Veterans make up a significant part of the U.S. population. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 17.6 million men and women were veterans, about seven percent of the civilian population aged 18 and over.
While many veterans successfully transition to civilian life, the physical and mental toll of service often persists for decades. Recent studies of Vietnam veterans, published in 2024 and 2025, confirm that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from military experience continue to impact health even after 50 years. Research shows links between service and higher rates of heart disease, chronic illness and ongoing psychological challenges.
Supporting veterans requires ongoing mental health care, career development and community resources. For example, NASCAR has partnered with Sound Off, a nonprofit providing mental health services; the Home Depot Foundation improves veteran homes and facilities; and Visa supports ACP Ventures, a mentorship and entrepreneurial program dedicated to assisting veterans and active-duty spouses in starting or building their small businesses.
HR and payroll software provider Paycom invests in programs that help veterans thrive long after service. In honor of Veterans Day, the company participated in the national fitness challenge Burpees for Vets in early November, with employees across the U.S. completing burpees to raise funds. It was the largest single donor to the campaign, contributing $150,000 to The Mark Divine Courage Foundation, surpassing last year’s total of $137,814. The foundation provides holistic training through self-administered tools to veterans and active-duty service members.
“We are deeply grateful for Paycom’s continued partnership and the dedication of its employees,” said Sid Ellington, strategic advisor to The Mark Divine Courage Foundation board of directors. “I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing [their] employees pour their heart into this challenge to help ensure veterans receive resources to thrive in life after service.”
The donations provide long-term support, including mental health services, career transition coaching and community-building opportunities.
“Veterans have given so much to our country, and we’re honored to support this campaign once again,” said Tiffany McGowen, senior executive vice president of HR and talent acquisition at Paycom. “Thanks to the dedication of our employees and Paycom’s company donation, we’ve raised more than ever before for this vital cause.”
The business maintains a year-round commitment to veterans. Its Military Veterans in Paycom employee resource group, ongoing veteran hiring, support for organizations such as the USO and The Mark Divine Courage Foundation and participation in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program are all part of that effort. This program gives service members who have 180 days or fewer of service left paid work experience and real-world training in high-demand fields.
“Seeing the Paycom family unite to make a difference in the lives of our nation’s veterans, including my own son, is truly a humbling experience,” said Scott Bouma, senior data scientist at Paycom.
