At USAA, service to the military community isn’t just part of our history — it’s our daily mission. As the Regional Site Director of USAA’s Phoenix Campus, I have the privilege of serving alongside people who wake up every day committed to supporting those who’ve worn the uniform.
That mission comes to life right here in Phoenix.
Our campus is home to over 4,000 employees, and I’m proud to say that 23% are military-affiliated — veterans and military spouses who bring discipline, grit, and a deep sense of purpose to our work. They aren’t just employed — they’re empowered. We’ve built leadership pipelines, career mobility programs, and support networks that ensure military talent isn’t just welcomed but developed. I believe our workforce can — and should — reflect the values of the community we serve.
Across the Greater Phoenix region, I’ve been honored to partner with organizations committed to expanding opportunity through local investments, targeted grantmaking, and veteran-specific programming. One of our most critical priorities right now is supporting military spouses, whose careers often suffer due to frequent relocations and family responsibilities. We’re helping fund local training initiatives, employer education programs, and flexible job pipelines that allow military spouses to connect with sustainable, long-term careers — not just gigs.
This isn’t just good business. It’s the right thing to do. And the results are already visible: more military-connected families staying in the region, thriving economically, and contributing meaningfully to Arizona’s future.
Our commitment to veterans also goes beyond employment. Face the Fight, a USAA-led coalition, is tackling one of the most urgent issues facing our community: veteran suicide. Through strategic investments, community partnerships, and national awareness campaigns, we aim to reduce the veteran suicide rate by empowering organizations on the frontlines of prevention. Locally, our Phoenix team is working with nonprofits to support mental health programs and raise awareness around this crisis. Because if we say we care about veterans, we must act like it — in life and death.
To me, this work is personal. I’ve served. I’ve seen the cost of war, the toll of transition, and the silent struggles many carry. And I’ve seen what’s possible when a veteran or their spouse is given the right opportunity, at the right time, with the right support.
Here’s a call to action:
If you’re a business owner, a hiring manager, or a community leader — ask yourself:
Are you doing enough to hire, retain, and advance veterans and military spouses in your organization?
Military talent is not a charity case. It’s a strategic advantage. These are individuals trained to lead under pressure, solve problems in chaos, and commit to something bigger than themselves. They don’t need your sympathy. They need your partnership.
Let’s build a regional economy where veterans and their families don’t just survive — they thrive.
This Military Appreciation Month, let’s go beyond thank-yous. Let’s take action. Because the best way to honor veterans — is to hire them.