On Armed Forces Day, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Operation Homefront kicked off its nationwide series Saluting Heroes Together with a community-wide military appreciation day. The event will be the first in a series of tributes the organizations are hosting across the country to honor the brave men and women who have or are currently serving and their families.

Earlier this year, Walmart announced that beginning Memorial Day, May 27 the company will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty through its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, and plans to hire more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years.

“People who join the military have a passion to serve others, are eager to learn and are looking for training and experience,” said Pablo Ceniceros, Walmart store co-manager and Army veteran. “After I left the Army I was looking for an opportunity to apply the same skills in my community, and that is why I joined Walmart.”

“Since our organization was founded in 2002, we have been committed to helping and supporting our service men and women and their families,” says Jack Chirrick, executive director, Operation Homefront – California. “We are proud to partner with Walmart and Sam’s Club and are honored to take part in the Saluting Heroes Together events that will help strengthen community support for those who have served and sacrificed to provide opportunity for us.”

The Company’s focus on supporting veterans extends beyond its hiring initiative. The Walmart Foundation has committed $20 million through 2015 to helping veterans and their families transition from the military into the civilian workforce through programs that provide job training, transition support and education. In late 2012, the foundation awarded a $750,00 grant to Swords to Plowshares in California. The grant increased job training programs and is expected to support 700 veterans in underserved areas of the state.

To learn more visit www.walmartcareerswithamission.com.