Veterans Day is a day of profound significance in the United States, observed annually on November 11th to honor the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. Interestingly, it was originally called “Armistice Day” in recognition of the cease-fire between Germany and the Allied nations on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November 11th, 1918) even though World War I did not formally end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28th, 1919. President Wilson formalized it as a holiday that same year to celebrate the end of the war, and Congress formalized it 7 years later. However, by 1954 the U.S. had debunked WWI being the “war to end all wars” after experiencing another World War and the Korean War. As a result, Congress changed the name to “Veteran’s Day” to recognize the service of younger generations of veterans, but it’s still celebrated annually on 11/11.
CaseWorthy also recognizes the tremendous sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms and ensure the safety of our nation. Veterans Day provides us with a unique opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have served in the military and to reflect on the ways in which their contributions have shaped our country. We believe that the principles of respect, service, and dedication align closely with the values that guide our work in human services. As a company, we are committed to recognizing and honoring the contributions of veterans, not only through our everyday work but also by ensuring that we celebrate Veterans Day in a way that reflects our appreciation for their service.
In this blog, we will explore how Veterans Day is celebrated at CaseWorthy, the ways we show support and appreciation for veterans, and how the spirit of Veterans Day influences our work with human services organizations.
Veterans Day at CaseWorthy: A Day of Recognition and Rest
CaseWorthy has a proud tradition of supporting veterans both within our workforce and in the communities we serve. One of the key methods we use is offering veterans the day off on Veterans Day. This policy is designed to give veterans the opportunity to reflect on their service, spend time with their families, or participate in local Veterans Day events and commemorations.
We understand that Veterans Day holds a deeply personal meaning for many veterans, and it’s important for us to create space for them to honor the day in a way that feels most meaningful to them. Whether it’s attending a ceremony, visiting a memorial, or simply taking time to relax and reflect, we want our veteran employees to have the freedom to choose how they spend this important day.
By giving veterans the day off, we hope to acknowledge not only their service but also the ongoing commitment they make to our company and our community. It’s one small way we can show our gratitude for the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our country.
Supporting Veterans Throughout the Year
While Veterans Day is a special occasion to focus on the contributions of veterans, CaseWorthy’s commitment to supporting veterans extends far beyond a single day. We believe in providing year-round support to our veteran employees, as well as to the veterans we serve through our work with human services organizations.
At CaseWorthy, we have several initiatives in place to ensure that veterans are supported in their roles, both professionally and personally:
Flexible Work Schedules for Veterans
We recognize that veterans may have unique needs when it comes to balancing work and personal commitments, especially if they are managing health concerns related to their military service. CaseWorthy offers flexible work schedules to accommodate these needs, ensuring that veterans can attend medical appointments, counseling sessions, or other essential activities without feeling pressured to choose between their health and their job.
Professional Development Opportunities
We believe that veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the workplace, and we are committed to helping them grow and advance in their careers. CaseWorthy offers professional development programs specifically designed for veterans, including mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and career coaching. These programs are aimed at helping veterans transition successfully into civilian careers and reach their full potential in the workplace.
Mental Health Support
Veterans often face unique mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. At CaseWorthy, we prioritize the mental health of all employees, with a special focus on providing veterans with access to the resources and support they need. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential counseling services, assistance with emotional well-being and work/life transitions, and we also regularly host workshops and training sessions on mental health awareness and resilience.
Support for Veteran-Based Organizations
At its core, Veterans Day is about recognizing service and sacrifice, values that are closely aligned with CaseWorthy’s mission in the human services sector. CaseWorthy offers comprehensive support to organizations serving veterans by streamlining management of programs that are crucial for their well-being, particularly in housing, employment, and reporting for federal funders. Many of the human services organizations we partner with focus on providing support to veterans, whether it’s through housing assistance, mental health services, or job training programs. At CaseWorthy, we are proud to play a role in helping these organizations deliver critical services to veterans, ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve.
With CaseWorthy’s platform, organizations can easily manage housing services, ensuring veterans are connected with appropriate housing solutions while tracking their progress. The platform also assists in managing employment services, supporting organizations in tracking veterans’ work history, skills, job placements, training, and retention. Additionally, CaseWorthy enables organizations to comply with reporting requirements for federal funders of veterans’ services by simplifying the documentation process. The referral system within CaseWorthy also allows veterans to be seamlessly referred to various other services, ensuring they receive the holistic support they need. This combination of tools ensures that veterans are given the structure and guidance to improve their quality of life, especially in areas critical to their re-integration into civilian life.
Why Veterans Day Matters to Us
Veterans Day is more than just a federal holiday at CaseWorthy—it’s a day that reflects our company’s values and commitment to service. We are deeply grateful to the veterans within our workforce and in the communities we serve. We believe it is our responsibility to honor their contributions, not just on Veterans Day, but every day. Veterans bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to CaseWorthy, and we are proud to count them among our ranks.
As Veterans Day approaches, we encourage everyone at CaseWorthy or otherwise to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and to consider how we can continue to support them in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through a simple thank-you, a donation to a veteran-focused charity, or volunteering with a local veteran’s organization, there are many ways to honor the service of veterans and to show our gratitude for all they have done.
Conclusion
Veterans Day at CaseWorthy is a time for reflection, gratitude, and action. By giving veterans the day off, we offer them the opportunity to commemorate the day in their own way, while also recognizing their ongoing contributions to our company and community. Our Veterans Day activities and general supporting services for veterans serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served, and of the vital role veterans play both at CaseWorthy and in the broader society.
As we continue our work in the human services sector, we remain committed to supporting veterans, both within our workforce and in the communities we serve. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of service, and we are proud to honor the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. At CaseWorthy, we salute our veterans, today and every day.
About the Author
Shayne is the CISO at CaseWorthy and a community leader serving as a mentor, trainer, and advocate. He serves on the Chattanooga ISSA board of directors (2017, 2019, & 2021 Chapter of the Year), has been published internationally, served as an examiner for Tennessee’s state National Baldrige Awards, and a mentor for SANS. With over 20 years in cybersecurity, Shayne has built, lead, and/or managed a variety of IT organizations including the Systems Security Officer (SSO) for BlueCross BlueShield of TN’s government business, Sr Prog Mgr. of Power Operations Cyber Security at the Tennessee Valley Authority, Dir of Infosec & Architecture at Erlanger Health System, and CISO at Conversant Group. He has earned professional certifications including GSEC, CISSP, & CISA and an MBA from Bryan College.