The Veterans Employment Bill sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (My Turn, May 14 edition of the Redmond Reporter) is an essential piece of legislation to set in motion programs which will only become more critical as veterans return from Southwest Asia and seek civilian employment.

Fortunately, a number of regional employers are stepping up to this challenge through Hire America’s Heroes, a Redmond-based nonprofit committed to easing the transition of active duty, Guard and reserve service members to jobs in corporate America.

Through the leadership of Hire America’s Heroes President Marjorie James, Program Manager, Volt Military Programs, and, among others, founding sponsor Microsoft (See “Microsoft initiative to support veterans” in the May 7 edition of the Redmond Reporter), the business case for hiring former military is becoming more widely understood in board rooms and human resources departments.

We should honor the sacrifices made by veterans and their families on our behalf. Giving them the chance to apply their talents in the workplace is perhaps the most tangible and most appreciated way to say “thank you” for your service to our nation.

For more information, please visit www.hireamericasheroes.org

Tom Hinman, Redmond