Georgia Nonprofit Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Life

Hire Heroes USA provides career coaching and job search assistance to former servicemembers.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15am

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Entering the civilian workforce can be challenging for veterans, but one nonprofit in Atlanta, Georgia is working to help. Hire Heroes USA, a national organization, provides resume writing assistance, one-on-one coaching, and mock interviews to help former servicemembers like Tradd Stevens translate their military skills into marketable job skills. Since partnering with Norfolk Southern two years ago, Hire Heroes USA has assisted over 6,200 veterans and their spouses in finding civilian employment.

Why it matters

The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, with veterans often struggling to find jobs that match their skills and experience. Programs like Hire Heroes USA play a crucial role in helping veterans acclimate to the civilian workforce and set them up for long-term success.

The details

Tradd Stevens, a former Navy chief petty officer, reached out to Hire Heroes USA for help after moving his family to Atlanta. Through the program, he received guidance on writing his resume, practicing for interviews, and learning how to effectively communicate his prior military accomplishments to potential employers. Stevens is now working as a project estimator for Taylor Controls, though he admits the adjustment to civilian life has been challenging at times.

  • Stevens was a chief petty officer in the Navy for almost 22 years.
  • Hire Heroes USA partnered with Norfolk Southern in 2024.
  • Since the partnership, Hire Heroes USA has assisted over 6,200 veterans and their spouses.

The players

Hire Heroes USA

A national nonprofit organization that provides career coaching and job search assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their spouses to help them transition to the civilian workforce.

Tradd Stevens

A former Navy chief petty officer who worked with Hire Heroes USA to translate his military skills into a civilian job.

Kristin Wong

The director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation, which teamed up with Hire Heroes USA in 2024 to provide additional resources and support to veterans.

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What they’re saying

“Support writing their resumes, one-on-one coaching, and even mock interviews.”

— Kristin Wong, Director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation (wrdw.com)

“The ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure, environment and make quick decisions and how to lead a team.”

— Kristin Wong, Director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation (wrdw.com)

“Being able to say there's a plan especially for someone in the military very used to plans vs you're just going to go do it.”

— Tradd Stevens, Former Navy Chief Petty Officer (wrdw.com)

What’s next

Stevens recommended that veterans start the Hire Heroes USA program six months to a year before leaving the military to get the most out of the career transition assistance.

The takeaway

Programs like Hire Heroes USA play a vital role in helping veterans successfully transition from military to civilian life by providing the resources, coaching, and support they need to translate their unique skills and experiences into meaningful civilian careers.