Norfolk Southern and Hire Heroes celebrate one year of partnership

Over 6,300 veterans and family members have secured employment

The transition from military service to civilian workforce can be daunting. In 2024, Norfolk Southern provided Hire Heroes USA with a $150,000 grant for transformative career support to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. One year later, our partnership has secured thousands of jobs for veterans and family members.

To further our partnership, we donated an additional $50,000 in 2025 through our Thriving Communities grant program. This funding supports Hire Heroes’ Partnered Career Transition program for Southeast Military & Veteran Communities.

Why it matters:

• Honoring service beyond the uniform: Veterans and military families deserve more than gratitude. They deserve clear pathways to meaningful civilian careers.
• Strengthening the workforce: When mission-driven talent transitions into civilian roles, employers gain leaders who know how to operate under pressure and deliver results.
• Building stronger communities: Stable employment for military-connected families supports local economies, strengthens families, and creates ripple effects across our 22-state network.

One year into the partnership, Norfolk Southern’s support has helped Hire Heroes USA scale personalized, high-touch career services for military-connected job seekers across the country.

By the numbers:

• 10,243 veterans, service members, and military spouses served with job placement and wrap-around services
• 6,219 candidates secured employment
• $72,938: Average starting salary for those placed in new roles

How the partnership works:

Hire Heroes USA provides one-on-one coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and direct connections to employers. Norfolk Southern’s $150,000 investment helped expand that support while strengthening complementary programs including mental health, social services, and additional resources when needs extend beyond employment support.

• One veteran’s story:
  
  Elias S., a former Air Force officer, worked with a Hire Heroes USA transition specialist to adapt his military experience into a competitive civilian resume and digital profile. With guidance from a volunteer mentor, he navigated a rigorous interview process and ultimately landed a project manager role at large tech company. His story reflects the kind of transformation this partnership is designed to deliver.

What they’re saying:

“None of this would have happened without Hire Heroes USA. They helped me present the best version of myself, and that made all the difference.” – Elias S., Air Force veteran and Hire Heroes USA client

“Supporting veterans isn’t a one-time effort. It requires systems, partnerships, and long-term investment. Hire Heroes USA brings that approach, and we’re proud to support the important work they do helping service members and their family transition to civilian life.”– Kristin Wong, Director NS Foundation and Community Impact

What’s next:

As Hire Heroes USA enters its 20th year of service, the organization is investing in new technology and skills-based hiring strategies to meet growing demand. Norfolk Southern’s continued partnership remains a cornerstone of that work, helping ensure veterans and military spouses can build meaningful careers that power families, businesses, and communities forward.

Learn more:

Explore employment opportunities for veterans and their families at NS here.