Credit: OFCCP
National Veterans and Military Families Month has been observed in November since 1996 to honor and recognize the challenges and sacrifices that military families face. Military families embody strength, resilience, and courage as they manage separation while supporting our service members.
In his Presidential Proclamation, President Biden stated,
“This month, our Nation honors the strength and sacrifices of the families, caregivers, and survivors of our veterans and our current service members. They may not wear uniforms, but their service is essential to our national security and the character of our Nation. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay. Constant tours, deployments, and rotations are difficult for our military families.”
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) works to ensure federal contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity in the civilian workforce for protected veterans, disabled veterans and spouses of protected veterans. In accordance with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), enforced by OFCCP, it is unlawful for a federal contractor to discriminate in employment against protected veterans, a term that includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans. (For more information on who is covered by these categories, please see this OFCCP infographic). VEVRAA also prohibits federal contractors from discriminating against an individual who they know is the spouse of a protected veteran and individuals who have a family, social, business, or other relationship with a protected veteran. OFCCP’s Military Spouses Frequently Asked Questions offer guidance to help military spouses and families understand their rights under VEVRAA.
OFCCP is committed to helping contractors comply with VEVRAA, and our outreach and compliance assistance tools describe contractor obligations relating to protected veterans and their families. You can learn more about these tools and how OFCCP works to protect veterans and their families on our webpage dedicated to Veterans Compliance Assistance. The Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) supports veterans in the workplace and prepares service members transitioning into the workplace. VETS also offers resources to support military families.
We are grateful for military families and the important role they play in supporting our nation.
Thank you!