentimes, this is due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.

What can employers do to address this? The Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) has partnered with Blue Star Families and The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation on the 4+1 Commitment:

1 - Facilitate Job Transferability

2 - Offer Remote or Telework

3 - Offer Flexible Work Hours

4 - Provide Paid or Permissive PCS Leave

+1 Consider Joining Existing Government Spouse Employment Programs. These programs not only offer access to an incredible talent pool, all of them are FREE and at least one offsets costs!

For more information on the 4+1 Commitment, go here: www.bluestarfam.org/4plus1/

For more information on MSEP and existing programs, go here: www.msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/

If you’d like to know how to partner to identify, recruit, hire, and retain military spouses, ask us: www.return2homeport.com

Colleagues and Partners –

From Return To Home Port™ in Chicago and Arlington, Virigina: Merry Christmas!

Y para nuestros socios en América Latina: ¡Feliz Navidad!

We hope this Christmas season brings you and your families peace, joy, and safe harbors on your journeys.

Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024! 🎄

- Dave Sauve

Founder & Owner

Return To Home Port™