Walt Disney Company’s Heroes Work Here Program Celebrates 10-Year Milestone

Heroes Work Here

The Walt Disney Company just celebrated the 10th anniversary of its hiring program which has led to the onboarding of more than 12,500 veterans throughout the Company. The program is called Heroe’s Work Here. Hero’s Work here got its start in 2012 and is responsible for hiring, training, and supporting U.S. military veterans as they transition from military service to a civilian lifestyle.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Heroes Work Here program, which has seen us hire more than 12,500 veterans since it was established in 2012,” said Latondra Newton, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

“The program is designed to recognize and honor their sacrifice and service and offer opportunities for veterans and military spouses as they look to build meaningful careers following their military service. Many of them have helped us continue to build and enhance the program with new ideas and innovative ways we support veterans at Disney.”

Veterans Institute

Heroes Work Here was so successful in 2013 it led to Disney creating the Veterans Institute. The Veterans Institute is designed to help companies enhance their recruiting, training, and development of veteran talent. Bringing together veterans, business experts, government officials, and leaders of veteran nonprofits.

Related- U.S. Military Members Can Take Advantage of Great Rates at Select Disney World Hotels

Veterans Institute provides networking and advice for a successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Seven summits have been held across the country, with the most recent one presented by Disney Institute and the Wounded Warrior Project on August 19–20, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort. That same month, Disney welcomed hundreds of elite athletes from the U.S. military and allied nations at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games.

“We were thrilled to welcome the return of Veterans Institute Summit this past August,” said Cappy Surette, Senior Manager, External Communications, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products; a retired U.S. Navy Captain, and a founder of the Disney SALUTE Veteran Business Employee Resource Group. “

Heroes Supply Here

In 2015 Disney also created Heroes Supply Here which offers support for our veterans and their families. This program is aimed at increasing Disney’s spending with businesses that are owned by veterans, including service-disabled veterans. 

“Disney is a company that enthusiastically reaches out to veterans, letting us know we have a part to play. Being part of the Disney family has made a difference as I’ve transitioned from the military to the next chapter in my journey,” said Ariel Elias, Manager, Supplier Diversity, a retired Marine Corps Warrant Officer, and a former participant in Disney’s military fellowship program.

Early Roots

The Walt Disney Company’s appreciation for the military started from its earliest roots. Walt Disney was a driver in the Red Cross Ambulance Corps, and his brother Roy Disney was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy.

A Newfound Sense of Purpose For Many of Our Veterans

Related- Disney Legacy Award Given to WWII Veteran and Cast Member

Many of our servicemen and women often struggle to find a new path after their military careers have ended. Programs like the ones initiated by the Walt Disney Company are not only a great way to help retired veterans looking for new ways to support their families and serve the community but also serve to recognize them for their accomplishments and showcase and honor them for the heroes they are.

My father, Alexander Stromski was a U.S. Navy Pilot, and WWII Veteran before entering into his role as a Disney Cast member. His most famous role was that of the resident Gepetto and door greeter at Pinocchio Village Haus where he had a huge impact on both guests and fellow cast members.

The respect, honor, and recognition the Walt Disney Company gave to my father will forever be in my heart. He truly loved his job and it gave him so much happiness that he worked there right up until his passing at the age of 94. He was honored with the prestigious Legacy Award weeks before his passing. I am grateful for the support and kindness that the Disney Company has for its military and its families.

I think the programs initiated by The Walt Disney Company are great tools for many military families. I hope our heroes can find happiness and a place they feel they belong after sacrificing so much for our country. I applaud Disney for all their initiatives and to our heroes, I salute you!

What do you think of these great programs designed to assist our military heroes? Do you have a loved one that is serving or has served? Share with us in the comments below.

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