SIOP Military Veterans Inclusion Subcommittee Recognized at the Pentagon

SIOP and its Military Veterans Inclusion (MVI) Subcommittee, reorganized under the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, were recognized by the Department of War (DoW) during a visit to the Pentagon on August 3, highlighting the MVI’s long-standing support of the military community.

Originally launched in 2011 as the SIOP Veterans Initiative, expanded in 2018 to become a standing SIOP committee, and reorganized as a standing subcommittee this year, the MVI Subcommittee continues its commitment to build partnerships that help service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and their families succeed in civilian careers. The subcommittee promotes the value of hiring veterans, shares research and best practices with employers, and supports career development, leadership, and professional growth across the military community.

In recognition of these contributions, the DoW designated Nathan D. Ainspan, PhD, of the Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO), as its official liaison to the SIOP MVI Subcommittee. In this role, he helps connect DoW with SIOP’s expertise while ensuring SIOP remains informed about DoW priorities and initiatives.

SIOP President Richard Landers, PhD, joined MVI leaders at the Pentagon, where he signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support. By signing, SIOP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, complying with USERRA, equipping managers to support military employees, encouraging veteran hiring, and recognizing the contributions of service members and their families.

The visit also included briefings on military career and occupational research conducted by I-O psychologists within the DoW, as well as discussions of programs such as SkillBridge, the Transition Assistance Program, and ESGR. The day concluded with a tour of the Pentagon.

Joining Landers were MVI Subcommittee Lead Margaret Breakiron; A.J. Thurston, PhD; Peter Reiley, PhD; SIOP’s Government Relations Advocacy Team (GREAT) Chair Kristin Saboe, PhD; and DoW Liaison Nathan D. Ainspan, PhD.