Electric cooperatives have long had a special affinity for military veterans.
Perhaps it’s because they’re both so closely aligned in outlook, focusing on service, mission and country. Maybe it’s because so many veterans come from rural communities and return to their hometowns following active duty. Or maybe it’s due to the shared work ethic of teamwork, cooperation and a get-it-done attitude.
Most likely, it’s all of the above.
In addition to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity, we care for the military community in a variety of ways. As part of our national network of electric cooperatives, spanning 47 states and covering 75% of the nation’s landmass, there are countless programs benefiting veterans that our family of co-ops has initiated.
Network of Care
At Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, we’re among the more than 900 electric co-ops across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations. We’re grateful to have vets within our ranks, and we’re proud to serve veterans and their families within our community.
At the national level, we support the Vets Power Us program, an initiative aimed at employing and honoring vets, military service members and their spouses. This program is a nationwide coalition with the shared goal of hiring veterans into co-op jobs across rural and suburban America and setting them up for success in their communities.
As part of co-ops’ veteran outreach effort, America’s electric cooperatives are working closely with federal partners, including the departments of Energy, Labor and Defense; the Veterans Administration; labor unions; and other trade associations on an industrywide hiring program called the Utility Workforce Initiative.
Together, these groups have helped establish a national employee resource group—Veterans in Energy—to provide transition, retention and professional development support to veterans working in the energy industry.
Many Programs, One Purpose
At the local level, electric cooperatives across America have created their own programs tailored to the needs of their communities. Some co-ops have printed thank-you cards that members sign and are later deliver to troops on active duty at nearby military bases.
Co-ops often forge strong partnerships with the military bases in their service territories. In several states, co-op leaders and staff serve on military-civilian boards and committees that support activities initiated by their respective bases.
Many electric co-ops sponsor Honor Flights, enabling veterans from the Korean conflict and World War II to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no charge.
Some co-ops partner with their local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts on programs that support the community’s food pantry. Many veterans survive on limited incomes, and a food pantry can help meet basic needs.
The activities might differ, but a commitment to supporting and caring for veterans is apparent at every electric co-op across this great nation. We at MVEC are proud to be a part of the cooperative network that honors and supports vets of all ages, ranks, and branches.
